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The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

Nov 20, 2014

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Page 1: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

The Former & Latter Rain

GET READY GET READY GET READYTIME IS ALMOST FINISH

Page 2: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

“The subject of the sanctuary and the investigative judgment should be clearly understood by the people of God. All need a knowledge for themselves of the position and work of their great High Priest. Otherwise it will be impossible for them to exercise the faith which is essential at this time or to occupy the position which God designs them to fill. ” GCPg 488

“The subject of the sanctuary and the investigative judgment should be clearly understood by the people of God. All need a knowledge for themselves of the position and work of their great High Priest. Otherwise it will be impossible for them to exercise the faith which is essential at this time or to occupy the position which God designs them to fill. ” GCPg 488

Page 3: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

“God calls upon us to reach the standard of perfection and places before us the example of Christ's character. In His humanity, perfected by a life of constant resistance of evil, the Saviour showed that through co-operation with Divinity, human beings may in this life attain to perfection of character. This is God's assurance to us that we, too, may obtain complete victory. (Acts of the Apostle

pg. 531) “The transformation of character must take place before His coming. Our nature must be pure and holy.” (OHC pg. 278)

“God calls upon us to reach the standard of perfection and places before us the example of Christ's character. In His humanity, perfected by a life of constant resistance of evil, the Saviour showed that through co-operation with Divinity, human beings may in this life attain to perfection of character. This is God's assurance to us that we, too, may obtain complete victory. (Acts of the Apostle

pg. 531) “The transformation of character must take place before His coming. Our nature must be pure and holy.” (OHC pg. 278)

Page 4: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

First the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” Mark 4:28, 29.

•Christ went into the heavenly sanctuary so that the HolySprit could be bestowed upon the church. John 14; DA 671.•As there are two apartment in the sanctuary so there are two great outpourings of the Spirit, the former and the latter rain.•After His ascension Christ began His ministration in the first apartment of the heavenly sanctuary. The blessing of the mediation was Pentecost the former rain.

•Christ entered the second apartment in 1844 and when the church claims by faith the benefits of His mediation in the most holy place, she will receive the latter rain. The latter rain falling near the close of the season ripens the grain and prepares it for the sickle. 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. 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 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 TM506. “They had neglected the needful preparation therefore they could not receive the refreshment that all must have to fit them to live in the sight of a holy God without a mediator in the sanctuary. EW 71.

•When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people then He will come to claim them as His own.COL 69; Mark 4:28, 29; Revelation 14;1, 5, 14, 16.

Former Rain

Antitypeof daily ritual

Latter Rain

Antitypeof yearly

ritual

Acts 3:19

Acts 2:38

then the ear

After that the full corn in the earMark 4:28, 29.

First the blade

The Former & Latter Rain

Page 5: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

A.D. 31 to now we are under the influence of the early rain, but from NSL to the close of probation we will experience the latter rain!! From 1844 God waits to pour out the latter rain.

1844

AD

31AD

Pentecost

Close of

Probation

National Sunday

Law

THE CLEANSING OF THE HEAVENLY SANCTUARY

Holy Place

Continual Atonement

Most Holy Place

Special Atonement

EARLY RAIN LATTER RAIN

Page 6: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

Christ went into the

Heavenly Sanctuary so that

the Holy Sprit could be bestowed upon the church.

John 14; DA 671.

Former Rain

Antitypeof daily ritual

Latter Rain

Antitypeof yearly

ritual

Acts 3:19

Acts 2:38

then the ear

After that the full corn in the earMark 4:28, 29.

First the blade

The Former & Latter Rain

Page 7: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

The ministration of Christ, our High Priest, in the First Apartment of the Heavenly Sanctuary (31 A.D. to 1844 A.D.) was the Early Rain dispensation for the historic Church of Christ. The Latter Rain dispensation commenced in 1844 at the close of the 2300 day–years of Daniel 8:14. Our High Priest is now in the Most Holy Place of the Heavenly sanctuary where He is doing the most holy work of perfecting His remnant for the final crisis and the end of the world.

Page 8: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

The Cross

The Cross&

Its Reality

Continual Atonement

Pardon RegenerationPardon RegenerationSealed with Early Rain Acts 2: 38Sealed with Early Rain Acts 2: 38

Prepares for death and judgment Prepares for death and judgment Experience of all resurrected SaintsExperience of all resurrected Saints

Blessing ReceivedBlessing ReceivedSealed with latter

rain (Acts 3:19)

(Glory of Holiest fills soul temple)Prepares for translation

Experience of 144,000

Special Atonement

Atonement Applied

Holy Most Holy

The Reality

Blessing Received

Page 9: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

Rain Represents the Holy Spirit•Isa:44:3: For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: •Zec:10:1: Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field. •Eze:34:26: And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing. •TM 506: “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. 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”.

Page 10: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

Background:The Historical and geographical background for the biblical expressions “the early and the latter rain’

q The climate of Palestine q The early and latter rains: The rainy season begins in the fall and reaches to

the spring. In Palestine, the rainy season begins with what is called the early rain and ends with the latter rain.

q The time of the early rain:

The early rain falls in the fall of the year at sowing time

q The time of the latter rain:

The latter rain falls the following spring before the harvest

q A comparison of the two rains:

The first (former/early) rain is moderate, while the final (latter) rain falls in abundance.

q The importance of these rains:

These two rains are of utmost importance in Palestine. The entire agricultural program and economy of the country is dependent upon these two rains.

The rainy season begins in the fall and reaches to the spring.

Page 11: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

The soil (human heart) is baked, hard, and dry. Impossible to sow seed (Gospel) or for seed to take root & grow

(Seed time) The ground is softened by early rain. The soil is worked & prepared for the seed by the farmer.

The seed germin-ates and springs.

“At every stage of develop- ment our life may be perfect…” COL 65

The seed fills out fully. Fully Mature1Fully Ripe, Perfection Complete Ready for the harvest

The harvest is reaped!

2The Early

Rain

1. The Soil

3Seed is Sown

4Plant

Growth

5The New

Plant Grows

6The Latter

Rain

7The

Harvest

By The Lord through His Servants

Time, Periods, Purposes, And Accomplishments Of The Early and Latter Rains

Page 12: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

“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. 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.

“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 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.

Page 13: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

Former Rain

Antitypeof daily ritual

Latter Rain

Antitypeof yearly

ritual

Acts 3:19

Acts 2:38

then the ear

After that the full corn in the earMark 4:28, 29.

First the blade

The Former & Latter Rain

First the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn

in the ear. But when the fruit is

brought forth, immediately He putteth in the

sickle, because the harvest is come.”

Mark 4:28, 29.

Page 14: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

The term “the full corn in the ear” means the same as “the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” In Ephesians 4:13 Paul uses the term “perfect man” and immediately explains this as coming unto “the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” This refers to the full reproduction of the character of Christ in the harvest-ripe end-time believer.“My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,” Galatians 4:19 “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” Gal. 5: 22, 23. This fruit can never perish, but will produce after its kind a harvest unto eternal life. “When the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own..” C.O.L 69 “Of the Spirit Jesus said, “He shall glorify Me.” The Saviour came to glorify the Father by the demonstration of His love; so the Spirit was to glorify Christ by revealing His grace to the world. The very image of God is to be reproduced in humanity. The honor of God, the honor of Christ, is involved in the perfection of the character of His people.” D.A 671

Page 15: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

The present time being the time when the coming of Jesus and the restitution of all things is at the very doors and this final perfecting of the saints having necessarily to precede the coming of the Lord and the restitution of all things, we know by every evidence that now we are in the times of refreshing--the time of the latter rain. And as certainly as that is so, we are also in the time of the utter blotting out of all sins that have ever been against us. And the blotting out of sins is exactly this thing of the cleansing of the sanctuary; it is the finishing of all transgression in our lives; it is the making an end of all sins in our character; it is the bringing in of the very righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ, to abide alone everlastingly.

This blotting out of sins must precede the receiving of the refreshing of the latter rain. For it is only upon those who have the blessing of Abraham that the promise of the Spirit comes, and it is only those who are redeemed from sin upon whom the blessing of Abraham comes. Gal. 3:13, 14. Therefore now as never before we are to repent and be converted that our sins may be blotted out, that an utter end shall be made of them forever in our lives and everlasting righteousness brought in. And this, in order that the fulness of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit shall be ours in this time of the refreshing of the latter rain. And all this must be done in order that the harvest-ripening message of the gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world with that power from on high by which the earth shall be lightened with its glory. THE WAY TO CHRISTIAN PERFECTION p.64

Page 16: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

NATIONAL SUNDAY LAWNATIONAL

SUNDAY LAW

CLOSE OF PROBATIONCLOSE OF PROBATIONPENTECOSTPENTECOST

Latter RainLatter Rain

THE SEAL OF THE HOLY

SPIRIT IN THE EARLY RAIN

THE SEAL OF THE HOLY

SPIRIT IN THE EARLY RAIN

THE SEAL OF THE HOLY

SPIRIT IN THE LATTER RAIN

THE SEAL OF THE HOLY

SPIRIT IN THE LATTER RAIN

The seal of the Holy Spirit in the Early Rain at conversion

Page 17: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

What Is Necessary To Ripen the Harvest?The answer is given in James 5:7,8:“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” James 5:7,8

“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12 “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.” Hosea 6:3

“Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.” Zech 10:1

“Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.” Joel 2:23

Page 18: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

The last showers of redeeming grace, the latter rain from the presence of the Lord who ministers in the most holy place, will ripen and perfect those who have been sanctified by the daily experience. Thus a people will be made ready for the coming of the Lord- Mark 4:28-29; Revelation 14:14-16. Perfection is entire sanctification, also called the sealing, the final atonement, the blotting out of sins, or the latter rain. Lev. 16; Acts 3:19; Joel 2:15-32; 1T 179-183; 5T 472-5; TM 506.

“But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth” 2Thes. 2:13 “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.” 1Pet. 1:2

Page 19: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

Preparation for the Loud Cry

Results in:

Witness Of

loud Cry

Results in:

DailyWitness

MOST HOLY PLACE

HOLY PLACE

Judgment Daily

Forgiveness of sinsConversionNew birth

Sanctification Former rain

Forgiveness of sinsConversionNew birth

Sanctification Former rain

Blotting out of sinsFinal atonement

Seal of the living GodPerfectionRefreshing Latter rain

Blotting out of sinsFinal atonement

Seal of the living GodPerfectionRefreshing Latter rain

Page 20: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

The continual nature of the services of the first apartment of the sanctuary symbolized the continual, "constant advancement in Christian experience" described by E . G . White as the early-rain experience . (TM 506. )

The completion of God's work of grace in the soul—wrought through the power of the Holy Spirit by which the moral image of God is perfected in the character— is described as the latter-rain experience. On the day of atonement, this final, complete purification was typified in Israel by the second-apartment experience .

To-day you are to have your vessel purified that it may be ready for the heavenly dew, ready for the showers of the latter rain; for 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.” RH 3-22-1892

Page 21: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

What Will the Holy Spirit Do for Us?

"To sin, wherever found, `our God is a consuming fire.' Heb. 12:29. In all who submit to His power the Spirit of God will consume sin. But if men cling to sin, they become identified with it. Then the glory of God, which destroys sin, must destroy them." -The Desire of Ages, p. 107.

"If men are willing to be molded, there will be brought about a sanctification of the whole being. The Spirit will take the things of God and stamp them on the soul."-The Acts of the Apostles, p. 53. "As wax takes the impression of the seal, so the soul is to take the impression of the Spirit of God and retain the image of Christ."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 337.

Page 22: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

"The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us" (Rom. 5:5). "Unless you receive the Holy Spirit, You can not have the love of God in the soul."-Review & Herald 9-27-1892. "The indwelling of the Spirit will be shown by the outflowing of heavenly love."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 419. "There is nothing that the world needs so much as the manifestation through humanity of the Saviour's love."-Ibid "By implanting in their hearts the principles of His word, the Holy Spirit develops in men the attributes of God. The light of His glory−His character−is to shine forth in His followers." -Ibid. p. 414. "The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love. The children of God are to manifest His glory."-Ibid. pp. 415, 416.

Page 23: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

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}

“This is the significance of the Lord’s counsel given in the message to the Laodiceans: ‘I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich.’ (Rev. 3:18). The price paid is to strive with all our power to overcome to obtain the greatest treasure on earth—a character that will stand the test. Then, when we have done all within our power, the Lord will graciously pour out His Spirit in the latter rain, ‘the perfecting latter rain.’” Were, 144,000 Sealed!, 65,66.

Page 24: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

THE GREAT HIGH PRIEST “JESUS” OUR EXAMPLE!

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 2:5) "Christ is our pattern, the perfect and holy example that has been given us to follow."- "That I May Know Him, " p. 265. He is our example. "So Christ in His humanity was dependent upon divine power. `I can of mine own self do nothing,' He declared."-The Desire of Ages, pp. 674, 675.

Page 25: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

"Christ was continually receiving from the Father that He might communicate to us. "The word which ye hear," He said, "is not Mine, but the Father's which sent Me." John 14:24. "The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister." Matt. 20:28. Not for Himself, but for others, He lived and thought and prayed. From hours spent with God He came forth morning by morning, to bring the light of heaven to men. Daily He received a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 139. "Christ's humanity was united with divinity; He was fitted for the conflict by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And He came to make us partakers of the divine nature."-The Desire of Ages, p. 123. "We must look to Christ; we must resist as He resisted; we must pray as he prayed; we must agonize as He agonized, if we would conquer as He conquered."- "That I May Know Him, " p. 34.

Page 26: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

God bless men with the opportunity to partake of the

Divine Nature

God bless men with the opportunity to partake of the

Divine Nature“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 1 Peter 1:4 [This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (GALATIANS 5:16)

“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 1 Peter 1:4 [This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (GALATIANS 5:16)

Page 27: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

“Those who would overcome must put to the tax every power of their being. They must agonize on their knees before God for divine power. Christ came to be our example, and to make known to us that we may be partakers of the divine nature.” Selected Messages, Vol. 1, 409.

Divinity is combined with Humanity by receiving the HOLY SPIRIT

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (ACTS 2:38) Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. (Zech 4:6) Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. (Rom 15:13) How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. (Acts 10:38) Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.” Zech 10:1

Page 28: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8) If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall [your] heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? (Luke 11:13) For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1Cor 12:13) Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord [is], there [is] liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Cor 3: 17-18) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. [This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (GALATIANS 5) But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost (JUDE 1:20)

Page 29: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

The earth was lightened with his glory

(Exodus 33.18-19) (Exodus 34. 6-7) So the followers of Christ are to shed light into the darkness of the world. Through the Holy Spirit, God's word is a light as it becomes a transforming power in the life of the receiver. By implanting in their hearts the principles of His word, the Holy Spirit develops in men the attributes of God. The light of His glory--His character--is to shine forth in His followers. {COL 414.2} In the face of Jesus Christ. There "we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory," from righteousness to righteousness, from character to character, from goodness to goodness, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. {February 27, 1893 ATJ, GCDB 415.1}

Page 30: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

7

LAST

PLAGUES

31 AD National Sunday LawClose of Probation

LATTER RAIN

LATTER RAINLATTER RAIN

ETERNAL SEALETERNAL SEAL

MARK OF THE BEASTMARK OF THE BEAST

THE CLEANSING OF THE SANCTUARY

PRELIMINARY LOUD CRY

PRELIMINARY LOUD CRY

FRUSTRATED LATTER RAIN

FRUSTRATED LATTER RAIN

PRELIMINARY SEAL

PRELIMINARY SEAL

JUDGMENT OF THE DEAD

JUDGMENT OF THE LIVING

BLOTTING OUT OF SIN

HOLY PLACE MOST HOLY PLACE - SPECIAL ATONEMENT

THE EARLY RAIN AA 54THE EARLY RAIN AA 54

18881844

EARLY RAIN EARLY RAIN

TIME OR SEASON OF THE LATTER RAINTIME OR SEASON OF THE LATTER RAIN

FINAL LOUD CRYFINAL LOUD CRY

Page 31: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

“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

Page 32: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

NEED OF THE EARLY RAIN!“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.” 5T 214

1. Early rain experience = cleansing our characters of all spots and stains. 2. Early rain experience = remedying defects in our characters.

Page 33: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

“Those who come up to every point, and stand every 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.” 1T 187Early rain experience = overcoming all temptation and sin.Notice it is overcoming entirely first, and then the latter rain. The Lord will not fill an unclean vessel with the Holy Spirit. We must first be clean—then the Lord will fill us, baptize us with the latter rain of the Holy Spirit.

SCRITURES THAT PROMOTES COMPLETE VICTORY OVER SIN THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD!

(MATTHEW. 1:21, JUDE:24, HEBREWS. 7:25, 2 CORINTHIANS. 12:9, 2 CORINTH. 9:8, 1 JOHN. 3:6, 1 JOHN. 1:9, ROM. 6:13, ROM. 8:37, EPH. 5:27, AND MANY MORE!

Page 34: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

“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. The refreshing or 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.” 1T 619Early rain experience = preparation for latter rain outpouring.

Page 35: The Former and Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit

NEED OF THE LATTER RAIN!The latter rain seals God’s people, making permanent their early rain experience of complete, unbroken victory over sin.“When the decree [the National Sunday Law] goes forth, and the stamp is impressed [the seal of God], their character will remain pure and spotless for eternity.” 5T 216The latter rain empowers God’s people to give the loud cry. It gives power to the loud cry of the third angel.“At that time, 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 ‘latter rain, ’ or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come to give power to the loud voice of the third angel.” EW 85–86

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The latter rain prepares God’s people for the time of trouble.“It is the latter rain which revives and strengthens them to pass through the time of trouble.” 1T 353 “At that time [the little time of trouble] the ‘latter rain, ’ or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come to…prepare the saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out.” EW 86–86

The latter rain prepares God’s people for the coming of Jesus.“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.”AA 55“The latter rain, ripening earth’s harvest, represents the spiritual gracethat prepares the church for the coming of the Son of man.” TM 506

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The latter rain prepares God’s people for the finishing touch of immortality and translation.

“Those who come up to every point, and stand every 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.” 1T 187

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The latter rain prepares God’s people to look upon the face and to live in the presence of a holy God.“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 preparation 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 [the professed Christians] had neglected the needful preparation; therefore they could not receive the refreshing [the latter rain] that all must have to fit them to live in the sight of a holy God.” EW7

1JOHN 3: 2-3

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EXPERIENCE OF THE EARLY RAIN EXPERIENCE OF THE LATTER RAIN

Preparation for latter rain outpouring. To prepare God’s people for time of trouble

Cleansing ourselves from filthiness of flesh and spirit.

To prepare God’s people for the second coming of Jesus.

Cleansing our characters of all spots and stains.

To empower God’s people to give the Loud Cry.

Overcoming all temptation and sin. To seal God’s people.

Victory over every besetment and pride. To prepare God’s people for the finishing touch of immortality.

Victory over every wrong word and action.

To prepare God’s people to look upon the face of God and to live in His presence.

Purification from every defilement. To fully ripen earth’s harvest.

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In the Judgment

•Prepares for translation

•Blotting out of sins•Sealed with latter rain

•Experience of 144,000 (Living Saints at Jesus’ Second Coming)

In the Daily

SPECIAL ATONEMENTCONTINUAL ATONEMENT

Pardon and regenerationSealed with former rainPrepare for death & judgment

Entering by Faith

Entering by Faith

Experience of the saints to be Translated

Experience of the saints to

be Resurrected

Third Angel’s Message

Holy Place Most Holy Place

The third angel closes his message thus, ‘Here is the patience

of the saints: here are they that deep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus’. As he repeated these words, he pointed to the heavenly sanctuary. The minds of all who embrace this message are directed to the most holy place..

Early Writings page 254

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"The latter rain, falling near the close of the season, ripens the grain and prepares it for the sickle . . . . 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 . . . ."Unless the early showers have done their work, the latter rain can bring no seed to perfection ."—TM 506 .

Therefore "let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." That conquers sin in the sinful flesh. By his promise we are made partakers of the divine nature. Divinity and humanity are united once more when the divine mind of Jesus Christ by his divine faith abides in human flesh. Let them be united in you; and be glad, and rejoice forevermore in it. O, that we might write deeply on our hearts, as we contemplate the great condescension and humiliation to which the Son of God descended, that we might be partakers of the divine nature. THREE ANGELS MESSAGE 1895, by A.T. Jones

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“God can breathe new life into every soul that sincerely desires to serve Him, and can touch the lips with a live coal from off the altar, and cause them to become eloquent with His praise. Thousands of voices will be imbued with the power to speak forth the wonderful truths of God’s Word. The stammering tongue will be unloosed, and the timid will be made strong to bear courageous testimony to the truth. May the Lord help His people to cleanse the soul temple from every defilement, and to maintain such a close connection with Him that they may be partakers of the latter rain when it shall be poured out.” (Review & Herald, 7/20/1886). 6BC 1055.

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The Lord often works where we least expect Him; He surprises us by revealing His power through instruments of His own choice, while He passes by the men to whom we have looked as those through whom light should come. …Many will reject the very messages God sends to His people, if these leading brethren do not accept them. … Even if all our leading men should refuse light and truth, that door will still remain open. The Lord will raise up men who will give the people the message for this time (GW old ed., 126).Again, in 1882 we were told:It may be under a rough and uninviting exterior the pure brightness of a genuine Christian character will be revealed. …Elijah took Elisha from the plough, and threw upon him the mantle of consecration. The call to this great and solemn work was presented to men of learning and position; had these men been little in their own eyes, and trusted fully in the Lord, He would have honored them with bearing His standard in triumph to the victory. …God will work a work in our day that but few anticipate. He will raise up and exalt among us those who are taught rather by the unction of His Spirit, than by the outward training of scientific institutions (5T 81, 82).