Pentecostal Preparation: Spiritual Unity and the Holy Spirit

The preparation for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost was a period of intense spiritual activity characterized by prayer, unity, and a deliberate putting away of all personal differencesMM 334.3. This preparatory stage was essential to bring the disciples into a close relation with God, enabling Him to work through them in a marvelous mannerMM 334.3.

The Nature of Pentecostal Preparation

• Earnest Prayer and Supplication: Following the ascension of Christ, the disciples continued with one accord in prayer and supplication for ten days Acts 1:14ARSH February 25, 1862, page 97.20. They wrestled with God in earnest prayer for the baptism of the Holy Spirit so they could meet the needs of a world perishing in sinPr 93.3+1.

• Unity and the Putting Away of Sin: The disciples prepared themselves by "putting away of all disunion," which brought them into such harmony with heaven that God could demonstrate His power in their behalfMM 334.3. It was only when they were "all with one accord in one place" that the Spirit descended Acts 2:1SGL 11.1.

• Inward and Spiritual Readiness: This was not merely an outward gathering but an inward and spiritual preparationBHOTV2 91.3. It involved a thorough cleansing of the soul temple from every defilement and the remedying of character defects5T 214.2.

• The Experience of Sacrifice: The success witnessed at Pentecost was the result of a "humble, self-denying sacrifice"TM 206.2. To experience similar success today, believers must present earnest supplications from broken, contrite, and believing heartsTM 206.2.

Preparation as a Spiritual Drill

• Painstaking Effort: Just as soldiers are drilled for hours to prepare for military emergencies, those fighting for Prince Emmanuel must be "earnest and painstaking" in their preparation for spiritual warfareChS 63.3+1.

• Education in Obedience: Those who participate in this spiritual "drill" must educate themselves to obey before they are fitted to command or lead others in the work of GodGW92 284.1.

• A Daily Process: Preparation is not a one-time event; it is a continual process where "self" is crucified every day and every hour1SAT 187.2. This daily death to self fits the vessel for the reception of the heavenly rain1SAT 187.2.

Types and Antitypes of Preparation

• Mount Sinai Parallel: Before the law was given at Sinai, the people spent three days in "continued sanctification" and outward purification, which was preceded by inward and spiritual preparationBHOTV2 91.3.

• John the Baptist: John was sent in the spirit and power of Elijah specifically to "prepare the way for Jesus"SR 386.1. Those who rejected John’s message of preparation were unable to receive the blessing on the Day of PentecostSR 386.1.

• Historical Examples: David’s life as a shepherd provided a period of "inward and spiritual preparation" in solitary communion with God before he was called to public serviceBHOTV4 84.3. Similarly, the parties involved in a Jewish wedding underwent solemn religious ceremonies and rites of purification in preparation for their new relationship10MR 204.2.

Preparation for the Latter Rain

• A Clean Vessel: To receive the "Latter Rain," which is the close-of-dispensation outpouring of the Spirit, believers must keep their soul-vessels "clean and right side up"1SAT 187.2+1.

• Spiritual Readiness for Any Event: It is the wisdom of both ministers and people to hold themselves "always in a spiritual preparation for anything that may occur," following the example of Hezekiah through humiliation, fasting, and prayer16MR 17.3+1.

• Instruction in Truth: Just as preparation for baptism requires being "faithfully instructed" in the Word of the Lord, preparation for the Spirit requires a deep knowledge of God and Jesus Christ expressed in character6MR 155.1+1.

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place" Acts 2:1. 🕊️🔥