Describe the character qualities possessed by God's remnant. Zeph. 3:13; Rev. 14:1-5.
It is not just the beliefs of the remnant that constitute their identity and strength, but the quality of their religious experience. Integrity and pure conduct, the fruit of intimate fellowship with Christ, distinguish the remnant from the mass of self-deluded "Christians" whose religious experience is a tissue of evasions and lies. The remnant experience a joyful religion, expressed in unselfish labor for the salvation of others.
List other qualities that the remnant possess. Matt. 24:12, 13; Titus 2:11-14.
Persecution will plague God's last-day remnant (Rev. 12:17). But they will exhibit a perseverance sustained by their attachment to Christ and dependence on His blood and Word (Rev. 12:11). They will be fortified with the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:10-18).
The Bible is full of examples of those who persevered. "Even the fear of death could not make the fainting David drink of the water of Bethlehem, to obtain which, valiant men had risked their lives. The gaping lions' den could not keep Daniel from his daily prayers, nor could the fiery furnace induce Shadrach and his companions to fall down before the idol which Nebuchadnezzar set up. . . . Mark the character of Joseph. Virtue was severely tested, but its triumph was complete." - Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 43. We also think of Hannah, Abraham, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of Jesus, and John the Revelator on Patmos.
The remnant's experience will parallel that of the apostle Paul, described in 2 Corinthians 6:3-10. And, as they fight the battles of the Lord, not as aggressors, but as able defenders of the faith and liberators of Satan's unwilling captives, they will keep steadily in view "the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13, NIV).
Think about the following statement in relation to Revelation 14:1-12. "Every addition to the church should be one more agency for the carrying out of the great plan of redemption. The entire church, acting as one, blending in perfect union, is to be a living, active missionary agency, moved and controlled by the Holy Spirit." - Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 47.