The charismatic movement is rapidly growing, and both Protestants and Catholics have fallen under its influ­ence. Many Catholic worship services are very similar to those of the Pentecostal movement. Are these spirit-filled meetings from God or from Satan? Has the Holy Spirit already been poured out in its fullness? The prophet Joel wrote about such things: “Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for He hath given you the former rain moderately, and He will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.

“And it shall come to pass afterward, 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.” Joel 2:23, 28–29

The Scriptures indicate that there will be counterfeit movements in the last days. People will rely upon their emotions rather than trusting in God’s Word. And, as can only be expected, many will be deceived as a result of what they have seen or heard. “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Matthew 24:24

“So closely will the counterfeit resemble the true that it will be impossible to distinguish between them except by the Holy Scriptures. By their testimony every statement and every miracle must be tested.” –The Great Controversy, p. 593

According to two Old Testament prophets—Hosea and Zechariah—the Holy Spirit will be poured out with great power shortly before probation closes for this planet which has fallen under the power of the wicked one. This special outpouring is called the latter rain. It has been promised, and it will be the last gift to God’s remnant church.

Perhaps you have wondered what the purpose of the latter rain is. Why will God bestow this special gift at the very end of history?

  1. The latter rain does not transform character.

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.” Ephesians 1:13.

“The seal of the living God will be placed upon those only who bear a likeness to Christ in character. As wax takes the impression of the seal, so the soul is to take the impression of the Spirit of God and retain the image of Christ.” –The Faith I Live By, p. 287

The latter rain will not be imparted to enable us to overcome sin or have our characters transformed.  This must be done before the final work of God’s Spirit. “We believe without a doubt that Christ is soon coming. . . . When He comes He is not to cleanse us of our sins, to remove from us the defects in our characters, or to cure us of the infirmities of our tempers and dispositions.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 355

  1. The latter rain will finish God’s work on earth.

“For He will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.” Romans 9:28. How will the work be finished? “Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6

God wants His people to receive the power of the Holy Spirit, so they will be able to spread the gospel throughout the world. The time will come when billions of people will all be urged for the last time to accept the gracious offer of redemption. Everyone who is alive will then hear the final warning found in Revelation 14.  “The message will be carried not so much by argument as by the deep conviction of the Spirit of God.” –The Great Controversy, p. 612.   “The light of truth will shine forth in clear, strong rays, and, as in the time of the apostles, many souls will turn from error to truth. The earth will be lighted with the glory of the Lord.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 46

  1. The latter rain will strengthen all who choose to be God’s children so they are able to pass through the time of trouble and meet Jesus.

“It is the latter rain which revives and strengthens them to pass through the time of trouble.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 353

“The latter rain, ripening earth’s harvest, represents the spiritual grace that prepares the church for the coming of the Son of man.” –Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 506

Conditions for receiving the latter rain

  1. Having the ‘early rain’ experience.

 A born-again Christian who has fully accepted Jesus as his personal Saviour is in a position to receive the latter rain. Repenting, confessing, and forsaking all sin, the sinner has the promise of forgiveness through the atoning blood of Jesus. This unique process of conversion comes about through the agency of the Holy Spirit. Actually, being born again is the early rain experience that is necessary in order to be redeemed. Without the new birth, no one can possibly receive the showers of the latter rain.

  1. Being dedicated to God’s work.

Isn’t the church commanded to “go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news [the Gospel] to every creature [of the whole human race]”? Mark 16:15, Amplified Bible. Those who receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit not only know the present truth but also faithfully share it with others.  God wants every child of His to be involved in some sort of active soul winning. This work is not just for ordained ministers or Bible workers. Every believer is to have a part in the wonderful work of leading sinners to the Saviour.

  1. Removing dissension and misunderstanding.

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” Acts 2:1.  “Putting away all differences, all desire for the supremacy, they came close together in Christian fellowship.” –The Acts of the Apostles, p. 37

Why has the latter rain not yet fallen?

Could it be that our sins and stubborn attitudes are hindering the showers of the Spirit of God from descending? Are we still striving to sit in the highest place of honor?  Are we still in conflict with a brother or sister over an issue that really is not important for our salvation? Is it not high time to settle our trivial prob­lems and come into harmony with our brethren?  TODAY is the time to reach out in love to those whom we have hurt and humiliated. Spiritual walls of separation need to come down. Let us work together as a team for the ushering in of the latter rain.  Let everyone strive today to prepare his heart for one of the greatest events that will ever occur in history—the showers of the latter rain. What a grand hope for the future!

Henry Dering