Chap. 13. - The Latter Rain
The Work of the Spirit
Likened to Rain
"He will
cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter
rain." In the East the former rain falls at the sowing time. It is necessary
in order that the seed may germinate. Under the influence of the
fertilizing showers the tender shoot springs up. The latter rain, falling
near the close of the season, ripens the grain and prepares it for the
sickle. The Lord employs these operations of nature to represent the work
of the Holy Spirit. [SEE ZECHARIAH 10:1; HOSEA 6:3; JOEL 2:23, 28.] {LDE
183.1}
As the dew and
the rain are given first to cause the seed to germinate, and then to
ripen the harvest, so the Holy Spirit is given to carry forward, from one
stage to another, the process of spiritual growth. The ripening of the
grain represents the completion of the work of God's grace in the soul.
By the power of the Holy Spirit the moral image of God is to be perfected
in the character. We are to be wholly transformed into the likeness of
Christ. {LDE 183.2}
The latter
rain, ripening earth's harvest, represents the spiritual grace that
prepares the church for the coming of the Son of man. But unless the
former
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rain has fallen, there will be no life; the green blade
will not spring up. Unless the early showers have done their work, the
latter rain can bring no seed to perfection.--TM 506 (1897). {LDE 183.3}
A. The Historical Application To the Church as a Whole
The Early
Rain Came in A.D. 31 at Pentecost
In obedience to
Christ's command, they [the disciples] waited in Jerusalem for the
promise of the Father--the outpouring of the Spirit. They did not wait in
idleness. The record says that they were "continually in the temple,
praising and blessing God." (Luke 24:53). . . . {LDE 184.1}
As the
disciples waited for the fulfillment of the promise, they humbled their
hearts in true repentance and confessed their unbelief. . . . The
disciples prayed with intense earnestness for a fitness to meet men and
in their daily intercourse to speak words that would lead sinners to
Christ. Putting away all differences, all desire for the supremacy, they
came close together in Christian fellowship.--AA 35-37 (1911). {LDE
184.2}
It was after
the disciples had come into perfect unity, when they were no longer
striving for the highest place, that the Spirit was poured out.--8T 20
(1904). {LDE 184.3}
The outpouring
of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the beginning of the early,
or former, rain, and glorious was the result. To the end of time
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the presence of the Spirit is to abide with the true
church.--AA 54, 55 (1911). {LDE 184.4}
Consequences of the Early Rain at Pentecost
Under the
influence of the Spirit, words of penitence and confession mingled with
songs of praise for sins forgiven. . . . Thousands were converted in a
day. . . . {LDE 185.1}
The Holy Spirit
. . . enabled them to speak with fluency languages with which they had
heretofore been unacquainted. . . . The Holy Spirit did for them that
which they could not have accomplished for themselves in a lifetime.--AA
38-40 (1911). {LDE 185.2}
Their hearts
were surcharged with a benevolence so full, so deep, so far-reaching,
that it impelled them to go to the ends of the earth, testifying to the
power of Christ.--AA 46 (1911). {LDE 185.3}
What was the
result of the outpouring of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost? The glad
tidings of a risen Saviour were carried to the uttermost parts of the
inhabited world. . . . The church beheld converts flocking to her from
all directions. Backsliders were reconverted. . . . The ambition of the
believers was to reveal the likeness of Christ's character and to labor
for the enlargement of His kingdom.--AA 48 (1911). {LDE 185.4}
The Promise of the Latter Rain
The outpouring of the Spirit in the
days of the apostles was "the former rain," and glorious was
the
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result. But the latter rain will be more abundant.--8T 21
(1904). {LDE 185.5}
Near the close
of earth's harvest, a special bestowal of spiritual grace is promised to
prepare the church for the coming of the Son of man. This outpouring of
the Spirit is likened to the falling of the latter rain.--AA 55 (1911).
{LDE 186.1}
Before the final visitation of God's
judgments upon the earth there will be among the people of the Lord such
a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed since
apostolic times. The Spirit and power of God will be poured out upon His
children.--GC 464 (1911). {LDE 186.2}
The work will be
similar to that of the Day of Pentecost. As
the "former rain" was given, in the outpouring of the Holy
Spirit at the opening of the gospel, to cause the upspringing of the
precious seed, so the "latter rain" will be given at its close
for the ripening of the harvest.--GC 611 (1911). {LDE 186.3}
The
Latter Rain Will Produce the Loud Cry
At that time
the "latter rain," or refreshing from the presence of the Lord,
will come, to give power to the loud voice of the third angel, and
prepare the saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues
shall be poured out.--EW 86 (1854). {LDE 186.4}
I heard those
clothed with the armor speak forth the truth with great power. It had effect.
. . . I asked what
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had made this great change. An angel answered, "It is
the latter rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud
cry of the third angel."--EW 271 (1858). {LDE 186.5}
B. The Personal Application To Individual Christians
The Early Rain Produces Conversion;
The Latter Rain Develops a Christlike Character
At no point in
our experience can we dispense with the assistance of that which enables
us to make the first start. The blessings received under the former rain
are needful to us to the end. . . . As we seek God for the Holy Spirit,
it will work in us meekness, humbleness of mind, a conscious dependence
upon God for the perfecting latter rain.--TM 507, 509 (1897). {LDE 187.1}
The Holy Spirit
seeks to abide in each soul. If it is welcomed as an honored guest, those
who receive it will be made complete in Christ. The good work begun will
be finished; the holy thoughts, heavenly affections, and Christlike
actions will take the place of impure thoughts, perverse sentiments, and
rebellious acts.--CH 561 (1896). {LDE 187.2}
We may have had
a measure of the Spirit of God, but by prayer and faith we are
continually to seek more of the Spirit. It will never do to cease our
efforts. If we do not progress, if we do not place ourselves in an
attitude to receive both the former and the latter rain, we shall lose
our souls, and the responsibility will lie at our own door. . . . {LDE
187.3}
The
convocations of the church, as in camp meetings, the assemblies of the
home church, and all occasions where there is personal labor for souls,
are God's appointed opportunities for giving the early and the latter
rain.--TM 508 (1897). {LDE 188.1}
When the way is
prepared for the Spirit of God, the blessing will come. Satan can no more
hinder a shower of blessing from descending upon God's people than he can
close the windows of heaven that rain cannot come upon the earth.--1SM
124 (1887). {LDE 188.2}
We Should Pray Earnestly
for the Descent of the Holy Spirit
We should pray
as earnestly for the descent of the Holy Spirit as the disciples prayed on
the Day of Pentecost. If they needed it at that time, we need it more
today.--5T 158 (1882). {LDE 188.3}
The descent of
the Holy Spirit upon the church is looked forward to as in the future, but
it is the privilege of the church to have it now. Seek for it, pray for
it, believe for it. We must have it, and Heaven is waiting to bestow
it.--Ev 701 (1895). {LDE 188.4}
The measure of
the Holy Spirit we receive will be proportioned to the measure of our
desire and the faith exercised for it, and the use we shall make of the
light and knowledge that shall be given to us.--RH May 5, 1896. {LDE
188.5}
We are not
willing enough to trouble the Lord with our petitions, and to ask Him for
the gift of the Holy
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Spirit. The Lord wants us to trouble Him in this matter.
He wants us to press our petitions to the throne.--FE 537 (1909). {LDE
188.6}
We Must Humble Our
Hearts in
True Repentance
A revival of
true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs.
To seek this should be our first work. There must be earnest effort to
obtain the blessing of the Lord, not because God is not willing to bestow
His blessing upon us, but because we are unprepared to receive it. Our
heavenly Father is more willing to give His Holy Spirit to them that ask
Him, than are earthly parents to give good gifts to their children. But
it is our work, by confession, humiliation, repentance, and earnest
prayer, to fulfill the conditions upon which God has promised to grant us
His blessing. A revival need be expected only in answer to prayer.--1SM
121 (1887). {LDE 189.1}
I tell you that
there must be a thorough revival among us. There must be a converted
ministry. There must be confessions, repentance, and conversions. Many
who are preaching the Word need the transforming grace of Christ in their
hearts. They should let nothing stand in the way of their making thorough
work before it shall be forever too late.--Letter 51, 1886. {LDE 189.2}
Reformation Must Accompany Revival
A revival and a
reformation must take place, under the ministration of the Holy Spirit.
Revival and reformation
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are two different things. Revival signifies a renewal of
spiritual life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrection
from spiritual death. Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in
ideas and theories, habits and practices. Reformation will not bring
forth the good fruit of righteousness unless it is connected with the
revival of the Spirit. Revival and reformation are to do their appointed
work, and in doing this work they must blend.--RH Feb. 25, 1902. {LDE
189.3}
We
Must Put Away All Strife and Dissension
When the
laborers have an abiding Christ in their own souls, when all selfishness
is dead, when there is no rivalry, no strife for the supremacy, when
oneness exists, when they sanctify themselves, so that love for one
another is seen and felt, then the showers of the grace of the Holy
Spirit will just as surely come upon them as that God's promise will
never fail in one jot or tittle. But when the work of others is
discounted, that the workers may show their own superiority, they prove
that their own work does not bear the signature it should. God cannot
bless them.--1SM 175 (1896). {LDE 190.1}
If we stand in
the great day of the Lord with Christ as our refuge, our high tower, we
must put away all envy, all strife for the supremacy. We must utterly
destroy the roots of these unholy things, that they may not again spring
up into life. We must place ourselves wholly on the side of the
Lord.--TDG 258 (1903). {LDE 190.2}
Let Christians
put away all dissension and give themselves to God for the saving of the
lost. Let them ask in faith for the promised blessing, and it will come.--8T
21 (1904). {LDE 191.1}
Love One
Another
Christianity is
the revealing of the tenderest affection for one another. . . . Christ is
to receive supreme love from the beings He has created. And He requires
also that man shall cherish a sacred regard for his fellow beings. Every
soul saved will be saved through love, which begins with God. True
conversion is a change from selfishness to sanctified affection for God
and for one another.--1SM 114, 115 (1901). {LDE 191.2}
The attributes
which God prizes most are charity and purity. These attributes should be
cherished by every Christian.--5T 85 (1882). {LDE 191.3}
The strongest
argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian.--MH
470 (1905). {LDE 191.4}
Total Surrender Required
God will accept
nothing less than unreserved surrender. Half-hearted, sinful Christians
can never enter heaven. There they would find no happiness, for they know
nothing of the high, holy principles that govern the members of the royal
family. The true Christian keeps the windows of the soul open heavenward.
He lives in fellowship with Christ. His will is
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conformed to the will of Christ. His highest desire is to
become more and more Christlike.--RH May 16, 1907. {LDE 191.5}
We cannot use
the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is to use us. Through the Spirit God works in
His people "to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Phil.
2:13). But many will not submit to this. They want to manage themselves.
This is why they do not receive the heavenly gift. Only to those who wait
humbly upon God, who watch for His guidance and grace, is the Spirit
given.--DA 672 (1898). {LDE 192.1}
Clearing the Way for the Latter Rain
I saw that none
could share the "refreshing" unless they obtain the victory
over every besetment, over pride, selfishness, love of the world, and
over every wrong word and action. We should therefore be drawing nearer
and nearer to the Lord and be earnestly seeking that preparation
necessary to enable us to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord.--EW
71 (1851). {LDE 192.2}
It is left with
us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of
every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early
rain fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost.--5T 214 (1882).
{LDE 192.3}
There is
nothing that Satan fears so much as that the people of God shall clear
the way by removing every hindrance, so that the Lord can pour out His
Spirit upon a languishing church. . . . Every temptation, every opposing
influence, whether open or secret,
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may be successfully resisted, "not by might, nor by
power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts" (Zech. 4:6).--1SM
124 (1887). {LDE 192.4}
The latter rain
will come, and the blessing of God will fill every soul that is purified
from every defilement. It is our work today to yield our souls to Christ,
that we may be fitted for the time of refreshing from the presence of the
Lord--fitted for the baptism of the Holy Spirit.--1SM 191 (1892). {LDE
193.1}
Become Active Laborers in Christ's Service
When the
churches become living, working churches, the Holy Spirit will be given
in answer to their sincere request. . . . Then the windows of heaven will
be open for the showers of the latter rain.--RH Feb. 25, 1890. {LDE
193.2}
The great
outpouring of the Spirit of God, which lightens the whole earth with His
glory, will not come until we have an enlightened people, that know by
experience what it means to be laborers together with God. When we have
entire, wholehearted consecration to the service of Christ, God will
recognize the fact by an outpouring of His Spirit without measure; but
this will not be while the largest portion of the church are not laborers
together with God.--ChS 253 (1896). {LDE 193.3}
When the
reproach of indolence and slothfulness shall have been wiped away from
the church, the Spirit of the Lord will be graciously manifested. Divine
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power will be revealed. The church will see the
providential working of the Lord of hosts.--9T 46 (1909). {LDE 193.4}
"Keep the Vessel Clean and Right Side Up"
We need not
worry about the latter rain. All we have to do is to keep the vessel clean
and right side up and prepared for the reception of the heavenly rain,
and keep praying, "Let the latter rain come into my vessel. Let the
light of the glorious angel which unites with the third angel shine upon
me; give me a part in the work; let me sound the proclamation; let me be
a colaborer with Jesus Christ." Thus seeking God, let me tell you,
He is fitting you up all the time, giving you His grace.--UL 283 (1891).
{LDE 194.1}
The answer may
come with sudden velocity and overpowering might, or it may be delayed
for days and weeks, and our faith receive a trial. But God knows how and
when to answer our prayer. It is our part of the work to put ourselves in
connection with the divine channel. God is responsible for His part of
the work. He is faithful who hath promised. The great and important
matter with us is to be of one heart and mind, putting aside all envy and
malice and, as humble supplicants, to watch and wait. Jesus, our
Representative and Head, is ready to do for us what He did for the
praying, watching ones on the Day of Pentecost.--3SP 272 (1878). {LDE
194.2}
I have no
specific time of which to speak when the outpouring of the Holy Spirit
will take place--when
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the mighty angel will come down from heaven and unite with
the third angel in closing up the work for this world. My message is that
our only safety is in being ready for the heavenly refreshing, having our
lamps trimmed and burning.--1SM 192 (1892). {LDE 194.3}
Not All Will Receive the Latter Rain
I was shown
that if God's people make no efforts on their part, but wait for the
refreshing to come upon them and remove their wrongs and correct their
errors; if they depend upon that to cleanse them from filthiness of the
flesh and spirit, and fit them to engage in the loud cry of the third
angel, they will be found wanting.--1T 619 (1867). {LDE 195.1}
Are we hoping
to see the whole church revived? That time will never come. There are
persons in the church who are not converted, and who will not unite in
earnest, prevailing prayer. We must enter upon the work individually. We
must pray more, and talk less.--1SM 122 (1887). {LDE 195.2}
We may be sure
that when the Holy Spirit is poured out, those who did not receive and
appreciate the early rain will not see or understand the value of the
latter rain.--TM 399 (1896). {LDE 195.3}
Only those who
are living up to the light they have will receive greater light. Unless
we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active Christian
virtues, we shall not recognize the manifestations of
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the Holy Spirit in the latter rain. It may be falling on
hearts all around us, but we shall not discern or receive it.--TM 507
(1897). {LDE 195.4}
Those who make
no decided effort, but simply wait for the Holy Spirit to compel them to
action, will perish in darkness. You are not to sit still and do nothing
in the work of God.--ChS 228 (1903). {LDE 196.1}
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