Preparing for the Final Pentecost and Latter Rain

Preparation for the final Pentecost, also known as the latter rain, requires a thorough cleansing of the soul temple, the removal of every character defect, and a state of complete unity among believersLDE 192.3+2. While the early rain at Pentecost was a moderate gift to germinate the gospel seed, the latter rain will be a far more abundant outpouring of the Holy Spirit to ripen the final harvest for the coming of the LordLDE 186.3+2.

The Work of Self-Purification

God cannot pour His Spirit upon those who are still cherishing sin or neglecting the needful preparation to stand in His sight1888 162.1+1.

• Cleaning the Vessel: It is left with each individual to remedy the defects in their character and cleanse the soul temple of every defilement before the latter rain can fallLDE 192.3+1.

• Victory Over Besetments: No one can share in the "refreshing" unless they obtain victory over pride, selfishness, love of the world, and every wrong word and actionExV 58.3.

• Daily Consecration: We must not wait for a future time to be holy; the time to be crucified to self is now, every day and every hour7BC 984.4+1.

• Health Reform: Purity of body is linked to purity of soul; those who indulge in "filthiness of the flesh," such as tobacco or intoxicating spirits, create a temple where the Holy Spirit cannot dwellARSH February 5, 1857, page 110.8+1.

Spiritual Unity and Prayer

The same conditions that preceded the first Pentecost—unity and earnest prayer—must be met in a greater degree for the final outpouringTM 507.1+1.

• One Accord: The disciples prepared by putting away all disunion and reaching a state where they were of "one accord"; a similar harmony with heaven is required today3SP 265.2+1.

• Earnest Supplication: We should pray as earnestly for the descent of the Holy Spirit as the disciples did, realizing that we need it even more today due to the moral darkness covering the earthCM 104.4+1.

• Specific Petitions: In the time of the latter rain, we are commanded to "ask for rain," specifically seeking the showers of grace that impart warmth and moisture to the soulPr 119.6+1.

The Role of Righteousness by Faith

The latter rain is identified as the "teaching of righteousness according to righteousness," specifically the message of the righteousness of ChristGCB/GCDB 1893, page 242.5+1.

• Receiving the Gift: To receive the latter rain, one must be willing to take righteousness from heaven as a free gift, rather than trying to provide some of their ownGCB/GCDB 1893, page 359.4+1.

• The Mind of Christ: This preparation involves having the "mind of Christ," which empties the soul of self so that it can be filled with divine graceGCB/GCDB 1893, page 257.1.

• The Loud Cry: This outpouring gives power to the third angel’s message, causing it to swell into a "loud cry" that lightens the entire earth with the glory of GodGCB/GCDB 1893, page 242.5+2.

The Consequences of Neglect

Many make the "terrible mistake" of neglecting the grace of the early rain, hoping that the latter rain will supply their lack of preparationTM 507.1.

• Missing the Manifestation: If we are not daily advancing in Christian virtues, we will not recognize the latter rain when it falls; it may be falling on hearts all around us while we remain unawareTM 507.1.

• No Shelter in the Storm: Those who neglect the needful preparation will find themselves without a shelter during the time of trouble and the falling of the plaguesExV 58.3.

• A Finished Work: When the work of purification is complete, the "seal of God" will be placed upon characters that have no spot or stain, fitting them for translationCET 189.2+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" Zechariah 10:1. "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" Acts 3:19. 🕊️🔥