A Condition and a Result
By C. MC REYNOLDS
THAT we are living in the time for the “latter rain” no true Seventh-day Adventist will question. The Lord has told us to pray for rain in the time of the latter rain. The former rain was given when a certain condition was reached by the Lord’s followers — when they were all “of one accord.” Those who succeeded in coming into accord with Christ, “the head of the church” and “the head of every man,” found themselves in perfect accord with one another, because they were of one accord with him. It was an individual work. We are desiring the refreshing, the latter rain. The condition upon which the reception of it depends is clearly set forth by the spirit of prophecy. It is that same condition of perfect accord with Christ. “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. . . . 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. . . . 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,” pages 60, 61. How clearly is here stated the only condition upon which we can ever receive the “refreshing.” This is in the article entitled, “Preparation for the End.” It is further stated in this same connection: “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.” The obtaining of the “victory over every besetment, over pride, selfishness, love of the world, and over every wrong word and action,” is the condition; the result is the “refreshing,” “the latter rain.” In the article on “The Shaking,” (and we are in it now) a view was given of those who obtained this victory — who reached the condition required for receiving the “refreshing.” Their voices were heard, “sweet and harmonious,” “full of mercy, compassion, and elevating, holy joy. . . . They were clothed with an armor [the “whole armor of God.” Eph. 6:13], from their head to their feet. They moved in exact order, like a company of soldiers. . . . They had obtained the victory, and it called forth from them the deepest gratitude, and holy, sacred joy. . . . Evil angels still pressed around them, but could have no power over them.” “Sin shall not have dominion over you.” Rom. 6:14. “Wherefore he is able also to save them evermore who come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Heb. 7:25, margin. “We shall be saved by his life.” Rom. 5:10. “Unto him that is able to keep you from falling.” Jude 24. These receive the “refreshing” because they have obtained the victory. What is the result? “I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth with great power. It had effect. . . . 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,” pages 131-133. In this same connection is this statement: “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.” “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and he shall send Jesus Christ.” The repentance is an individual work. The faith must be exercised individually for entire victory. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” The victory is individual victory. The refreshing is an individual refreshing received by every one who is brought into accord with Christ our Captain. “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me. . . . unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8. As long as we walk in blindness and darkness, and through a lack of repentance and faith fail to obtain the victory over every besetment, over every wrong word and action, we can not receive the refreshing — the latter rain — the source of power. Hence, the power to become witnesses for him is not received, and thus the coming of Jesus is delayed. Let us do the repenting, the confessing, the restoring, the believing. Let him do the living in us, let him get the victory for us, pour upon us the refreshing, fill our hearts with gratitude and gladness, our voices with music sweet and harmonious, clothe us with the garment of praise instead of the spirit of heaviness, bestow upon us the power of the Holy Spirit which will make us witnesses of the power of the living Christ within, and hasten the coming of our Redeemer and glorious King. “Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.”