29/01/2022
Latter Rain and Pentecostal (Prt 2)
We shall prepare our minds with the statement from the Spirit of Prophecy –
“… The unfolding of the prophetic scroll will reveal to all "what manner of spirit" (Gospel Workers, p. 302).
This is beautiful and concise statement showing that a revelation of timely truth will reveal our true spirit whether we are willing to exchange error for truth, or whether determined to identify ourselves with the class who will forever be found Ignorantly fighting the Truth.
In part one of the study we learnt that the “Latter Rain” of Zech. 10:1 and Joel 2:23 is symbolical representation of “Timely Truth” designed to bring the people of God to full maturity, full Christian stature before the harvest (Joel 2:24). Thus, when the terms - grass, wheat, or corn are employed to designate God’s people in the latter days (Isa. 40:6, 7), then the spiritual food necessary to bring them to their full Christian stature is appropriately termed "Latter Rain" (Deut. 32: 1, 2).
The latter rain to SDA Church accordingly, is the last message (rain), a miracle-working Truth that precedes the harvest of which the 144,000 are the first fruits (Rev. 14:4). The last message (a latter rain of truth) to the poor, lukewarm, blind, miserable, deplorable Laodicean Church. A message of revival and reformation to awake, revive and prepare them for harvest (Testimony to Ministers pg 506. par. 2, 3).
Therefore, says the Spirit of Prophecy, if we do not progress to have a clear conception of the latter rain as Seventh-day Adventists, It may be falling on hearts around us but we shall not discern and receive it. And if we not recognize the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain and receive it, continues the Spirit of Prophecy, "we shall lose our souls, and the responsibility will lie at our own doors." {TM 507.2}.
This manifestation of the Spirit in Truth (Joel 2:23; Zech. 10:1) however, should not be confused with the manifestation of the Spirit in Power (Joel 2:28). Now we turn to
Joel 2:28, 29.
“And it shall come to pass afterward, *(after the former and latter rain of verse 23 are given)* that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.”
In the light of advanced light, as truth progresses, we see that the latter rain (Joel 2:23) and the latter Pentecost (Joel 2:28) are two distinctly separate and successive but intimately related manifestations of the Holy Spirit. In fact, it is plain to every discerning student of scripture that verse 28 shows that the outpouring of the Spirit comes AFTER the former and the latter rains of verse 23 are given. Thus, the shower of the latter rain in truth (Joel 2:23) finish its work of preparing the church, developing character before the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in power (Joel 2:28). I do not know of anything clearer than this. This is Bible and this is truth! The Spirit of Prophecy again puts it this way;
“… The Spirit of God will be poured out upon the church just as soon as the vessels are prepared to receive it. . . . Why not exercise faith that the divine blessings of the Holy Spirit shall increase in large measure and will intensify human agencies, so that the glory of the Lord shall be revealed?” - Christ Triumphant (CTr) 45.2
Hosea 6:3 reads; “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).
Ponder on this verse. The Lord appears unto us as morning in a form of rain (message or light) and He keeps moving with the light (rain) as the sun rises in the morning and keep moving until sunset. Therefore the word of God is likened unto the sun. Thus, “The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Pro 4:18. Hosea simply says the Lord will come to us as rain, he will visit us with a message, and since this message (rain) is designed to bring righteousness, Hosea 10:12 adds;
“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
The above is simply referring to the time of the rain. Since the rain is a message of righteousness, the phrase – “Sow to yourselves in righteousness” means live righteous life according that latter rain message, and you will “reap in mercy” means that God will mercifully reward you with Christ righteousness. Thus, live righteous life when the latter rain is falling, and receive Christ righteous in mercy.
The phrase; “Break up your fallow ground” means prepare your heart that is to receive the rain, seek for the rain and God will rain a message of righteousness upon you. The Spirit of prophecy again, puts it this way;
"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. The growth and perfection of the seed rests not with the husbandman. God alone can ripen the harvest. But man’s co-operation is required. God’s work for us demands the action of our mind, the exercise of our faith. 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" TM 508.1
Since the rain is a message from God revealed by the Spirit, and since we all know that this prophecy will fully fulfil at this time of the end in Seventh Day Adventist church, then we should be expecting that God would give us two (2) messages represented by the former and latter rain before the out pouring of the Holy Spirit in power. We must not fail to realize that the latter rain comes in the form of a message to the SDA church to prepare God's people for the outpouring of the HOLY SPIRIT IN P OWER. We must have the message first to prepare us to be channels through whom the Holy Spirit can work. The Spirit of prophecy further puts it this way;
"The Holy Spirit is waiting for channels through whom to work. . . . Satan will not always triumph. The Spirit of God will be poured out upon the church just as soon as the vessels are prepared to receive it." That I May Know Him, pp. 330.
{Early Writings 271.2} “I heard those clothed with the armour speak forth the truth with great power. ... 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 ..."
Notice that according to page 270, there will be a shaking in the church that will be caused by a message. Some of the members will reject this message (rain) and some will accept. The message will have its effect upon the heart of those who receive, lead them to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. Those who will reject the message will rise up, against it. And the next page (Page 271) continues to describe the latter rain that made the difference, and brought the truth to those who received it, and they receive it because they had been hungering and thirsting for TRUTH not power.
Now fellow Seventh-day Adventist, are you asking for the rain, the revelation of timely truth that is falling on the hearts of some of the Seventh-day Adventists now, enlightening their minds and preparing them to receive the Pentecostal power? Are you really hunger for truth and righteousness? Do you want to be wide awake and a progressive Seventh-day Adventist? If your answer is YES, then kindly chat me in private.
We shall continue in part 3 with type and antitype of the Latter Rain.
Thanks.