How do we know that God has a remnant of the righteous?

Throughout Scripture, we see God's faithfulness in maintaining a remnant of the righteous, even in times of widespread sin and rebellion. When Elijah thought he was the only faithful one, God reassured him in 1 Kings 19:18, declaring that He had preserved 7,000 in Israel who had not bowed to Baal. This theme of divine preservation continues through the New Testament, where Paul references this remnant to emphasize that God’s election of grace is still at work. The ongoing existence of true believers serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and grace, affirming that, despite the overwhelming sinfulness of the world, He will always have a people who are faithful to Him.