Who Comprises the Remnant in the New Testament?

A discussion over Israel during dinner tonight brought up an interesting question: are Jews part of the remnant? According to Grok’s Biblical citations, the remnant in the New Testament comprises those who faithfully follow Jesus Christ, including Jewish believers who recognize Him as the Messiah and Gentiles who are grafted into God’s covenant people through faith.

What do you think? Provide verses supporting your reasoning. Comments which have no foundation will be deleted.

From Grok:

In the New Testament, the concept of the “remnant” refers to a faithful subset of people who remain true to God’s covenant and purposes, despite widespread unfaithfulness or apostasy. The idea is rooted in Old Testament usage (e.g., Isaiah 10:20–22, Micah 2:12) but is adapted and applied in the New Testament to describe those who accept and follow Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God’s promises. Below is a concise overview of who comprises the remnant in the New Testament, based on its theological and textual context:

Jews and Gentiles United in Faith:

• The remnant expands beyond ethnic Israel to include Gentiles who accept the gospel. In Romans 9:24–27, Paul quotes Isaiah to describe how only a remnant of Israel will be saved, but he also extends God’s salvation to Gentiles, suggesting the remnant includes all who respond to God’s call through Christ (cf. Romans 11:17–24, where Gentiles are grafted into the olive tree of God’s people).
• The remnant is thus a spiritual Israel, defined by faith rather than ethnicity (Galatians 3:28–29).

The Church as the Faithful Community:

• The New Testament portrays the church—comprised of both Jewish and Gentile believers—as the continuation of God’s covenant people. This community is often seen as the remnant that remains faithful to God’s new covenant established through Jesus (e.g., Acts 2:41–47, 1 Peter 2:9–10).
• The remnant is characterized by perseverance, obedience, and faithfulness to Christ, even in the face of persecution or societal rejection (e.g., Revelation 12:17, where the remnant is described as those who “keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus”).

Eschatological Remnant in Revelation:

• In the Book of Revelation, the remnant is associated with those who remain faithful to God during times of tribulation. For example, Revelation 12:17 describes the remnant as those who are loyal to Jesus and resist the forces of evil, enduring until the end.
• This group is depicted as a faithful minority standing firm against spiritual and worldly opposition (Revelation 14:12).

Key Characteristics of the Remnant:

• Faith in Christ: The remnant is defined by their acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah and their commitment to His teachings.
• Grace and Election: The remnant is chosen by God’s grace, not by works or merit (Romans 11:5–6).
• Perseverance: They remain faithful despite trials, persecution, or widespread unfaithfulness (Revelation 2:10).
• Inclusivity: The remnant transcends ethnic boundaries, encompassing both Jews and Gentiles who follow Christ.

Summary:

The remnant in the New Testament comprises those who faithfully follow Jesus Christ, including Jewish believers who recognize Him as the Messiah and Gentiles who are grafted into God’s covenant people through faith. This group is marked by their commitment to God’s truth, perseverance in trials, and inclusion in the new covenant community, the church. The concept is most explicitly discussed in Romans 9–11 and Revelation, where it signifies a faithful minority preserved by God’s grace for His redemptive purposes.