REVIVAL—THE COUNTERFEIT AND THE TRUE

Many Seventh-day Adventists are looking for the outpouring of the latter rain. Others believe it is already beginning to fall. What is the truth of this matter? Are there conditions that we, as individuals and as a denomination, need to meet in order that God can pour out His Spirit upon us, and by which we can judge between the true and the false?

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 enemy of souls desires to hinder this work; and before the time for such a movement shall come, he will endeavor to prevent it by introducing a counterfeit. In those churches which he can bring under his deceptive power he will make it appear that God's special blessing is poured out; there will be manifest what is thought to be great religious interest. Multitudes will exult that God is working marvelously for them, when the work is that of another spirit. Under a religious guise, Satan will seek to extend his influence over the Christian world. Great Controversy, p. 464

The experience we should be looking for individually and as a church is one of godliness. Godliness leads us to aim at perfect conformity to the will of our Master. Moreover, such an experience has for its motivating power the principle of love. This is the revival we should most earnestly seek for, and one that is Holy Spirit inspired. We have been warned that Satan will introduce a counterfeit revival among us before the mighty workings of God in latter rain measure.

The above prophecy of a counterfeit revival is being fulfilled in the charismatic tongues speaking movement that crosses traditional denominational boundaries. It is also finding a place among our people as seen in the celebration and culturally relevant congregations, and in the Willow Creek Association type church growth movement and should be a cause for concern. However, by understanding what true revival is and its fruits, we shall be guarded against the false movements that will surely come, and we shall be prepared to meet its challenges. For the love of the truth is the greatest shield against error. Moreover, the love of the truth lived out in the life shall prepare us for the "revival of primitive godliness" that has not been seen since apostolic times.

In the mainline protestant denominations, as well as in the evangelical churches, and often within our own denomination, the following is also taking place:

Many of the revivals of modern times have presented a marked contrast to those manifestations of divine grace, which in earlier days followed the labors of God's servants. It is true that a widespread interest is kindled, many profess conversion, and there are large accessions to the churches; nevertheless the results are not such as to warrant the belief that there has been a corresponding increase of real spiritual life. The light which flames up for a time soon dies out, leaving the darkness more dense than before.

Popular revivals are too often carried by appeals to the imagination, by exciting the emotions, by gratifying the love for what is new and startling. Converts thus gained have little desire to listen to Bible truth, little interest in the testimony of prophets and apostles. Unless a religious service has something of a sensational character, it has no attractions for them. A message which appeals to unimpassioned reason awakens no response. The plain warnings of God's word, relating directly to their eternal interests, are unheeded.

With every truly converted soul the relation to God and to eternal things will be the great topic of life. But where, in the popular churches of today, is the spirit of consecration to God? The converts do not renounce their pride and love of the world. They are no more willing to deny self, to take up the cross, and follow the meek and lowly Jesus, than before their conversion. Religion has become the sport of infidels and skeptics because so many who bear its name are ignorant of its principles. The power of godliness has well-nigh departed from many of the churches. Great Controversy, p. 463

According to Pat Robertson, "We are in the midst of the most profound religious awakening in the history of mankind." The Forerunner, July 1986. Pollster George Gallup says the United States is facing "a moral and ethical crisis of the first dimension...and needs to find spiritual answers to deal with the situation." He further said, "it was shocking to discover that church attendance makes little difference in a people's ethical views and behavior." The Wanderer, May 7, 1987

Are we not living in the time spoken of in prophecy when the churches "shall have a form of godliness" but will deny by their works the power of the gospel? Indeed we are; this apostasy shall grow as black as midnight. And what is it leading to: "apostasy in the church will prepare the way for the image to the beast." Great Controversy, p. 444

We are nearing that time when the churches of our world will have so fully rejected the truth, that "for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie." 2 Thessalonians 2:11

Satan's purpose is to gather the churches and the people of this world "under his banner, to be trained for the battle of that great day of God almighty." SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 427

His training is going forth. Soon the whole world shall be taken in the snare because of their willful rejection of truth. However, we can take courage, for it is in the midst of this gross darkness that God has said, "Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." Isaiah 60:1. We can know too that Satan's forces will come against the Remnant people in the most subtle and attractive way to enrapture unguarded souls.

Satan is a mastermind of deception. Except as we are hedged about by the truth of God and the holy angels, we shall all be ensnared. What is Satan's plan of attack against Seventh-day Adventists?

Satan knows better than to stake very much on deceiving Seventh-day Adventists with open Spiritualism, and a far better plan is to introduce among us a false latter rain by getting the people to seek God for the latter rain on a basis which He does not authorize, and so receive something which they think is the Holy Ghost but which is not that. Julius Gilbert White, The Alpha and the Omega of Apostasy, p. 23

The latter rain and the giving of the message with power are thoughts dear to the Advent people, and is an experience we have looked for well over a hundred years. What better trap for the master of deception to lay for the people of God than to misapply and confuse the moving of the Holy Spirit and the unholy spirit. Satan has come down with power knowing that his time is short. We must beware lest in our mistaken zeal we give heed to the doctrines of devils, rather than the pure word of truth.

The theory that the latter rain falls before victory over sin is false, as is the modern teaching about righteousness by faith that attempts to save a person while still willfully sinning. Some modern teachings place the power of the latter rain before character development, and stress prayer for the latter rain without the necessary character preparation. Prayer is good, and to pray for the Holy Spirit in latter rain power is right, but only if we are living by the conditions laid out in the Bible and the Testimony of Jesus.

To pray for the latter rain while neglecting to comply with the prerequisites is very dangerous; for it creates an opening for Satan to answer our prayers with a false spirit of revival. For if we neglect to seek God in humility, satisfied with a profession and are not seeking the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, our prayers for the Holy Spirit in latter rain power will be answered by Satan. Says the prophet, "I saw them (the deceived ones) look up to the throne and pray, Father, give us Thy Spirit. Satan would then breathe upon them an unholy influence." Early Writings, pp. 55, 56

The teaching that the outpouring of the latter rain will give us victory over sin in our lives is a great deception, for most people will miss the real experience that God's people are to have today, blindly looking forward to the latter rain. And when the latter rain does fall, these people will find that the door of mercy has shut for them. (See Matthew 25:10).

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 and to live in His sight. Oh, how many I saw in the time of trouble without a shelter! Early Writings, p. 71

May we carefully examine our lives, comparing them with the standard of righteousness given to us in Inspiration. We must realize that none but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of God will be able to stand the delusions of the enemy. May we note carefully and prayerfully the experience God is offering to us today that we might be fitted to receive all the fullness of God in latter rain power.

REPENTANCE, CONFESSION AND CONVERSION

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 

To understand what God is really calling us to, we need to examine this text closely. To repent means, "to think differently, to feel regret." Strong's Concordance. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines repentance this way: "sorrow or deep contrition for sin, as an offense and dishonor to God, a violation of His holy law, and the basest ingratitude towards a being of infinite benevolence." This is true repentance, and is accompanied by a change of life. Repentance is a change of mind, or a conversion from sin to God. To think differently requires the creative power of God, which alone is able to renew our minds. (See, Ephesians 4:23-24).

Repentance includes sorrow for sin and a turning away from it. We shall not renounce sin unless we see its sinfulness; until we turn away from it in heart, there will be no real change in the life. Steps to Christ, p. 23

We see here that true repentance is to be manifested in our hearts and lives. This is the experience we greatly need and the one we should be praying for most earnestly, because true repentance precedes the latter rain.

Neither words nor profession, but fruits—the forsaking of sins and obedience to the commandments of God—show the reality of genuine repentance and true conversion. SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 1077

To be converted means, "to turn about, to turn back again, changed from a state of sin to a state of holiness, to change the heart and moral character from enmity to God and from vicious habits to love of God and to a holy life." Webster's 1828 Dictionary.

The new birth consists in having new motives, new tastes, new tendencies. Those who are begotten unto a new life by the Holy Spirit, have become partakers of the divine nature, and in all their habits and practices, they will give evidence of their relationship to Christ. When men who claim to be Christians retain all their natural defects of character and disposition, in what does their position differ from that of the worldling? They do not appreciate the truth as a sanctifier, a refiner. They have not been born again. Review and Herald, vol. 2, p. 559

Real conversion is a decided change of feelings and motives; it is a virtual taking leave of worldly connections, a hastening from their spiritual atmosphere, a withdrawing from the controlling power of their thoughts, opinions, and influences. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, pp. 82, 83

Webster further defines conversion this way: "a change of heart, or dispositions, in which the enmity of the heart to God and His law and the obstinacy of the will are subdued, and are succeeded by supreme love to God and His moral government, and a reformation of life."

These statements clearly show us what true conversion is. Remember, we must experience repentance and conversion before the latter rain can be poured out upon us. It is only as our sins are confessed and forsaken now, going beforehand to judgment, that we can be prepared for the refreshing latter rain.

After Christ's ascension, the disciples were gathered together in one place to make humble supplication to God. And after ten days of heart searching and self-examination, the way was prepared for the Holy Spirit to enter the cleansed, consecrated soul temples. Review and Herald, vol. 4, p. 422, or Evangelism, p. 698

It was by the confession and forsaking of sin, by earnest prayer and consecration of themselves to God, that the early disciples prepared for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. The same work, only in a greater degree, must be done now. Testimonies to Ministers, p. 507

Confession will not be acceptable to God without sincere repentance and reformation. There must be decided changes in the life; everything offensive to God must be put away. This will be the result of genuine sorrow for sin. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 640

This sorrow for sin is a gift of God see, Acts 5:31. Let us petition the Lord for this manifestation of the Spirit in our lives. God has promised us this gift. Are we ready to receive it with all joy? The Spirit is given to convict and humble us, then it is that we can be lifted up to bear the glory of the Lord.

Notice, true confession leads to sincere repentance, which bears the fruit of a reformed life. Too often we have confessed and prayed but have not borne the fruits thereof. If we continue in this delusion, we will surely receive an unholy spirit—a false latter rain.

I was shown that if God's people make no efforts on their part, but wait for the refreshing to come upon them and remove their wrongs and correct their errors; if they depend upon that to cleanse them from filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and fit them to engage in the loud cry of the third angel, they will be found wanting. The refreshing or power of God comes only on those who have prepared themselves for it by doing the work which God bids them, namely, cleansing themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 619

Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till He come and rain righteousness upon you. Hosea 10:12

This sowing, or planting, means to "receive with meekness the engrafted word" which is to be "infixed in the mind or heart as principles, planted for the purpose of growth." This word sown in our hearts will save our souls, which is, "to rescue from the power and pollution of sin." (See, James 1:21 and Webster's 1828 Dictionary).

It is too late in the day for a superficial work. It is time to arise and shine for the glory of God has risen upon you. It is too late to play into the hands of the enemy. The plowshare must go deep; the fallow ground must be broken up. We need to have our hearts broken. We need to feel how offensive is sin before God. We are to keep the heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Review and Herald, vol. 2, p. 287

THE PLACE OF HEALTH REFORM IN PREPARATION

Health reform is a blessing from God. It is a positive aid in resisting temptation; it clears the mind to understand the word of God. The voice of God is more easily discerned when the body and mind work in healthy, harmonious action. Health reform is an act of faith and obedience, therefore, is a positive necessity to receive the advancing light of the Holy Spirit. This obedience of faith blesses us now and prepares us as vessels to bear the glory of the Lord in latter rain power.

The health reform, I was shown, is a part of the third angel's message, and is just as closely connected with it as are the arm and hand with the human body. I saw that we as a people must make an advance move in this great work. Ministers and people must act in concert. God's people are not prepared for the loud cry of the third angel. They have a work to do for themselves which they should not leave for God to do for them. He has left this work for them to do. It is an individual work; one cannot do it for another.

"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." Gluttony is the prevailing sin of this age. Lustful appetite makes slaves of men and women, and beclouds their intellects and stupefies their moral sensibilities to such a degree that the sacred, elevated truths of God's word are not appreciated. The lower propensities have ruled men and women.

In order to be fitted for translation, the people of God must know themselves. They must understand in regard to their own physical frames that they may be able with the psalmist to exclaim: "I will praise Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." They should ever have the appetite in subjection to the moral and intellectual organs. The body should be servant to the mind, and not the mind to the body. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, pp. 486, 487

God requires of His people continual advancement. We need to learn that indulged appetite is the greatest hindrance to mental improvement and soul sanctification. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 156

The Spirit of God cannot come to our help, and assist us in perfecting Christian characters while we are indulging our appetites to the injury of health, and while the pride of life controls. Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 57

The body is a most important medium through which the mind and the soul are developed for the upbuilding of character. Hence it is that the adversary of souls directs his temptations to the enfeebling and degrading of the physical powers. His success here often means the surrender of the whole being to evil. The tendencies of the physical nature, unless under the dominion of a higher power, will surely work ruin and death.

The body is to be brought into subjection to the higher powers of the being. The passions are to be controlled by the will, which is itself to be under the control of God. The kingly power of reason, sanctified by divine grace, is to bear sway in the life. Intellectual power, physical stamina, and the length of life depend upon immutable laws. Through obedience to these laws, man may stand conqueror of himself, conqueror of his own inclinations, conqueror of principalities and powers, of "the rulers of the darkness of this world," and of "spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12. Prophets and Kings, pp. 488, 489

All who would perfect holiness in the fear of God must learn the lessons of temperance and self-control. The appetites and passions must be held in subjection to the higher powers of the mind. This self-discipline is essential to that mental strength and spiritual insight which will enable us to understand and to practice the sacred truths of God's word. For this reason temperance finds its place in the work of preparation for Christ's second coming. Desire of Ages, p. 101

The victory of our triumphant Head over the most subtle temptations during His forty days fast, and the glorious promise of reigning with Him in His throne, on condition that we overcome as He overcame, established the fact that One of the highest attainments in the Christian life is to control appetite, and without this victory, all hope of heaven is vain. Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, p. 206

But thanks be unto God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57

There are five key points in this section which are as follows:

1. In order to be prepared for translation, the appetite is to be subject to the mind, which is itself to be subject to God.

2. Indulged appetite is the greatest hindrance to mind and character development.

3. The Holy Spirit cannot help us in the work of character perfection when appetite controls us.

4. To perfect holiness we must learn temperance and self-control.

5. If we do not control appetite, all hope of heaven is in vain.

We see here plainly that health reform is not by any means a curse, but rather, a blessing, in which the human brings his physical frame into control of the kingly power of reason under God. And the fruit borne by this act of living faith is a vessel made fit for the outpouring of God's Spirit in latter rain measure. "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." 1 Corinthians 6:20.

WE MUST BE LIVING IN OBEDIENCE

God gives conditions to receiving His Spirit in latter rain power. Our Father does not do this arbitrarily, but because He loves us. To receive the Holy Spirit in latter rain power is to "be filled with all the fullness of God," and "our God is a consuming fire." (See Ephesians 3:19, Hebrews 12:29.)

In all who submit to His power the Spirit of God will consume sin. But if men cling to sin, they become identified with it. Then the glory of God, which destroys sin, must destroy them. Desire of Ages, p. 107

The Lord gave an example to the early church, as well as to us, "upon whom the ends of the world are come," of the seriousness of seeking to be a partaker of God's Spirit while retaining a union with sin. In this example Ananias and Sapphira sought halfheartedly to take part in the early rain movement. They lied to the Holy Ghost, claiming to give all their property while yielding only in part. Because victory over their selfishness had not been gained previously, both Ananias and Sapphira gave way to their corrupt nature and were punished for their inconsistent course. Today, God in His mercy lays out before us conditions for receiving the promised blessing of His Spirit. Obedience is one of these conditions. (See Acts 4:31-35).

And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him. Acts 5:32

The Bible clearly teaches that the keeping of the Sabbath, as well as the rest of the commandments, and maintaining reverence for God's sanctuary are specific conditions for receiving the latter rain.

Ye shall keep My sabbaths, and reverence My sanctuary: I am the Lord. If ye walk in My statutes, and keep My commandments, and do them; then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. Leviticus 26:2–4

Ancient Israel forfeited the blessing of rain continually throughout their history. One of the principle reasons for this was because they maintained unsanctified men as ministers of the nation, causing God's people "to err by their lies, and by their lightness." In the same way we have forfeited the latter rain today. "We are repeating the history of that people." Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 160

The lightness warned against in Jeremiah 23:32 is translated, "frivolity," which means, "of very little worth or importance, no consequence." God's sanctuary is polluted by jesting and joking ministers; by ministers who preach self instead of Christ through messages of very little worth; messages that do not stir the people of God to repentance, nor create a desire for holy and righteous living. But of the Lord's messengers we are told:

Wherever the word of God has been faithfully preached, results have followed that attested its divine origin. The Spirit of God accompanied the message of His servants, and the word was with power. Sinners felt their consciences quickened.... Deep conviction took hold upon their minds and hearts. They were convinced of sin and of righteousness and of judgment to come. They had a sense of the righteousness of Jehovah, and felt the terror of appearing, in their guilt and uncleanness, before the Searcher of hearts. Great Controversy, p. 461

The sanctuary is defiled by Sunday Easter services, ecumenical prayer services, and more commonly by a rejection of the sanctuary message of victory over sin. Truly, the place of His sanctuary is cast down by such disregard of the truth of God.

We lie to God, to ourselves, and to the world with the claim that we keep the commandments of God and believe the testimony of Jesus Christ, while we perform the same abortions in many of our hospitals as are performed in the hospitals of the world and maintain in some areas a divorce rate almost equal with the world. In some parts of the world the rate of AIDS in the church is little less than the world, granted some of these are converts who made mistakes before conversion, but many others are unconverted Church members.

As stated by Pardon Mwansa, Southern Africa Division President in March 2003, "Unless the HIV [pandemic] is addressed, there will be no workers to work in our congregations. There will be no church members to pastor. There will be no people to lead. Some of us here will be dead." Adventist News Network. We have so conformed to the world that it is difficult to discern between "him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not." Will we receive the latter rain in our present condition?

When Christ shall come, will He accept a people who are conformed to the world? Will He acknowledge them as His people whom He has purified to Himself? No, never. None but the pure and holy will He acknowledge as His. Only those who have been purified and made white through suffering will Christ accept. Review and Herald, vol. 1, p. 344

And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as My people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth [speech] they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. And lo, Thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear Thy words, but they do them not. Ezekiel 33:31, 32

Thou art near in their mouth speech, and far from their reins [mind]. Jeremiah 12:2

In vain do we seek the latter rain in such a "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked" state. (See Revelation 3:17).

If any will not be purified through obeying the truth, and overcome their selfishness, their pride, and evil passions, the angels of God have the charge: "They are joined to their idols, let them alone," and they pass on to their work, leaving these with their sinful traits unsubdued, to the control of evil angels. Those who come up to every point, and stand every test, and overcome, be the price what it may, have heeded the counsel of the True Witness, and they will receive the latter rain, and thus be fitted for translation. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 187

And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto My commandments which I command you this day, to love the Lord your God, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul, that I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather [receive] in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil. Deuteronomy 11:13, 14

When living the life of obedience under the first or early rain experience, God reveals the truths of His word to us as the new wine. (See, Desire of Ages, p. 279). For spiritual things are only understood by the soul that is born again. They alone know by experience the kingdom of grace. God also gives us oil, which "is the righteousness of Christ." This oil "represents character" which each one is to "obtain for himself…purified from every stain of sin." Testimonies to Ministers, p. 233

With this first or early rain experience, God can then entrust us with the Holy Spirit in latter rain measure to go out into the field to gather in the [harvest] corn, the converts brought in under the mighty movings of God's Spirit.

Shall the Lord be compelled to say, "Pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to Me: for I will not hear thee?" "Therefore the showers have been withholden, and there hath been no latter rain.… Wilt thou not from this time cry unto Me, My father, Thou art the guide of my youth?" Review and Herald, vol. 3, pp. 69, 70

Why did the prophet of God ask this question? Why is the latter rain withheld? In this same article we read the answer:

Of those who boast of their light, and yet fail to walk in it, Christ says, "But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum [Seventh-day Adventists, who have had great light], which art exalted unto heaven [in point of privilege], shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee." At that time Jesus answered and said, "I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent [in their own estimation], and hast revealed them unto babes." Ibid. p. 69. Words in brackets by E. G. White.

Continuing in this article, we find another reason why the latter rain is withheld.

The little sins that men think are so trivial a character that on their account they will not be brought into condemnation, are very offensive in the sight of God . Says one, "You are too severe, a man must be allowed these little defects of character." Let us hear the words of Christ. He says, "Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." People venture to commit sins that are grievous in the sight of God, and think that they are not to be called to task for them, because they say they are due to nervousness, to a peculiar temperament; but this is simply soothing the conscience and crying, "peace, peace, when there is no peace." Sin is sin, and it is the delusion of Satan to look upon it in any other light than that it is grievous. Ibid, p. 70

THE SOUL TEMPLE MUST BE CLEANSED

OF EVERY DEFILEMENT

The work for today is one that we need the Spirit's help to obtain. This work is the purification of mind and body; it is to see and put away sin and unrighteousness. " I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

We must not delay this work or shun this responsibility, while at the same time we are seeking the Spirit, for this will prepare us for deception and ruin.

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 and to live in His sight. Oh, how many I saw in the time of trouble without a shelter! 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.

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. But there will be no time then to do it and no Mediator to plead their cause before the Father.

Before this time the awfully solemn declaration has gone forth, "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still." 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. We should, therefore, be drawing nearer and nearer to the Lord and be earnestly seeking that preparation necessary to enable us to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord. Let all remember that God is holy and that none but holy beings can ever dwell in His presence. Early Writings, p. 71

The third angel's message is swelling into a loud cry, and you must not feel at liberty to neglect the present duty, and still entertain the idea that at some future time you will be the recipients of a great blessing, when without any effort on your part a wonderful revival will take place. Today you are to give yourselves to God, that He may make of you vessels unto honor, and meet for His service. Today you are to give yourselves to God, that you may be emptied of self, emptied of envy, jealousy, evil surmising, strife, everything that shall be dishonoring to God. Today you are to have your vessel purified that it may be ready for the heavenly dew, ready for the showers of the latter rain; for the latter rain will come, and the blessing of God will fill every soul that is purified from every defilement. It is our work today to yield our souls to Christ, that we may be fitted for the time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord—fitted for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Selected Messages, vol. 1, pp. 190, 191

The Lord is soon to come; there must be a refining, winnowing process in every church, for there are among us wicked men who do not love the truth. There is need of a transformation of character. Will the church arise and put on her beautiful garments, the righteousness of Christ? It is soon to be seen who are vessels unto honor. "And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird."

"Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not. For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble; and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear My name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings."

Here are brought plainly to view those who will be vessels unto honor; for they will receive the latter rain. Every soul that continues in sin in the face of the light now shining upon our pathway, will be blinded and accept the delusions of Satan. Review and Herald, vol. 3, p. 239

Let there be a work of reformation and repentance . Let all seek for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. As with the disciples after the ascension of Christ, it may require several days of earnestly seeking God and putting away of sin.

When God's people are worked by the Holy Spirit, they will manifest a zeal that is according to knowledge.… They will reflect the light that God has been giving for years. The spirit of criticism will be put away. Filled with the spirit of humility, they will be of one mind, united with one another and with Christ. My Life Today, p. 58

When the latter rain is poured out, the church will be clothed with power for its work; but the church as a whole will never receive this until its members shall put away from among them envy, evil-surmisings, and evil-speaking. Those who cherish these sins know not the blessed experience of love; they are not awake to the fact that the Lord is testing and proving their love for Him by the attitude they assume toward one another. Review and Herald, vol. 3, p. 399

You will need to make straight paths for your feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. We are surrounded by the lame and halting in the faith, and you are to help them, not by halting yourselves, but by standing, like men who have been tried and proven, in principle firm as a rock. I know that a work must be done for the people, or many will not be prepared to receive the light of the angel sent down from heaven to lighten the whole earth with His glory. Do not think that you will be found as vessels unto honor in the time of the latter rain, to receive the glory of God, if you are lifting up your souls unto vanity, speaking perverse things, in secret cherishing roots of bitterness. The frown of God will certainly be upon every soul who cherishes these roots of dissension, and possesses a spirit so unlike the Spirit of Christ. Life Sketches, pp. 327, 328

We may talk of the blessings of the Holy Spirit, but unless we prepare ourselves for its reception, of what avail are our works? Are we striving with all our power to attain to the stature of men and women in Christ? Are we seeking for His fullness, ever pressing toward the mark set before us,—the perfection of His character? Review and Herald, vol. 4, p. 423 or Our High Calling, p. 150

May the Lord help His people to cleanse the soul temple from every defilement, and to maintain such a close connection with Him that they may be partakers of the latter rain when it shall be poured out. SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 1055

It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 214

UNFIT TO RECEIVE THE LATTER RAIN

In the vision given me in Rochester, New York, December 25, 1865, I was shown that a most solemn work is before us. Its importance and magnitude are not realized. As I marked the indifference which was everywhere apparent, I was alarmed for ministers and people. There seemed to be a paralysis upon the cause of present truth. The work of God seemed stayed. Ministers and people are unprepared for the time in which they live, and nearly all who profess to believe present truth are unprepared to understand the work of preparation for this time.

In their present state of worldly ambition, with their lack of consecration to God, their devotion to self, they are wholly unfitted to receive the latter rain and, having done all, to stand against the wrath of Satan, who by his inventions would cause them to make shipwreck of faith, fastening upon them some pleasing self-deception. They think they are all right when they are all wrong. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 466

Numerous are the traps of "worldly ambition" and the "inventions" of Satan calculated to make shipwreck of our faith. The great downfall of ancient Israel was their desire to be like the nations of the world and the adulterous relationships she entered into. This is made clear by the following passages:

Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not of Me; and that cover with a covering, but not of My spirit, that they may add sin to sin: that walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at My mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! Isaiah 30:1, 2

They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man's, shall he return unto her again? shall not that land be greatly polluted? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers [associations]; yet return again unto Me, saith the Lord. Jeremiah 3:1

The following are examples of adulterous associations we have fallen into would include: government subsidies for our hospitals. The effective of this is that it is very difficult to follow God's plan of healing. Another adulterous bond is worldly accreditation and government aid for our schools. The effective of this is seen in teaching that follows man's ideas rather than God's counsel. It brings in pluralism and unbelief. It set's man's ideas and standards above God's will and way.

Worldly investments in the stock market with retirement or other funds while seemingly prudent and wise create the spirit of risk taking. We are further seeking adulterous relationships by ecumenical alliances with fallen Protestantism and by following their examples and teachings in many of our church programs. By joining arms with the state in suing fellow Seventh-day Adventists or taking believers to the police as happens in many parts of the world, we are appealing to the arm of Caesar and are divorcing ourselves from the God we claim to love.

Would to God, that we would be like Jeremiah, who said, "Oh, that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for…my people. Jeremiah 9:1. Why should we weep at this time? Because we love the truths of the Seventh-day Adventist movement and hate what worldly conformity is doing to us as a people. We should weep between the porch and the altar, crying, "spare Thy people O Lord."

Lift up thine eyes unto the high places, and see where thou hast not been lien with. In the ways hast thou sat for them, as the Arabian in the wilderness; and thou hast polluted the land with thy whoredoms and with thy wickedness. Therefore [because of this] the showers have been withholden, and there hath been no latter rain, and thou hadst a whore's forehead, thou refusedst to be ashamed [i.e. repent]. Jeremiah 3:2, 3, (See also Revelation 3:17-19).

While these words were written to ancient Israel, the conditions, principles, and warning apply with peculiar force today. God's word says we have a whore's forehead when we enter into unsanctioned relationships with the world. What does that mean? One of the figurative definitions of forehead listed in Webster's 1828 Dictionary is the following: "confidence, audaciousness" which means a "contempt of law."

This people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone. Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the Lord our God (See Proverbs 16:6), that giveth rain, both the former rain and the latter, in His season: He reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest. Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. Jeremiah 5:23-25

As a people we are revolting against God, which means, "to turn away (morally)." Strong's Concordance. To turn away morally means, "an action which does not proceed from good motives, or a principle of love and obedience to the divine law and to the law giver." Webster's 1828 Dictionary.

As a people we are seeking to conform outwardly to certain standards but are devoid of a deep love and appreciation of the Father and Son. We remain rebellious at heart. We cannot say to the world, "fear God and give glory to Him," until we learn by experience that to fear God means to hate evil, and to walk in His ways. (See Proverbs 8:13; Psalm 128:1).

For the "fear of God is an holy awe or reverence of God and His laws, which springs from a just view and real love of the divine character, leading the subjects of it to hate and shun every thing that can offend such a holy being, and inclining them to aim at perfect obedience." Webster's 1828 Dictionary. May God in His mercy grant us the spiritual eyesalve to behold Him in this way. Only in beholding our shame and God's glory can we be prepared to receive the Spirit of God.

RECEIVING OF GOD'S WORD PREPARES

US FOR THE LATTER RAIN

Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for He hath given you the former rain [that is, a teacher of righteousness] moderately [or according to righteousness], and He will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. Joel 2:23

And who is this teacher of righteousness? It is the Holy Spirit whose work is to convict of sin and of righteousness and judgment. And how does He work?

Through the Scriptures the Holy Spirit speaks to the mind, and impresses truth upon the heart. Thus He exposes error, and expels it from the soul. It is by the Spirit of truth, working through the word of God, that Christ subdues His chosen people to Himself. Desire of Ages, p. 671

My doctrine [or teaching] shall drop as the rain, My speech shall distill as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass. Deuteronomy 32:2

The teaching of righteousness and holy living is a dead letter in many of our churches. Only the teaching that stimulates the hungering and thirsting for righteousness will prepare us to receive the promise of the Spirit. It is the teaching of righteousness that is to fall as the latter rain. If we reject the word of truth regarding our condition and the need for preparation and how to obtain it, we reject the Holy Spirit and cannot receive the latter rain.

However notice what God's word will do for us if we accept it:

The law [instruction] of the Lord is perfect, converting [restore] the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7

If we reject God's purifying word, we will be guilty of the murder of the Son of God even as the Pharisees of old. Jesus said:

If ye continue [abide] in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed.… I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill Me, [Why?] because My word hath no place in you. John 8:31, 37

It is in not allowing God's word a place in our hearts that His word loses its regenerating power. As the Jews of old rejected His word, and became guilty of the murder of the Son of God, the same results will follow us if we walk in the same path. We see here a condition of discipleship. We must allow God's word to abide in us. But what does this mean?

He who by faith receives the word is receiving the very life and character of God. Christ's Object Lessons, p. 38

It is through the word that Christ abides in His followers.… The words of Christ are spirit and life. Receiving them, you receive the life of the Vine. You live by "every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4. The life of Christ in you produces the same fruits as in Him. Desire of Ages, p. 677

Unto Me men gave ear, and waited, and kept silence at My counsel. After My words they spake not again; and My speech dropped upon them. And they waited for Me as for the rain; and they opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain. I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army. Job 29:21-23, 25

Giving ear to God means to hear intelligently, or by implication, to attend to or obey; that is, not to argue or rationalize away the counsel in His word or through His prophet. Our experience is to be one of hungering and thirsting in this land where the living truths of God's word are made of none effect. God has promised that if we walk in the light, He will come upon us as the latter rain. With minds yielded to His control, He shall sit as King in the midst of His loud cry army. Then we may sing:

The temple has been yielded, and purified of sin; let Thy Shekinah glory now shine forth from within, and all the earth keep silence, the body henceforth be, thy silent, gentle servant, moved only as by Thee. Church Hymnal, No. 279.

RECEIVING OF THE EARLY RAIN ESSENTIAL TO

RECEIVING THE LATTER RAIN

In the natural world, no crop is ready for the harvest without the lifegiving elements to be found in the early rain. So for us, only as we yield heart and life daily to God's Spirit, drawing water from the wells of salvation, can we be ready and fitted for the final harvest.

Many have in a great measure failed to receive the former rain. They have not obtained all the benefits that God has thus provided for them. They expect that the lack will be supplied by the latter rain. When the richest abundance of grace shall be bestowed, they intend to open their hearts to receive it. They are making a terrible mistake. The work that God has begun in the human heart in giving His light and knowledge must be continually going forward. Every individual must realize his own necessity. The heart must be emptied of every defilement and cleansed for the indwelling of the Spirit.

It was by the confession and forsaking of sin, by earnest prayer and consecration of themselves to God, that the early disciples prepared for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. The same work, only in a greater degree, must be done now. Then the human agent had only to ask for the blessing, and wait for the Lord to perfect the work concerning him. It is God who began the work, and He will finish His work, making man complete in Jesus Christ. But there must be no neglect of the grace represented by the former rain.

Only those who are living up to the light they have will receive greater light. Unless we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active Christian virtues, we shall not recognize the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain. It may be falling on hearts all around us, but we shall not discern or receive it.

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. Yet these alone will not suffice. While we cherish the blessing of the early rain, we must not, on the other hand, lose sight of the fact that without the latter rain, to fill out the ears and ripen the grain, the harvest will not be ready for the sickle, and the labor of the sower will have been in vain.

Divine grace is needed at the beginning, divine grace at every step of advance, and divine grace alone can complete the work. There is no place for us to rest in a careless attitude. We must never forget the warnings of Christ, "Watch unto prayer," "Watch,...and pray always." A connection with the divine agency every moment is essential to our progress. We may have had a measure of the Spirit of God, but by prayer and faith we are continually to seek more of the Spirit. It will never do to cease our efforts. If we do not progress, if we do not place ourselves in an attitude to receive both the former and the latter rain, we shall lose our souls, and the responsibility will lie at our own door. Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 507, 508

We may be sure that when the Holy Spirit is poured out those who did not receive and appreciate the early rain will not see or understand the value of the latter rain. When we are truly consecrated to God, His love will abide in our hearts by faith, and we will cheerfully do our duty in accordance with the will of God. Testimonies to Ministers, p. 399

The latter rain, ripening earth's harvest, represents the spiritual grace that prepares the church for the coming of the Son of Man. But unless the former rain has fallen, there will be no life; the green blade will not spring up. Unless the early showers have done their work, the latter rain can bring no seed to perfection. Testimonies to Ministers, p. 506

WHAT IS THE FRUIT OF THE EARLY RAIN?

There is to be "first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear." There must be a constant development of Christian virtue, a constant advancement in Christian experience.This we should seek with intensity of desire, that we may adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour. Testimonies to Ministers, p. 506

Having brought conviction of sin, and presented before the mind the standard of righteousness, the Holy Spirit withdraws the affections from the things of this earth and fills the soul with a desire for holiness. "He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13), the Saviour declared. If men are willing to be molded, there will be brought about a sanctification of the whole being. The Spirit will take the things of God and stamp them on the soul. By His power the way of life will be made so plain that none need err therein. Acts of the Apostles, pp. 52, 53

When the Spirit of God takes possession of the heart, it transforms the life. Sinful thoughts are put away, evil deeds are renounced; love, humility, and peace take the place of anger, envy, and strife. Joy takes the place of sadness, and the countenance reflects the light of heaven. Desire of Ages, p. 173

To those who keep the mind stayed upon Christ, He will come as the rain, "as the latter and former rain unto the earth." And by constantly looking to Christ and patterning after Him, we shall grow up into Him in all things. Faith will grow; conscience will be sanctified. And the fruits of the Spirit in the life will be "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith." Review and Herald, vol. 5, p. 526

Through the Spirit God works in His people to will and to do of His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13. Desire of Ages, p. 672

We should daily obtain a deep and living experience in the work of perfecting Christian character. We should daily receive the holy oil that we may impart to others. All may be light-bearers to the world if they will. We are to sink self out of sight in Jesus. We are to receive the word of the Lord in counsel and in instruction, and gladly communicate it. There is now need of much prayer. Christ commands "Pray without ceasing;" that is, keep the mind uplifted to God, the source of all power and efficiency. Review and Herald, vol. 3, p. 444

The mighty power of the Holy Spirit works an entire transformation in the character of the human agent, making him a new creature in Christ Jesus. When a man is filled with the Spirit, the more severely he is tested and tried, the more clearly he proves that he is a representative of Christ. The peace that dwells in the soul is seen on the countenance. The words and actions express the love of the Saviour. There is no striving for the highest place. Self is renounced. The name of Jesus is written on all that is said and done. Review and Herald, vol. 4, p. 423 or SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 1117

THE LATTER RAIN WILL NOT FALL

ON THOSE WHO ARE NOT ENGAGED

IN GIVING THE THREE ANGELS' MESSAGES

Many who claim to be children of God are only a burden to the church. God has given them capabilities which, if properly used, would enable them to be a great help in His work. He expects them to be colaborers with Christ. Their inexcusable indolence is causing them to be recorded in the books of heaven as unfaithful servants. The "well done" will be spoken to those only who are earnest, faithful workers.

Shall this state of indifference continue from year to year? Are we looking forward to the latter rain, confidently hoping for a better day, when the church shall be endued with power from on high, and thus be fitted for work? The latter rain will never refresh and invigorate the indolent, who do not use the powers God has given them. Is Christ always to be disappointed in the beings He has redeemed at an infinite cost? Review and Herald, vol. 5, p. 239

Every truly converted soul will be intensely desirous to bring others from the darkness of error into the marvelous light of the righteousness of Jesus Christ. The great outpouring of the Spirit of God, which lightens the whole earth with His glory, will not come until we have an enlightened people, that know by experience what it means to be laborers together with God. When we have entire, whole-hearted consecration to the service of Christ, God will recognize the fact by an outpouring of His Spirit without measure; but this will not be while the largest portion of the church are not laborers together with God.

God cannot pour out His Spirit when selfishness and self-indulgence are so manifest; when a spirit prevails that, if put into words, would express that spirit of Cain,—"Am I my brother's keeper?" If the truth for this time, if the signs that are thickening on every hand, that testify that the end of all things is at hand, are not sufficient to arouse the sleeping energy of those who profess to know the truth, then darkness proportionate to the light which has been shining will overtake these souls.

There is not the semblance of an excuse for their indifference that they will be able to present to God in the great day of final reckoning. There will be no reason to offer as to why they did not live and walk and work in the light of the sacred truth of the word of God, and thus reveal to a sin-darkened world, through their conduct, their sympathy, and their zeal, that the power and the reality of the gospel could not be controverted. Review and Herald, vol. 3, p. 377

If the lay members of the church will arouse to do the work that they can do, going on a warfare at their own charges, each seeing how much he can accomplish in winning souls to Jesus, we shall see many leaving the ranks of Satan to stand under the banner of Christ. If our people will act upon the light that is given in these few words of instruction, we shall surely see of the salvation of God. Wonderful revivals will follow. Sinners will be converted, and many souls will be added to the church. When we bring our hearts into unity with Christ, and our lives into harmony with His work, the Spirit that fell on the disciples on the Day of Pentecost will fall on us. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 246

The first disciples went forth preaching the word. They revealed Christ in their lives. And the Lord worked with them, "confirming the word with signs following." Mark 16:20. These disciples prepared themselves for their work. Before the Day of Pentecost they met together, and put away all differences. They were of one accord. They believed Christ's promise that the blessing would be given, and they prayed in faith. They did not ask for a blessing for themselves merely; they were weighted with the burden for the salvation of souls. The gospel was to be carried to the uttermost parts of the earth, and they claimed the endowment of power that Christ had promised. Then it was that the Holy Spirit was poured out, and thousands were converted in a day.

So it may be now . Instead of man's speculations, let the word of God be preached. Let Christians put away their dissensions, and give themselves to God for the saving of the lost. Let them in faith ask for the blessing, and it will come. The outpouring of the Spirit in apostolic days was the "former rain," and glorious was the result. But the "latter rain" will be more abundant. Joel 2:23. Desire of Ages, p. 827

The end of all things is at hand. God is moving upon every mind that is open to receive the impressions of His Holy Spirit. He is sending out messengers that they may give the warning in every locality. God is testing the devotion of His churches and their willingness to render obedience to the Spirit's guidance. Knowledge is to be increased. The messengers of Heaven are to be seen running to and fro, seeking in every possible way to warn the people of the coming judgments and presenting the glad tidings of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

The standard of righteousness is to be exalted. The Spirit of God is moving upon men's hearts, and those who respond to its influence will become lights in the world. Everywhere they are seen going forth to communicate to others the light they have received as they did after the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. And as they let their light shine, they receive more and more of the Spirit's power. The earth is lightened with the glory of God. My Life Today, p. 63

UNITY IN CHRIST NEEDED

When we bring our hearts into unity with Christ, and our lives into harmony with His work, the Spirit that fell on the disciples on the Day of Pentecost will fall on us. Review and Herald, vol. 4, p. 533 or Evangelism, pp. 697, 698

If God's professed people would receive the light as it shines upon them from His word, they would reach that unity for which Christ prayed, that which the apostle describes, "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:3. Great Controversy, p. 379

We are to be brought into a sacred nearness with the world's Redeemer. We are to be one with Christ, as He is one with the Father. What a wonderful change the people of God experience in coming into unity with the Son of God! We are to have our tastes, inclinations, ambitions, and passions all subdued, and brought into harmony with the mind and spirit of Christ. This is the very work that the Lord is willing to do for those who believe in Him. Our life and deportment are to have a molding power in the world. The spirit of Christ is to have a controlling influence over the lives of His followers, so that they will speak and act like Jesus. Review and Herald, vol. 2, p. 315 or My Life Today, p. 252

We can talk about unity, but mere humanistic unity and coming into harmony with one other, is not what is needed. We must become united to Christ. As He was one with the Father, so are we to be united to Him. Then Jesus' prayer to the Father can become a reality: "The glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one." John 17:22.

Apart from true unity with Christ, we deceive ourselves in thinking that unity in the church can prepare us for the infilling of the Holy Spirit. The fact is that the unity popular today is based on the spiritualistic deception of dwelling upon a love that "is degraded into a weak sentimentalism, making little distinction between good and evil. God's justice, His denunciations of sin, the requirements of His holy law, are all kept out of sight." Great Controversy, p. 558

Unity based on Christianity, not churchianity, is our great need. With our life hid with Christ, each thought, word, and action, will be controlled by the Holy Spirit. Then it is that church shall be a holy temple unto the Lord, prepared for the Spirit's outpouring.

We have a testing message to give, and I am instructed to say to our people, "Unify, unify." But we are not to unify with those who are departing from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. With our hearts sweet and kind and true, we are to go forth to proclaim the message, giving no heed to those who lead away from the truth. Selected Messages, vol. 3, p. 412

Let us ever remember while are to seek for unity and the bond of peace. "The secret of unity is found in the equality of believers in Christ." Selected Messages, vol. 1, p. 259

As each believer seeks for the precious Saviour then we each are on equal footing before God and man. And as men separate from Christ then separation takes place or just as bad, false unity appears. "The reason for all division, discord, and difference is found in separation from Christ." ibid. And we know that none separated from Christ shall receive His Spirit in power. Therefore it is time to seek the Lord and in seeking Him we shall discover unity and the Holy Spirit's power.

SELF-RENUNCIATION AND PRAYER ARE ESSENTIAL

The servants of God may wear out their lives in service for you without result unless you cooperate with them. Unless you make determined efforts for yourselves, the Holy Spirit will not come upon you, and the results seen after the outpouring of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost will not be seen among you. Who now, I ask, will make a determined effort to obtain the higher education? Review and Herald, vol. 5, p. 514

We are to seek most earnestly to be of one mind, of one purpose. The baptism of the Holy Spirit, and nothing less, can bring us to this place. Let us by self-renunciation prepare our hearts to receive the Holy Spirit that a great work may be done for us, so that we can say, not, "See what I am doing," but, "Behold the goodness and love of God!" Review and Herald, vol. 4, p. 422

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

"Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain." Do not rest satisfied that in the ordinary course of the season, rain will fall. Ask for it. The growth and perfection of the seed rests not with the husbandman. God alone can ripen the harvest. But man's cooperation is required. God's work for us demands the action of our mind, the exercise of our faith. We must seek His favors with the whole heart if the showers of grace are to come to us. We should improve every opportunity of placing ourselves in the channel of blessing. Review and Herald, vol. 3, p. 443

Let the many ministers of Christ sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly, and seek God while He is to be found. Call upon Him while you are now lying at the foot of the cross of Calvary. Divest yourselves of all pride and as representative guardians of the churches, weep between the porch and the altar, and cry "Spare Thy people, Lord, and give not Thine heritage to reproach. Take from us what Thou wilt, but withhold not Thy Holy Spirit from us, Thy people." Pray, oh, pray for the outpouring of the Spirit of God! Selected Messages, vol. 3, p. 189

What is the experience we should seek and pray for at this hour?

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up. James 4:7-10

This is the experience born of a soul submitted to the Spirit's control. Notice, however, that prayer for the latter rain is not for victory over sin, but for power to present the message.

We should pray as earnestly for the decent of the Holy Spirit as the disciples prayed on the Day of Pentecost. If they needed it at that time, we need it more today. Moral darkness, like a funeral pall, covers the earth. All manner of false doctrines, heresies, and satanic deceptions are misleading the minds of men. Without the Spirit and power of God, it will be in vain that we labor to present the truth. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 158

If the experience of victory is to be gained under the influence of the early rain, then for what purpose is the latter rain given?

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Acts 4:31, 33

The Spirit of the Almighty is moving upon men's hearts, and those who respond to its influence become witnesses for God and His truth. In many places consecrated men and woman may be seen communicating to others the light that has made plain to them the way of salvation through Christ. And as they continue to let their light shine, as did those who were baptized with the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, they receive more and still more of the Spirit's power. Thus the earth is to be lightened with the glory of God. Acts of the Apostles, p. 54

Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the warning will be given.…

The message will be carried not so much by argument as by the deep conviction of the Spirit of God .... Now the rays of light penetrate everywhere, the truth is seen in its clearness, and the honest children of God sever the bands which have held them. Family connections, church relations, are powerless to stay them now. Truth is more precious than all besides. Notwithstanding the agencies combined against the truth, a large number take their stand upon the Lord's side. Great Controversy, p. 612

Many such will be seen hurrying hither and thither, constrained by the Spirit of God to bring the light to others. The truth, the word of God, is as a fire in their bones, filling them with a burning desire to enlighten those who sit in darkness. Many, even among the uneducated, now proclaim the words of the Lord. Children are impelled by the Spirit to go forth and declare the message from heaven. The Spirit is poured out upon all who will yield to its promptings, and, casting off all man's machinery, his binding rules and cautious methods, they will declare the truth with the might of the Spirit's power. Multitudes will receive the faith and join the armies of the Lord. Review and Herald, vol. 3, p. 275 or Evangelism, p. 700

As the time comes for it [the message of the third angel] to be given with greatest power, the Lord will work through humble instruments, leading the minds of those who consecrate themselves to His service. The laborers will be qualified rather by the unction of His Spirit than by the training of literary institutions.

Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy zeal, declaring the words which God gives them. The sins of Babylon will be laid open. The fearful results of enforcing the observances of the church by civil authority, the inroads of spiritualism, the stealthy but rapid progress of the papal power—all will be unmasked. By these solemn warnings the people will be stirred. Thousands upon thousands will listen who have never heard words like these. Great Controversy, p. 606

Under the showers of the latter rain the inventions of man, the human machinery, will at times be swept away, the boundary of man's authority will be as broken reeds, and the Holy Spirit will speak through the living, human agent, with convincing power. No one then will watch to see if the sentences are well rounded off, if the grammar is faultless. The living water will flow in God's own channels. Selected Messages, vol. 2, pp. 58, 59

I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth with great power. It had effect. Many had been bound; some wives by their husbands, and some children by their parents. The honest who had been prevented from hearing the truth now eagerly laid hold upon it. All fear of their relatives was gone, and the truth alone was exalted to them. They had been hungering and thirsting for truth; it was dearer and more precious than life. 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, p. 271

COUNTERFEITING THE WORK OF GOD

In the early part of this century, in the midst of the alpha of apostasy, Ellen White penned the following prophecy, which reaches down to our day and the omega of apostasy:

The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-day Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our faith, and engaging in a process of reorganization. Were this reformation to take place, what would result? The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church, would be discarded. Our religion would be changed. The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as error.

A new organization would be established. Books of a new order would be written. A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced. The founders of this system would go into the cities, and do a wonderful work. The Sabbath, of course, would be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it. Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement. The leaders would teach that virtue is better than vice, but God being removed, they would place their dependence on human power, which, without God, is worthless. Their foundation would be built on the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure. Series B, No. 2, pp. 54, 55 (1904) or Selected Messages, vol. 1, pp. 204, 205

Would not large accessions into our churches constitute the fulfillment of the prophecy "go into the cities, and do a wonderful work?" Should church-growth programs that bring in large numbers, but often at the expense of lowered standards of understanding and personal piety, cause us to rejoice because God is working mightily for us, or should it cause us concern?

To answer this question, let us read the inspired history of the Advent movement during the proclamation of the first and second angels' messages.

Everywhere the searching testimony was heard, warning sinners, both worldlings and church members, to flee from the wrath to come. Like John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, the preachers laid the ax at the root of the tree and urged all to bring forth fruit meet for repentance. Their stirring appeals were in marked contrast to the assurances of peace and safety that were heard from popular pulpits; and wherever the message was given, it moved the people.

The simple, direct testimony of the Scriptures, set home by the power of the Holy Spirit, brought a weight of conviction which few were able wholly to resist. Professors of religion were roused from their false security. They saw their backslidings, their worldliness and unbelief, their pride and selfishness. Many sought the Lord with repentance and humiliation. The affections that had so long clung to earthly things they now fixed upon heaven. The Spirit of God rested upon them, and with hearts softened and subdued they joined to sound the cry: "Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come."

Sinners inquired with weeping: "What must I do to be saved?" Those whose lives had been marked with dishonesty were anxious to make restitution. All who found peace in Christ longed to see others share the blessing. The hearts of parents were turned to their children, and the hearts of children to their parents. The barriers of pride and reserve were swept away. Great Controversy, p. 369

Like a tidal wave the movement swept over the land.… It bore the characteristics that mark the work of God in every age. There was little ecstatic joy, but rather deep searching of heart,confession of sin, and forsaking of the world. A preparation to meet the Lord was the burden of agonizing spirits. There was persevering prayer and unreserved consecration to God. Great Controversy, pp. 400, 401

These signs of conversion should be manifest today, for they are the fruits of a genuine message from God. These are the fruits of a work blessed of the Spirit. However, is this the case today?

But many of the revivals of modern times have presented a marked contrast to those manifestations of divine grace which in earlier days followed the labors of God's servants. It is true that a widespread interest is kindled, many profess conversion, and there are large accessions to the churches; nevertheless the results are not such as to warrant the belief that there has been a corresponding increase of real spiritual life. The light which flames up for a time soon dies out, leaving the darkness more dense than before.

Popular revivals are too often carried by appeals to the imagination, by exciting the emotions, by gratifying the love for what is new and startling. Converts thus gained have little desire to listen to Bible truth, little interest in the testimony of prophets and apostles.

Unless a religious service has something of a sensational character, it has no attractions for them. A message which appeals to unimpassioned reason awakens no response. The plain warnings of God's word, relating directly to their eternal interests are unheeded.

With every truly converted soul the relation to God and to eternal things will be the great topic of life. But where, in the popular churches of today, is the spirit of consecration to God? The converts do not renounce their pride and love of the world. They are no more willing to deny self, to take up the cross, and follow the meek and lowly Jesus, than before their conversion. Religion has become the sport of infidels and skeptics because so many who bear its name are ignorant of its principles. The power of godliness has well-nigh departed from many of the churches. Great Controversy, p. 463

Many of the recent church-growth programs are patterned after ideas from the School of World Mission and Institute of Church Growth at Fuller Theological Seminary. In addition, the emphasis on Adventist awareness advertising is nothing less than a Spiritless, faithless reliance upon salesmanship and promotional techniques based on man's mind and not God's mind. How is it that the world can teach us how to give the three angels' messages? It cannot!

How is it that by television and radio spots the advertising industry can give the three angels' messages? It cannot! We are told that God will give us favor before the world until our work is done. Let us trust God and bear His message, "fear God and give glory to Him for the hour of His judgment is come." The world is dying for want of God's servants to arise and shine; let us not hide our light under the bushel of worldly conformity. What has happened to the call to come out of Babylon? Have we surrendered our holy, God-ordained message?

Whereas…voted…departmental plan…to create a public image… set salvation within the reach of the multitudes, to share emphasis of the noncontroversial truths shared in common with all Christianity. See Review and Herald, December 18, 1969, pp. 16-20.

God says:

We are as a people in danger of giving the third angel's message in such an indefinite manner that it does not impress the people.… Our message is a life-and-death message, and we must let this message appear as it is,—the great power of God. Then the Lord will make it effectual. We are to present it in all its telling force. Evangelism, p. 230

Satan has devised a state of things whereby the proclamation of the third angel's message shall be bound about. We must beware of his plans and methods. There must be no toning down of the truth, no muffling of the message for this time. The third angel's message must be strengthened and confirmed. The eighteenth chapter of Revelation reveals the importance of presenting the truth in no measured terms but with boldness and power.… There has been too much beating about the bush in the proclamation of the third angel's message. The message has not been given as clearly and distinctly as it should have been. Evangelism, p. 230

The destiny of souls hangs upon the acceptance or rejection of the first, second, and third angels' messages. Truly the blood of souls is upon our hands if we do not bear faithful testimony to the truth. How does the Lord view the matter of lowered standards and shunning of the whole counsel of God?

The accession of members who have not been renewed in heart and reformed in life is a source of weakness to the church. This fact is often ignored. Some ministers and churches are so desirous of securing an increase of numbers that they do not bear faithful testimony against unchristian habits and practices. Those who accept the truth are not taught that they cannot safely be worldlings in conduct while they are Christians in name.

Heretofore they were Satan's subjects; henceforth they are to be subjects of Christ. The life must testify to the change of leaders. Public opinion favors a profession of Christianity. Little self-denial or self-sacrifice is required in order to put on a form of godliness and to have one's name enrolled upon the church book. Hence many join the church without first becoming united to Christ. In this Satan triumphs. Such converts are his most efficient agents. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 172

It is the virtue, intelligence, and piety of the people composing our churches, not their numbers that should be the source of joy and thankfulness. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 32

Conformity to the world is a sin which is sapping the spirituality of our people and seriously interfering with their usefulness. It is idle to proclaim the warning message to the world, while we deny it in the transactions of daily life. Evangelism, pp. 271, 272

Our numbers are constantly increasing, and our vigilance and zeal to keep the fort are steadily decreasing. If they will open their eyes, all may see whither these things are tending. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 649

Success does not depend upon strength or numbers. God can deliver by few as well as by many. A large church is not necessarily a strong church. Some of its members may be cherishing selfishness, pride, or unbelief; some may be dishonest, others corrupt in heart and life. All these are a source of weakness to the church. They bring the frown of God upon His people, and the great adversary will work through them to advance his own cause. Signs of the Times, vol. 1, p. 239

Many who imitate the customs and fashions of the world claim that they do this in order to have an influence with worldlings. But here they make a sad and fatal mistake. If they would have a true and saving influence, let them live out their profession, show their faith by their righteous works, and make wide the distinction between the Christian and the world. Review and Herald, vol. 1, p. 344

How does the enemy of all truth view this matter?

I saw a very large company professing the name of Christ, but God did not recognize them as His. He had no pleasure in them. Satan seemed to assume a religious character and was very willing that the people should think they were Christians. He was even anxious that they should believe in Jesus, His crucifixion, and His resurrection.

Satan and his angels fully believe all this themselves, and tremble. But if this faith does not provoke to good works, and lead those who profess it to imitate the self-denying life of Christ, Satan is not disturbed; for they merely assume the Christian name, while their hearts are still carnal, and he can use them in his service even better than if they made no profession. Early Writings, p. 227

By God's grace may we seek for repentance and reformation. Let us again take up the three angels' messages, first by experience, and then by proclamation, for the true presentation of these life-and-death messages will alone answer to the harvest message.

THE TRAGEDY OF LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

LATTER RAIN FOR AN

EXPERIENCE OF CLEANSING

Soon the cry will be heard "behold the bridegroom cometh." What shall happen to those foolish virgins who have neglected the work of preparation?

I was shown that if God's people make no efforts on their part, but wait for the refreshing to come upon them and remove their wrongs and correct their errors; if they depend upon that to cleanse them from filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and fit them to engage in the loud cry of the third angel, they will be found wanting. The refreshing or power of God comes only on those who have prepared themselves for it by doing the work which God bids them, namely, cleansing themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 619

Many have in a great measure failed to receive the former rain. They have not obtained all the benefits that God has thus provided for them. They expect that the lack will be supplied by the latter rain. When the richest abundance of grace shall be bestowed, they intend to open their hearts to receive it. They are making a terrible mistake.… If we do not progress, if we do not place ourselves in an attitude to receive both the former and the latter rain, we shall lose our souls, and the responsibility will lie at our own door. Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 507, 508

On the other hand, there are some who, instead of wisely improving present opportunities, are idly waiting for some special season of spiritual refreshing by which their ability to enlighten others will be greatly increased. They neglect present duties and privileges, and allow their light to burn dim, while they look forward to a time when, without any effort on their part, they will be made the recipients of special blessing, by which they will be transformed and fitted for service.…

But unless the members of God's church today have a living connection with the Source of all spiritual growth, they will not be ready for the time of reaping. Unless they keep their lamps trimmed and burning, they will fail of receiving added grace in times of special need. Acts of the Apostles, pp. 54, 55

The consistent refusal to enter by faith into the experience God is offering us, will lead us to the point where light will become darkness to us.

The baptism of the Holy Ghost as on the Day of Pentecost will lead to a revival of true religion and to the performance of many wonderful works. Heavenly intelligences will come among us, and men will speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Spirit of God. But should the Lord work upon men as He did on and after the day of Pentecost, many who now claim to believe the truth would know so very little of the operation of the Holy Spirit that they would cry, "Beware of fanaticism." They would say of those who were filled with the Spirit, "These men are full of new wine."

The time is not far off now when men will want a much closer relation to Christ, a much closer union with His Holy Spirit, than ever they have had, or will have, unless they give up their will and their way, and submit to God's will and God's way. The great sin of those who profess to be Christians is that they do not open the heart to receive the Holy Spirit. When souls long after Christ, and seek to become one with Him, then those who are content with the form of godliness, exclaim "Be careful, do not go to extremes." When the angels of heaven come among us, and work through human agents, there will be solid, substantial conversions, after the order of the conversions after the Day of Pentecost. Selected Messages, vol. 2, p. 57

The third angel's message will not be comprehended, the light which will lighten the earth with its glory will be called a false light, by those who refuse to walk in its advancing glory. The work that might have been done, will be left undone by the rejecters of truth, because of their unbelief. Review and Herald, vol. 2, p. 397

There is to be in the churches a wonderful manifestation of the power of God, but it will not move upon those who have not humbled themselves before the Lord, and opened the door of the heart by confession and repentance. In the manifestation of that power which lightens the earth with the glory of God, they will see only something which in their blindness they think dangerous, something which will arouse their fears, and they will brace themselves to resist it.

Because the Lord does not work according to their ideas and expectations, they will oppose the work. "Why," they say, "should not we know the Spirit of God, when we have been in the work so many years?"—Because they did not respond to the warnings, the entreaties of the messages of God, but persistently said, "I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing." Review and Herald, vol. 2, p. 454

Each one of us is capable of rejecting light and standing in the way of the mighty workings of God. Our only safety is to fortify the mind with the truth. Our only safety is to cling to Christ. May we seek the Lord today for His safekeeping, is my hope and prayer.

In the light of the king's [Jesus'] countenance is life; and His favour is as a cloud of the latter rain. Proverbs 16:15

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. James 5:7, 8