| THE LATTER RAIN |
THE LATTER RAIN One of the best descriptions of the relationship of the early to the latter rain is to be found in Testimonies to Ministers, 506-507. But the entire chapter is equally important (pp. 506512). The latter rain is also spoken of as the "refreshing, " for it does just that. It energizes the people of God to do a special work before the general close of probation. The decisions of men, knowingly made at the time of the terrible threat of the Sunday law crisis, will determine whether they receive the mark or the seal. The sealing, when it occurs, will seal in the blotting out of sin experience. The latter rain is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and it accompanies the sealing. As the Holy Spirit is withdrawn from those receiving the mark, it is poured upon the sealed ones. The latter rain is a powerful witness to the fact that God's faithful ones have been sealed. But the latter rain is given for a special purpose. This outpouring strengthens the faithful to give the loud cry warning to the world, and to all who hear them; it brings intense conviction that they are speaking the truth. In addition, signs, wonders, and healings will occur, and, as in the days of the early rain experience of Acts 2, men will hear the message each in their own language. (But we are told we must not rely on miracles in the giving of our message, now or later. It is primarily truth for truth's sake, empowered by the Holy Spirit which must convict the hearers.) It is the Spirit-filled power of the loud cry message, which enables it to be given so quickly and fully to every person living on earth. Many approach this topic with one or another of several errors in mind: (1) The error that the Spirit is something THEY will have and control, which will make them GREAT in the eyes of others. While, in reality, it will only be bestowed upon those who are emptied of self. Only the meek and humble will receive of the Spirit in large measure, and be used by the Spirit in giving the Scripture message to others. (2) The error that the bestowal of the Spirit will enable them to invent new doctrines, or that, having already invented new theories, they are thereby spirit-filled. Only those humble enough to give ONLY the solid, clearly written Bible, Spirit of Prophecy teachings will be worked by the Spirit. (3) The error that the man-made machinery, man-made bigness, man-made boasting and applause, or lots of baptisms is evidence of the outpouring of the Spirit. (4) The error that the latter rain is already falling. (5) The error that obedience to man and man's policies will bring Spirit-filled success, more than obedience to God and His Word. (6) The error that the latter rain will bring a magical elimination of sin. (7) The error that we cannot effectually work for God until we have received the latter rain. The latter rain is an important topic. We should give it our most careful attention. - 1 - WHEN THE LATTER RAIN OCCURS 1 - The sealing occurs prior to the close of probation. "The living righteous will receive the seal of God prior to the close of probation."- 1 Selected Messages, 66:2. 2 - The latter rain falls before the sealing is finished, and before the work (loud cry) is closed up. "Before the work is closed up and the sealing of God's people is finished, we shall receive the outpouring of the Spirit of God."- 1 Selected Messages, 111:9. 3 - The latter rain falls before the final judgments (the "final judgments" would be the plagues which begin just after the general close of probation). "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." -Great Controversy, 464:1. 4 - The latter rain falls at the time of the final harvest (which would be the loud cry). "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." - Acts of the Apostles, 55:1. "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. " -Great Controversy, 611:2. Therefore, in summary, the latter rain will occur at the time of the sealing and the loud cry, and before the close of probation and the plagues which follow it. - 2 THE TIMING OF THE LATTER RAIN It is not possible to set a date for the occurrence of this event, or to determine time spans leading to or away from it. No date can be predicted for the latter rain (1SM 188), and we should not try to time-set the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Ev 221). No light has been given us regarding a definite time for this event (7BC 984). See our tract study; It’s No Time for Time Excitement [PG-21J, for quotations on this. Although we cannot timeset the latter rain, we can determine the sequence of when it will occur -in relation to other events. In this present study we will examine a surprisingly large number of such sequences; about two dozen of them. - 3 LATTER RAIN FALLS ON A SEALED PEOPLE 1 - Sequence: (1) Needful preparation; (2) victory; (3) seal, and latter rain (refreshing); (4) no high priestly ministration during (great) time of trouble (after general close of probation). "I also saw that many do not realize what they must be in order to live in the sight of the Lord without a high priest in the sanctuary through the time of trouble. Those who receive the seal of the living God and are protected In the time of trouble must reflect the Image of Jesus fully. "I saw that many were neglecting the preparations so needful and were looking to the time of 'refreshing' and the 'latter rain' to fit them to stand in the day of the Lord and to live In His sight. Oh, how many I saw in the time of trouble without a shelter! They had neglected the needful preparation; therefore they could not receive the refreshing that all must have to fit them to live in the sight of a holy God. Those who refuse to be hewed by the prophets and fail to purify their souls in obeying the whole truth, and who are willing to believe that their condition is far better than it really is, will come up to the time of the falling of the plagues, and then see that they needed to be hewed and squared for the building. But there will be no time then to do it and no Mediator to plead their cause before the Father. Before this time the awfully solemn declaration has gone forth, 'He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still' 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."- Early Writings, 71:1-2. 2 - Sequence: (1) It is now that we are to remedy our defects and cleanse the soul temple. (2) It is later that the seal and latter rain occur. "Everyone must now search the Bible for himself upon his knees before God, with the humble, teachable heart of a child if he would know what the Lord requires of him. However high any minister may have stood in the favor of God, if he neglects to follow out the light given him of God, if he refuses to be taught as a little child, he will go into darkness and satanic delusions and will lead others in the same path. "Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. 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." -5 Testimo nies, 214:1-2. - 4 THOSE WHO RECEIVE SEAL WILL ALREADY HAVE HEARTS CLEANSED OF SIN See Early Writings, 71:1-2 and 5 Testimonies, 214:1-2, quoted just above. 1 - Sequence: (1) Humility and soul purification; (2) national Sunday law decree; (3) stamp (seal) impressed. "What are you doing, brethren, in the great work of preparation? Those who are uniting with the world are receiving the worldly mold and preparing for the mark of the beast. Those who are distrustful of self, who are humbling themselves before God and purifying their souls by obeying the truth -these are receiving the heavenly mold and preparing for the seal of God in their foreheads. When the decree goes forth and the stamp is impressed, their character will remain pure and spotless for eternity. "Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts. All who receive the seal must be without spot before God-candidates for heaven. Go forward, my brethren and sisters. I can only write briefly upon these points at this time, merely calling your attention to the necessity of preparation. Search the Scriptures for yourselves, that you may understand the fearful solemnity of the present hour." -5 Testimonies, 218:1-2. - 5 - SEAL WILL ONLY BE PLACED ON THOSE PRAYING ABOUT AND REBUKING SIN In the last days, just before the national Sunday law crisis, the faithful will not only engage in earnest missionary work for those who have never heard the message, but they will also be sighing and crying for the sins done in the church. 1 - Sequence: (1) Sigh and cry because of wickedness; (2) receive seal. "The day of God's vengeance is just upon us. The seal of God will be placed upon the foreheads of those only who sigh and cry for the abominations done in the land. Those who link in sympathy with the world are eating and drinking with the drunken and will surely be destroyed with the workers of iniquity. 'The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.' "-5 Testimonies, 212:3. "Our own course of action will determine whether we shall receive the seal of the living God or be cut down by the destroying weapons." -5 Testimonies, 212:3-4. Note: Have men taught you that it is wrong to reprove sin in the church? Heed them not. We are told that those only who sigh and cry over the sins done in Israel will later receive the seal. 2 - Sequence: (1) Danger and depression of church the greatest; (2) little company are standing in the light and sighing, crying because of wickedness in world, -but especially because of the sins in the church; (3) In the time of vengeance, God will protect them. "The leaven of godliness has not entirely lost its power. At the time when the danger and depression of the church are greatest, the little company who are standing in the light will be sighing and crying for the abominations that are done in the land. But more especially will their prayers arise in behalf of the church because its members are doing after the manner of the world. "The earnest prayers of this faithful few will not be in vain. When the Lord comes forth as an avenger, He will also come as a protector of all those who have preserved the faith in its purity and kept themselves unspotted from the world." -5 Testimonies, 209:9-210:1. 3 - Sequence: (1) Sighing and crying, (2) ignored by the majority. "In the time when His wrath shall go forth in judgments, these humble, devoted followers of Christ will be distinguished from the rest of the world by their soul anguish, which is expressed in lamentation and weeping, reproofs and warnings. While others try to throw a cloak over the existing evil, and excuse the great wickedness everywhere prevalent, those who have a zeal for God's honor and a love for souls will not hold their peace to obtain favor of any. Their righteous souls are vexed day by day with the unholy works and conversation of the unrighteous. They are powerless to stop the rushing torrent of Iniquity, and hence they are filled with grief and alarm. They mourn before God to see religion despised in the very homes of those who have had great light. They lament and afflict their souls because pride, avarice, selfishness, and deception of almost every kind are in the church. The Spirit of God, which prompts to reproof, is trampled underfoot, while the servants of Satan triumph. God is dishonored, the truth made of none effect."- 5 Testimonies, 210:3-211:0. 4 - Sequence: (1) Sigh, cry, reprove, counsel, entreat; (2) receive God's mark. "The command is: 'Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. ' These sighing, crying ones had been holding forth the words of life; they had reproved, counseled, and entreated. Some who had been dishonoring God repented and humbled their hearts before Him. But the glory of the Lord had departed from Israel; although many still continued the forms of religion, His power and presence were lacking." -5 Testimonies, 210:2. 5 - Sequence: (1) Grieving, mourning; (2) sealing. "The class who do not feel grieved over their own spiritual declension, nor mourn over the sins of others, will be left without the seal of God."-5 Testimonies, 211:1. 6 - The sins in the church are more terrible than any realize. "The abominations for which the faithful ones were sighing and crying were all that could be discerned by finite eyes, but by far the worst sins, those which provoked the jealousy of the pure and holy God, were unrevealed. The great Searcher of hearts knoweth every sin committed in secret by the workers of iniquity. These persons come to feel secure in their deceptions and, because of His long-suffering, say that the Lord seeth not, and then act as though He had forsaken the earth. But He will detect their hypocrisy and will open before others those sins which they were so careful to hide." -5 Testimonies, 211:3212:0. 7 - Sequence: (1) Clear view of sinfulness of sin; (2) sigh and cry; (3) (seal). "[Speaking of those later sealed:) Their love for purity and the honor and glory of God is such, and they have so clear a view of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, that they are represented as being in an agony, even sighing and crying."-Review, June 8, 1886. 8 - Sequence: (1) Sigh and cry over sins in church; (2) receive mark of truth. "Those who receive the pure mark of truth are those 'that sigh and cry for the abominations that are done in the church.” -Review, June 8, 1886. 9 - Sequence: (1) Not excuse sin, not murmur against those who are reproving it, and not sympathizing with wrongdoers; (2) (seal). "Who are standing in the counsel of God at this time? Is it those who virtually excuse wrongs among the professed people of God and who murmur in their hearts, if not openly against those who would reprove sin? Is it those who take their stand against them and sympathize with those who commit wrong? No, indeed! Unless they repent, and leave the work of Satan in oppressing those who have the burden of the work and in holding up the hands of sinners in Zion, they will never receive the mark of God's approval. "-3 Testimonies, 267:1. 10 - Sequence: (1) View sin as sin; (2) deal faithfully and plainly with sin; (3) in the sealing time will receive the pure mark of truth. "The true people of God, who have the spirit of the work of the Lord and the salvation of souls at heart, will ever view sin in its real, sinful character. They will always be on the side of faithful and plain dealing with sins which easily beset the people of God. Especially In the closing work for the church, in the sealing time of the one hundred and forty-four thousand who are to stand without fault before the throne of God, will they feel most deeply the wrongs of God's professed people. This is forcibly set forth by the prophet's illustration of the last work under the figure of the men each having a slaughter weapon in his hand. One man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side. 'And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.' "Who are standing in the counsel of God at this time? Is it those who virtually excuse wrongs among the professed people of God and who murmur in their hearts, if not openly, against those who would reprove sin? Is it those who take their stand against them and sympathize with those who commit wrong? No, indeed! Unless they repent, and leave the work of Satan in oppressing those who have the burden of the work and in holding up the hands of sinners in Zion, they will never receive the mark of God's sealing ap proval. They will fall in the general destruction of the wicked, represented by the work of the five men bearing slaughter weapons. Mark this point with care: Those who receive the pure mark of truth, wrought In them by the power of the Holy Ghost, represented by a mark by the man in linen, are those 'that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the church. Their love for purity and the honor and glory of God is such, and they have so clear a view of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, that they are represented as being in agony, even sighing and crying. Read the ninth chapter of Ezekiel. "But the general slaughter of all those who do not thus see the wide contrast between sin and righteousness, and do not feel as those do who stand in the counsel of God and receive the mark, is described in the order to the five men with slaughter weapons: 'Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary.' "In the case of Achan's sin God said to Joshua: 'Neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.' How does this instance compare with the course pursued by those who will not raise their voice against sin and wrong, but whose sympathies are ever found with those who trouble the camp of Israel with their sins? Said God to Joshua: 'Thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you.' He pronounced the punishment which would follow the transgression of His covenant. "Joshua then began a diligent search to find out the guilty one."-3 Testimonies, 266:2-268:1. - 6 - LATTER RAIN WILL GIVE POWER TO THE THIRD ANGEL'S MESSAGE SWELLING IT INTO A LOUD CRY We have faithful men today who, in their preaching, books, and tracts, are giving the third angel's message. But it will be the latter rain which will transform that proclamation into a loud cry which will fill the entire world. Thus, the outpouring of the latter rain which begins the loud cry, will result in sizeable numbers of genuine converts uniting with the people of God. This will come after a major portion of the professed Sabbath keepers have apostatized. 1 - Sequence: (1) Latter rain (refreshing); (2) loud cry. "I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth with great power. . I asked what 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" -Early Writings, 271:2. 2 - Sequence: (1) Latter rain; (2) loud cry. "The glory of God rested upon the patient waiting saints, and they fearlessly gave the last solemn message." -Early Writings, 277:2-278:0. 3 - Sequence: (1) Latter rain; (2) loud cry; (3) plagues. "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." -Early Writings, 86:0. 4 - Sequence: (1) (Little) time of trouble [which begins with the setting up of the image and the national Sunday law decree]; (2) latter rain; (3) loud cry. "I saw that God had children who do not see and keep the Sabbath. They have not rejected the light upon it. And at the commencement of the time of trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully."- Early Writings, 33:2 (85:2). - 7 THE LATTER RAIN WILL CONTINUE AS THE POWER OF THE LOUD CRY Throughout the time during which the latter rain experience continues, it will be the Holy Spirit which will render the proclamation of the third angel's message so powerful. 1 - Sequence: (1) Grow up into Christ; (2) partake largely of His Spirit, His glory, and receive latter rain; (3) faces shine; (4) third angel's message swells to loud cry, as great power and glory attends its delivery; (5) time of Jacob s trouble, their last conflict. "As the members of the body of Christ approach the period of their last conflict, 'the time of Jacob's trouble,' they will grow up into Christ, and will partake largely of His spirit. As the third message swells to a loud cry, and as great power and glory attend the closing work, the faithful people of God will partake of that glory. It is the latter rain which revives and strengthens them to pass through the time of trouble. Their faces will shine with the glory of that light which attends the third angel." -1 Testimonies, 353:3. 2 - Sequence: (1) Latter rain (refreshing); (2) loud cry. "It [the third angel's message] is represented as being given with a loud voice, that is with the power of the Holy Spirit. "- 7 Bible Commentary, 980/1:3. 3 - Sequence: (1) Latter rain (refreshing); (2) 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." Early Writings, 86:0. 4 - Sequence: (1) Weeping and praying; (2) severe conflict and agonizing struggle; (3) mightily shaken, and careless and indifferent gone; (4) others fill places; (5) obtained the victory; (6) latter rain, refreshing; (7) faces shone with light, and expressions of deep gratitude to God; (8) evil angels around them, but no longer have power over them; (9) loud cry of third angel; (10) many responded. "Said the angel, 'List ye!' ['Listen!'] Soon I heard a voice like many musical instruments all sounding in perfect strains, sweet and harmonious. It surpassed any music I had ever heard, seeming to be full of mercy, compassion, and elevating, holy joy. It thrilled through my whole being. Said the angel, 'Look ye!' My attention was then turned to the company I had seen, who were mightily shaken. I was shown those whom I had before seen weeping and praying in agony of spirit. The company of guardian angels around them had been doubled, and they were clothed with an armor from their head to their feet. They moved in exact order, like a company of soldiers. Their countenances expressed the severe conflict which they had endured, the agonizing struggle they had passed through. Yet their features, marked with severe internal anguish, now shone with the light and glory of heaven. They had obtained the victory, and it called forth from them the deepest gratitude and holy, sacred joy. "The numbers of this company had lessened. Some had been shaken out and left by the way. The careless and Indifferent, who did not join with those who prized victory and salvation enough to perseveringly plead and agonize for it, did not obtain it, and they were left behind in darkness, and their places were Immediately filled by others taking hold of the truth and coming into the ranks. Evil angels still pressed around them, but could have no power over them. "I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth with great power. It had effect. Many had been bound; some wives by their husbands, and some children by their parents. The honest who had been prevented from hearing the truth now eagerly laid hold upon it. All fear of their relatives was gone, and the truth alone was exalted to them. They had been hungering and thirsting for truth; it was dearer and more precious than life. I asked what 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.' "-Early Writings, 270:4-271:2. 5 - Latter rain and loud cry are inherently linked. "The third angel, flying in the midst of heaven and heralding the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus, represents our work. The message loses none of its force in the angel's onward flight, for John sees it increasing in strength and power until the whole earth is lightened with its glory. The course of God's commandment keeping people is onward, ever onward. The message of truth that we bear must go to nations, tongues, and peoples. Soon it will go with a loud voice, and the earth will be lightened with its glory. Are we preparing for this great outpouring of the Spirit of God? "Human agencies are to be employed in this work. Zeal and energy must be intensified; talents that are rusting from inaction must be pressed into service. The voice that would say, 'Wait; do not allow yourself to have burdens imposed upon you,' is the voice of the cowardly spies. We want Calebs now who will press to the front -chieftains in Israel who with courageous words will make a strong report in favor of immediate action. When the selfish, ease-loving, panic-stricken people, fearing tall giants and inaccessible walls, clamor for retreat, let the voice of the Calebs be heard, even though the cowardly ones stand with stones in their hands, ready to beat them down for their faithful testimony." -5 Testimonies, 383:2-3. 6 - Sequence: (1) Unity in love (based on obedience by faith to God's truth); (2) loud cry. "Thus will be answered the prayer of Christ, uttered just before His humiliation and death: 'That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.' John 17:21. The love of Christ, the love of our brethren, will testify to the world that we have been with Jesus and learned of Him. Then will the message of the third angel swell to a loud cry, and the whole earth will be lightened with the glory of God."-6 Testimonies, 401:1. 7 - Sequence: (1) Latter rain; (2) Jacob's trouble. "God's people were strengthened by the excellent glory which rested upon them in rich abundance and prepared them to endure the hour of temptation."-Early Writings, 279:0. 8 - Sequence: (1) Latter rain; (2) loud cry to all the world; (3) final conflict (during loud cry, and Jacob's trouble which follows it]. "Clad In the armor of Christ's righteousness, the church is to enter upon her final conflict. 'Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners' (Song of Solomon 6:10), she is to go forth into all the world, conquering and to conquer." -Prophets and Kings, 725:1. 9 - The sealing/latter rain/loud cry experience. "For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. "And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name. "Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God."- Isaiah 62:1-9. "And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein." -Isaiah 95:8. "There shall be no more Canaanite in the house of the Lord of hosts."-Zechariah 14:21. - 8 PREPARATION FOR THE LATTER RAIN When the latter rain is ready to fall, it will fall -whether or not you and I are ready to receive it. Therefore, we need to give earnest attention to our manner of life and conduct NOW, so that we will be prepared to receive the latter rain when our kind Father pours it out upon His people. Strictly speaking, this topic should be located prior to the Sunday law crisis. However, for purposes of simplicity, it is placed at the close of this Latter Rain study. 1 - The Infilling of the Holy Spirit is our great need. "At no point in our experiences 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."-Testimonies to Ministers, 507:2, 509:0. "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." -Counsels on Health, 561:1. "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."-Testimonies to Ministers, 508:0. "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. "-Last Day Events, 188:5. "A revival and a reformation must take place, under the ministration of the Holy Spirit. Revival and reformation 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. "-Last Day Events, 189:3-190:0. 2 . God is waiting for us to get ready to receive It. "The long night of gloom is trying, but the morning Is deferred In mercy, because if the Master should come, so many would be found unready. God's unwillingness to have His people perish, has been the reason of so long delay."-2 Testimonies, 194:0. "Had the purpose of God been carried out by His people In giving to the world the message of mercy, Christ would, ere this, have come to the earth, and the saints would have received their welcome into the city of God. It -6 Testimonies, 1,.50:0. "I know that if God's people had maintained a living connection with Him, If they had obeyed His word, they would today have been in the heavenly Canaan."-General Conference Bulletin, March 90, 1909. "I asked my accompanying angel the meaning of what I heard, and what the four angels were about to do. He said to me that it was God that restrained the powers, and that He gave his angels charge over things on the earth; that the four angels had power from God to hold the four winds, and that they were about to let them go; but while their hands were loosening, and the four winds were about to blow, the merciful eye of Jesus gazed on the remnant that were not sealed, and He raised his hands to the Father, and pleaded with Him that He had spilled His blood for them. Then another angel was commissioned to fly swiftly to the four angels, and bid them hold, until the servants of God were sealed with the seal of the living God in their foreheads.” -Early Writings, 98:2. "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.” -Upward Look, 289:2. 3 - The latter rain will strengthen God's people for the important events so soon to occur. "The latter rain, ripening earth's harvest, represents the spiritual grace that prepares the church for the coming of the Son of man.” Testimonies to Ministers, 506:2. "While the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on the earth, and the nations will be angry, yet held in check so as not to prevent the work of the third angel. At that time the 'later 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.” -Early Writings, 85:9-86:0. "Oh, how many I saw in the time of trouble without a shelter! They had neglected the needful preparation; therefore they could not receive the refreshing that all must have to fit them to live in the sight of a holy God.” -Early Writings, 71:2. "Servants of God with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the warning will be given. Miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and signs and wonders will follow the believers. Satan also works with lying wonders, even bringing fire down from heaven in the sight of men. Thus the inhabitants of the earth will be brought to take their stand."-Great Controversy, 612:1. "The glory of God rested upon the patient, waiting saints, and they fearlessly gave the last solemn warning, proclaiming the fall of Babylon, and calling upon God's people to come out of her that they might escape her fearful doom. "The light that was shed upon the waiting ones penetrated everywhere. . Mighty miracles were wrought, the sick were healed, and signs and wonders followed the believers. God was in the work, and every saint, fearless of consequences, followed the convictions of his own conscience, and united with those who were keeping all the commandments of God; and with power they sounded abroad the third message. I saw that this message will close with power and strength far exceeding the midnight cry." -Early Writings, 277:2- 278:1. "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 the presence of the Spirit is to abide with the true church. "But 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; and it is for this added power that Christians are to send their petitions to the Lord of the harvest in the time of the latter rain." -Acts of the Apostles, 54:2-55:1. 4 - It is our work to earnestly plead for the Holy Spirit, and to live our prayers. "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." Christian Service, 228:3. "We are not to trust to the ordinary working of providence. We must pray that God will unseal the fountains of the water of life. And we must ourselves receive of the living water. Let us, with contrite hearts, pray most earnestly that now, in the time of the latter rain, showers of grace may fall upon us." -Testimonies to Ministers, 509:0. "What can I say to my brethren in the name of the Lord? What proportion of our efforts has been made in accordance with the light the Lord has been pleased to give? We cannot depend upon form or external machinery. What we need is the quickening influence of the Holy Spirit of God. . Pray without ceasing, and watch by working in accordance with your prayers. As you pray, believe, trust in God. It is the time of the latter rain, when the Lord will give largely of His Spirit." Testimonies to Ministers, 512:1. " 'Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain.' Do not rest satisfied that in the ordinary course of the season, rain will fall. Ask for It. . We must seek His favors with the whole heart, if the showers of grace are to come to us. We should improve every opportunity of placing ourselves in the channel of blessing. . The convocations of the church, as in camp meetings, the assemblies of the home church, and all occa sions where there is personal labour for souls, are God's appointed opportunities for giving the early and the latter rain. . "The circumstances may seem favorable for a rich outpouring of the showers of grace. But God Himself must command the rain to fall. Therefore, we should not be remiss in supplication." Testimonies to Ministers, 508:1, 509:0. 5 - By the enabling grace of Christ, we must prepare our hearts and lives to receive it. "The refreshing or the power of God comes only on those who have prepared themselves for it by doing the work which God bids them, namely, cleansing themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."- 1 Testimonies, 619:1. "Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. 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."-5 Testimonies, 214:2. "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. "Early Writings, 71:2. "God will prove his people. . He brings them up to different points calculated to manifest what is in the heart. . Those who come up to every point, and stand the test, and overcome, be the price what it may, have heeded the counsel of the True Witness, and they will receive the latter rain, and thus be fitted for translation."-1 Testimonies, 186:2, 187:1. "Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. He came to destroy the works of the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from sinning." - Desire of Ages, 811:2. "We have great victories to gain, and a Heaven to lose if we do not gain them. The carnal heart must be crucified. . Pray that the mighty energies of the Holy Spirit, with all their quickening, recuperative, and transforming power, may fall like an electric shock on the palsy-stricken soul, causing every nerve to thrill with new life, restoring the whole man from his dead, earthly, sensual state to spiritual soundness." 5 Testimonies, 267:2. "I saw some, with strong faith and agonizing cries, pleading with God. Their countenance were pale, and marked with deep anxiety, expressive of their internal struggle. Firmness and great earnestness was expressed in their countenances; large drops of perspiration fell from their foreheads. Now and then their faces would light up with the marks of God's approbation, and again the same solemn, earnest, anxious look would settle upon them. . "Some, I saw, did not participate in this work of agonizing and pleading. They seemed indifferent and careless. They were not resisting the darkness around them, and it shut them in like a thick cloud. The angels of God left these, and went to the aid of the earnest, praying ones. . "I was shown those whom I had before seen weeping and praying in agony of spirit. . they were clothed with an armor from their head to their feet. They moved in exact order, like a company of soldiers. Their countenances expressed the severe conflict which they had endured, the agonizing struggle they had passed through. Yet their features, marked with severe internal anguish, now shone with the light and glory of heaven. They had obtained the victory, and it called forth from them the deepest gratitude, and holy, sacred joy. . "I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth with great power. It had effect . . The honest who had been prevented from hearing the truth now eagerly laid hold upon it . . I asked what 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' "-Early Writings, 269:1, 270:1, 271:0, 2. "Often in the night season I am bidden to urge our brethren in responsible positions to make earnest effort to follow on to know the Lord more perfectly. . When they consecrate heart and soul to the service of God, they will find that an experience deeper than any they have yet obtained is essential if they would triumph over all sin."-Testimonies to Ministers, 514:1. “Those who at Pentecost were endued with power from on high, were not thereby freed from further temptation and trial. . They were compelled to strive with all their God-given powers to reach the measure of the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. Daily they prayed for fresh supplies of grace, that they might reach higher and still higher toward perfection."- Acts of the Apostles, 49:9. "For the dally baptism of the Spirit every worker should offer his petition to God. . Morning by morning, as the heralds of the gospel kneel before the Lord and renew their vows of consecration to Him, He will grant them the presence of His Spirit, with its reviving, sanctifying power."-The Acts of the Apostles, 50:2, 56:2. "And as they continue to let their light shine, as did those who were baptized with the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, they receive more and still more of the Spirit's power. Thus the earth will be lightened with the glory of God."-Acts of the Apostles, 54:0. "Just prior to His leaving His disciples for the heavenly courts, Jesus encouraged them with the promise of the Holy Spirit. This promise belongs as much to us as it did to them, and yet how rarely it is presented before the people, and its reception spoken of in the church. In consequence of this silence upon this most important theme, what promise do we know less about by its practical fulfillment than this rich promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit, whereby efficiency is to be given to all our spiritual labor? . . This subject has been set aside, as if some time in the future would be given to its consideration. Other blessings and privileges have been presented before the people until a desire has been awakened in the church for the attainment of the blessing promised of God; but the impression concerning the Holy Spirit has been that this gift is not for the church now, but that at some time in the future it would be necessary for the church to receive it." Testimonies to Ministers, 174:1. "The dispensation in which we are now living is to be, to those that ask, the dispensation of the Holy Spirit. Ask for His blessing. It is time we were more intense in our devotion. To us is committed the arduous, but happy, glorious work of revealing Christ to those who are in darkness. We are called to proclaim the special truths for this time. For all this the outpouring of the Spirit is essential. We should pray for it. The Lord expects us to ask Him. We have not been wholehearted in this work."-Testimonies to Ministers 511:3- 512:0. "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. . Without the Spirit and power of God, it will be in vain that we labor to present the truth. . "I fear for you, my brethren, I counsel you to tarry at Jerusalem, as did the early disciples, until, like them, you receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit."-5 Testimonies, 158:1-159:1. "God's faithful messengers are to seek to carry forward the Lord's work in His appointed way. . They are to wrestle with God in earnest prayer for a baptism of the Holy Spirit that they may meet the needs of a world perishing in sin." -Testimonies to Ministers, 459:2. "The Lord has provided for the descent of the Holy Spirit upon His workers, and everyone who sincerely seeks God will find Him. We are to come boldly to the throne of grace, and seek the footstool of mercy. We are to believe that the Lord hears and answers our prayers." Testimonies to Ministers, 218:2. "What we need is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Without this, we are no more fitted to go forth to the world than were the disciples after the crucifixion of their Lord. Jesus knew their destitution, and told them to tarry in Jerusalem until they should be endowed with power from on high."- Review, February 18, 1890. "Oh, how we need the divine presence! For the baptism of the Holy Spirit every worker should be breathing out his prayer to God. Companies should be gathered together to call upon God for special help, for heavenly wisdom, that the people of God may know how to plan and devise and execute the work. "Especially, should men pray that the Lord will choose His agents, and baptize His missionaries with the Holy Spirit. For ten days the disciples prayed before the Pentecostal blessing came. It required all that time to bring them to an understanding of what it meant to offer effectual prayer. . When the blessing did come, it filled all the place where they were assembled." Testimonies to Ministers, 170:0-1. "We should improve every opportunity of placing ourselves in the channel of blessing. Christ has said, 'Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there I am in the midst.' 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." - Testimonies to Ministers, 508:1. "By prayer and confession of sin we must clear the King's highway. As we do this, the power of the Spirit will come to us. We need the Pentecostal energy. This will come; for the Lord has promised to send His Spirit as the all-conquering power."-8 Testimonies 297:6-298:0. "There must be earnest effort to obtain the blessing of the Lord, . . because we are unprepared to receive it . . 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. . “The church must arouse to action. The Spirit of God can never come in until she prepares the way. There should be earnest searching of heart. There should be united, persevering prayer, and through faith a claiming of the promises of God. There should be, not a clothing of the body with sack-cloth, as in ancient times, but a deep, humiliation of soul. We have not the first reason for self-congratulation and self- exaltation. We should humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. He will appear to comfort and bless the true seekers."- Review, March 22, 1887. 6 - There are too many of us who are lukewarm and unconcerned about this very important matter. "To those who are indifferent at this time Christ's warning is, 'Because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold or hot, I will spew thee out of My mouth.' Revelation 3:16. The figure of spewing out of His mouth means that he cannot offer up your prayers or your expressions of love to God. He cannot endorse your teaching of His word or your spiritual work in any wise. He cannot present your religious exercises with the request that grace be given you. "Could the curtain be rolled back, could you discern the purposes of God and the judgments that are about to fall upon a doomed world, could you see your own attitude, you would fear and tremble for your own souls and for the souls of your fellow men. Earnest prayers of heartrending anguish would go up to heaven. You would weep between the porch and the altar, confessing your spiritual blindness and backsliding."-6 Testimonies, 408:2-3. "How is it with the rising generation? Are they converted to God? Are we awake to the work that is going on in the heavenly sanctuary, or are we waiting for some compelling power to come upon the church before we shall arouse? 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."-Review, March 22, 1887. "How can I talk, how can I write to my brethren, so that they will catch the beams of light flashing from heaven? What shall I say? The atmosphere of the church is so frigid, its spirit is of such an order, that men and women cannot sustain or endure the example of primitive and heaven-born piety. The warmth of their first love is frozen up, and unless they are watered over by the baptism of the Holy Spirit, their candlestick will be removed out of its place."-Testimonies to Ministers, 167:2-168:0. "Many have in a great measure failed to receive the former rain. They have not obtained all the benefits that God has thus provided for them. They expect that the lack will be supplied by the latter rain. When the richest abundance of grace shall be bestowed, they intend to open their hearts to receive it. They are making a terrible mistake. "-Testimonies to Ministers 507:1. "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.” - Testimonies to Ministers, 399:1. "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." -1 Testimonies, 619:1. 7 - We must individually repent of-and forsake-the Laodicean condition. "I was shown that the testimony to the Laodiceans applies to God's people at the present time, and the reason it has not accomplished a greater work is because of the hardness of their hearts." -1 Testimonies, 186:1. "The message to the church of the Laodiceans is a startling denunciation, and is applicable to the people of God at the present time. . The message of the True Witness finds the people of God in a sad deception. They know not that their condition Is deplorable in the sight of God."-3 Testimonies, 252:1, 253:0. "The Laodicean message applies to the people of God who profess to believe present truth. The greater part are lukewarm professors, having a name but no zeal." -4 Testimonies, 87:1. "Since the time of the Minneapolis meeting (The 1888 General Conference Session], I have seen the state of the Laodicean church as never before. . Like the Jews, many have closed their eyes, lest they should see. " -Review, August 26, 1890. "What then is the reason that God, contemplating the condition of the church of LaodIcea, sees one thing, while Laodlcea, considering her own status, beholds an entirely different condition? "Laodlcea tends to observe her achievements, which are not inconsiderable. She thinks of her missionaries at the ends of the earth. She recalls the hospitals which her wealth has erected. She surveys her schools. . she counts her printing presses. . her stately houses of worship, she counts her membership. "Her mind goes back to her humble beginning, and she traces with a subtle and unconscious pride her years of growth and progress. To Laodicea it is a splendid showing, and she is happy and complacent. She has a flawless doctrine, a competent organization, a triumphant message who can deny these things? "But God, the Infinite Father of all, looks beyond all this. His awful gaze penetrates past Laodicea's schools, sanitariums, and publishing houses, past her fine buildings and worthwhile equipment, past the growing membership and constantly widening sphere of influence, -and looks down upon Laodlcea's heart. "Here He witnesses pride, the sin by which the angels fell; the desire for human praise, the love of the world with all that the world offers. He sees the dangerous conformity to unchristian customs. The gold of character is strangely lacking, and its place taken by brilliant tinsel, which does not deceive the heavenly Watcher. "The raiment of Christ's righteousness, at once so simple and ample, is not worn; instead an ingenious arrangement of the filthy rags of Laodlcea's own righteousness. Upon her eyes, festering with the sores of worldly shortsightedness, is no healing salve to strengthen and sanctify," -Signs of the Times, November 14, 1933. 8 - In the strength of Christ, we must forsake the attitude of resistance to be working and infilling of the Holy Spirit. "God brings against ministers and people the heavy charge of spiritual feebleness, saying, 'I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot . . God calls for a spiritual revival and a spiritual reformation. Unless this takes place, those who are lukewarm will continue to grow more abhorrent to the lord, until He will refuse to acknowledge them as His children," -Review, February 25, 1902. "If men would only give up their spirit of resistance to the Holy Spirit-the spirit which has so long been leavening their religious experience,-God's Spirit would address itself to their hearts, It would convince of sin. What a work! But the Holy Spirit has been insulted and light has been rejected. Is it possible for those who for years have been so blinded, to see? Is it possible that in this late stage of their resistance their eyes will be anointed? Will the voice of the Spirit of God be distinguished from the deceiving voice of the enemy?" -Testimonies to Ministers, 393:1. "There must be no neglect of the grace represented by the former rain. 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 the Holy Spirit in the latter rain. It may be failing on hearts all around us, but we shall not discern or receive it."-Testimonies to Ministers, 507:1. "Why should we not prostrate ourselves at the throne of grace, as representatives of the church, and from a broken heart and contrite spirit make earnest supplication that the Holy Spirit shall be poured out upon us from on high? Let us pray that, when it shall be graciously bestowed, our cold hearts may be revived, and we may have discernment to understand that it is from God, and receive it with joy, Some have treated the Spirit as an unwelcome guest, refusing to receive the rich gift, refusing to acknowledge it, turning from it, and condemning it as fanaticism." Testimonies to Ministers, 64:1. "When the Holy Spirit works the human agent, It does not ask us in what way it shall operate. Often it moves in unexpected ways. . The Jews refused to receive Christ, because He did not come in accordance with their expectations. The ideas of finite men were held as infallible, because hoary with age. "This is the danger to which the church is now exposed -that the Inventions of finite men shall mark out the precise way for the Holy Spirit to come. Though they would not care to acknowledge it, some have already done this." Testimonies to Ministers, 64:2-3, 65:0. "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' (Philippians 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.” -Desire of Ages, 672:1. 9 - We must plead with God for a closer walk, and a deeper unity with fellow believers in the historic truths. "What the Lord did for His people in that time (the time of the apostles], it is just as essential, and more so, that He do for His people today. All that the apostles did, every church-member today Is to do . . Should not the power of God be even more mightily revealed today than in the time of the .apostles?" -7 Testimonies, 33:1-2. "Let your heart break for the longing it has for God, for the living God. The life of Christ has shown what humanity can do by being partaker of the divine nature. All that Christ received from God we too may have. Then ask and receive. With the persevering faith of Jacob, with the unyielding persistence of Elijah, claim for yourself all that God has promised." -Christ Object Lessons, 149:2. "If you will sincerely humble your hearts before Him, empty your souls of self-esteem, and put away the natural defects of your character, and overcome your love of supremacy, and come to God as little children, He will bestow on you His Holy Spirit. When two or three shall agree as touching anything, and shall ask the Lord, In the name of Jesus, it shall be done for them." -Testimonies to Ministers, 323:2-324:0. "All who profess the name of Christ should be waiting, watching, and praying with one heart. All differences should be put away, and unity and tender love one for another pervade the whole. Then our prayers may go up together to our heavenly Father with strong, earnest faith. Then we may wait with patience and hope the fulfillment of the promise. "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. 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." -General Conference Bulletin, 1893, 165- 166; 3 Spirit of Prophecy, 272-273. |