SPECIAL TOPIC: THE REMNANT (BDB 984, KB 1375), THREE SENSES
The OT concept of "a faithful remnant" is a recurrent theme of the Prophets (mostly in the eighth century prophets and Jeremiah). It is used in three senses:
The parable of the soils in Mark 4:1-20 and Matt. 13:1-23, which quote Isa. 6:9-10, is a good example of how the NT understands this term (also note Rom. 9:6 in reference to Israel of Paul's day).
The "remnant" of the NT is made up of Jews who trusted Christ (cf. Rom. 9:27-29) and Gentiles who trusted Christ (cf. Rom. 9:24-26). Both groups are spoken of in Rom. 9:30-35; 11:11-24,25-32. Believing Israel is not just racial (i.e., Rom. 9:6; 2:18-19), but a believing group of faithful followers of God's new, complete revelation in Jesus. Saying this seems to be denying OT texts (i.e., Jer. 31:7-9; Micah 5:7-8) about national Israel being the remnant. Please look at my SPECIAL TOPIC: WHY DO OT COVENANT PROMISES SEEM SO DIFFERENT FROM NT COVENANT PROMISES? The gospel changes everything!
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