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Last Day Events
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. This outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the falling of the latter
rain.—
The Acts of the Apostles, 55
(1911).
Before the final visitation of God’s judgments upon the earth there
will be among the people of the Lord such a revival of primitive
godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. The Spirit
and power of God will be poured out upon His children.—
The Great
Controversy, 464
(1911).
The work will be similar to that of the Day of Pentecost. As the
“former rain” was given, in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the
opening of the gospel, to cause the upspringing of the precious seed,
so the “latter rain” will be given at its close for the ripening of the
harvest.—
The Great Controversy, 611
(1911).
The Latter Rain Will Produce the Loud Cry
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, and
prepare the saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues
shall be poured out.—
Early Writings, 86
(1854).
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
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angel answered, “It is the latter rain, the refreshing from the presence of
the Lord, the loud cry of the third angel.”—
Early Writings, 271
(1858).
B. The Personal Application To Individual Christians
The Early Rain Produces Conversion; The Latter Rain Develops a
Christlike Character
At no point in our experience can we dispense with the assistance
of that which enables us to make the first start. The blessings received
under the former rain are needful to us to the end.... As we seek
God for the Holy Spirit, it will work in us meekness, humbleness
of mind, a conscious dependence upon God for the perfecting latter
rain.—
Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 507, 509
(1897).
The Holy Spirit seeks to abide in each soul. If it is welcomed
as an honored guest, those who receive it will be made complete in