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Study 05 of 16

Chapter 3—The Latter Rain

The final, powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit to ripen the harvest and empower the loud cry.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

The latter rain is the ultimate demonstration of the Holy Spirit’s power, promised to the remnant church to finish God’s work on earth. Just as the 'early rain' fell at Pentecost to germinate the seed of the gospel, the 'latter rain' falls at the end of time to ripen the harvest for the heavenly granary. This outpouring provides the spiritual strength necessary for the saints to stand during the time of trouble and gives power to the loud cry of the third angel. It is not an automatic blessing; it is given to those who have already experienced the early rain—the daily cleansing of the heart and growth in grace. The conditions for receiving this gift include a deep sense of need, earnest prayer, and the elimination of all dissensions and misunderstandings among believers. Most importantly, we must be emptied of self, for the Holy Spirit cannot fill a heart that is already full of self-idolatry. By looking to the cross and surrendering our will to Christ, we create the 'vacuum' that the Spirit longs to fill. When the church is truly united and consecrated, the power of God will be manifested in a way that exceeds even the wonders of Pentecost, bringing thousands to the light and finishing the gospel work in all the world.

Key points

  • The latter rain is the final outpouring of the Holy Spirit, analogous to the rain that ripens the harvest in Palestine.
  • Its purpose is to empower the loud cry and prepare the saints to stand through the time of trouble.
  • Receiving the latter rain requires having already experienced the early rain through daily growth and confession of sin.
  • We must be emptied of self and put away all dissensions to receive the full measure of the Spirit's power.

Key texts

  • Joel 2:23
  • Zechariah 10:1
  • Hosea 6:3

From the book

Outline 5 · Chapter 3 — The Latter Rain · Read this chapter

  • “The latter rain, falling near the close of the season, ripens the grain and prepares it for the sickle.” (book p. 56)
  • “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.” (book p. 59)
  • “There is no limit to the usefulness of one who, by putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart.” (book p. 62)

Put it into practice

  • Pray daily for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in your life and in the church.
  • Identify and confess any sins that are blocking the 'early rain' from doing its work in your heart today.
  • Make a conscious effort to resolve any misunderstandings or conflicts with fellow believers.
  1. Comprehension

    1. What is the spiritual analogy of the 'early rain' and the 'latter rain'?

  2. Scripture

    2. According to the outline, why is the latter rain necessary for the saints?

  3. Doctrinal Clarity

    3. What happens if a believer has not experienced the 'early rain'?

  4. Comprehension

    4. What are the primary conditions for receiving the latter rain?

  5. Contrast

    5. What does it mean to be 'emptied of self' in order to receive the Spirit?

  6. Doctrinal Clarity

    6. Why is the removal of dissension among believers so important for this outpouring?

  7. Scripture

    7. Is the Holy Spirit available to us now, before the final 'latter rain' event?

  8. Application

    8. How can you tell if you are currently growing in the 'early rain' experience?