Another look at Rev 12:17 - Testimony of Jesus
Rev 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
This text is often quoted by Seventh-day Adventists to show Gods last day remnant church. It is broken down into two parts.
Keep the commandments of God of which we emphasize keeping all ten of the commandments, not nine, meaning specifically the fourth, the Sabbath day holy and the testimony of Jesus. This is always referenced with Rev 19:10 last part, for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
We usually then make mention to Ellen White and her prophetic gift.
While I do agree with letting the bible being its own interpreter and the conclusions of the above, I always felt this explanation was incomplete. Let me explain.
Point number 1 says – keep the commandments of God. Now we know we cannot keep the commandments without the Spirit of God dwelling in us, right!
Also point number 2 says, the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Let’s say the same thing another way. The spirit of prophecy is given to prophesy about someone, namely Jesus. Revelation is a prophetic book and it introduces itself thus:
Rev 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ……..
Before we move on I would like you to notice that this verse has very similar wording.
Rev 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
I decided to do a bible search on the word testify in reference to Jesus and it came up with some very interesting results. Firstly the dictionary meaning of the word testify is:
To make a statement based on personal knowledge or faith.
A synonym would be to bear witness.
Now let’s examine the following bible passages in light of Revelation 12:17 and also the relationship between God the Father, Jesus His Son and their shared Spirit as opposed to the trinity doctrine.
(Emphasis added)
John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
John 15:23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also.
John 15:24 If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.
John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
John 15:27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
Act 10:42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
Act 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
1Jn 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
1Jn 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
1Jn 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
As we meditate on these passages I would like to leave you with a spirit of prophecy quote followed by the bible text we started with.
‘God is the Father of Christ; Christ is the Son of God. To Christ has been given an exalted position. He has been made equal with the Father. All the counsels of God are opened to His Son.” Testimonies vol 8 p. 268 1904
Rev 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
