The Latter Rain's Onset and Closure, An 1888 Loud Cry
Sister Sabbay (December 2, 2008)
SDA Writer's Corner
What is a New Covenant Experience ?
As a fourth generation Seventh-day Adventist, I find it urgent that the topic of the Early and Latter rain be studied routinely. Purposefully, the Latter rain (the Fourth Angel's message Revelations 18:1-4) provides an outpouring of righteous teachings, flowing through righteous Loud Cry messengers; for the Sealing and Sanctification of God's people (Joel 2:23, Romans 8:30, Eph 4:30, James 5:7, Rev 7:1-4). Historically, we know that the Early and Former Rain, The Holy Spirit's Outpouring, began in 31AD following the resurrection of Christ. Additionally we understand that the Day of Pentecost, the Former Rain, occurred fifty days following the Messiah's resurrection (precisely seven Sabbaths after His resurrection). The Day of Pentecost thus was an earthly symbol of Christ's coronation in Heaven; His inauguration into the Heavenly Priesthood (Psalms 110:4; Daniel 8:14, Acts 2:1-5; Hebrews 6:20, 8:3-4, Revelations 1:11-13,20;14:7, Great Controversy pg 352-353). Christ's coronation in Heaven, manifested as the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, was an anti-type of Aaron's typical earthly coronation into the Priesthood (Psalms 133:2). Praise God, as Christ's Victory at the Cross is a Joyous Event for all mankind HALLEJUAH, HALLEJUAH, HALLEJUAH (John 19:30).
One MUST constantly work on perfecting character, as it is imperative and the Word teaches such (Matt 5:48, 1John 3:9). The year 2008, a serious time for our generation, has provided signs that point to the imminent passing of the Enforced National Sunday Law, the forthcoming Mark of the Beast (Rev 13:11-18). Powerful/Elite Protestant Entities in America will become the image of the Roman Catholic Church's Papacy, reinstating the laws of Sunday law persecution (Rev 13:11-18). The National Sunday Law by definition will begin and apply to the United States of America, later becoming globally standardized, while the world welcomes a cashless system, a NEW WORLD ORDER. America, with it's tremendous Power and Influence, as per the scriptures, written by John the Revelator, will allow the Papacy to reestablish Sunday as a Persecutory law (Rev 13:14), THE MARK OF THE BEAST.
Video: "The Loud Cry" by Dr. Walter Veith
The Mark of the Beast, ENFORCED Sunday Pagan Worship, having "no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image" [Romanism & Protestant Entities] (Rev 13:11-18, Rev 14:9-11), will cause a loss of purchasing power for God's chosen, 7th-day Sabbath Keepers. However, the Creator will provide resources for His own "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna..." coriander seed, honey wafers (Exo 16:31, John 6:58, Rev 2:17). "He shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall besure". (Isaiah 33:16). The Ten Commandments, a legal and binding Heavenly governmental ordinance, will be a last day constitutional mandate, maintained by God's chosen (Exo 20, Rev 14:12). Spiritual Babylonians will be a tool by satan, persecuting the remnant of Christ's seed (Rev 12:17). Ecumenicalism, a disguised method of passing this National Sunday law, will pose a serious threat to 7th-day Sabbath-Keepers who will seek reassurance from the Messiah, who overcame the World (John 16:33). Be encouraged, as persecution will purify the faithful body of Christ (Mal 3:1-3, Tit 2:11-15, Rev 14:1-5), reserving their seat at the throne of God (Rev 3:21).
Full Manuscript: American State Papers, Bearing on Sunday Legislation, Dormant Persecutory Laws
Historically, the Three Angel's Messages (Rev 14:6-12) have left their mark, each Angel, reserving a space in Earth's history. The first Angel's message occurred in 1831, (Great Controversy p 331) the Second Angel's Message in 1844 (Summer) , (Great Controversy p 389) and the Third Angel's Message in 1844 (Fall) (Great Controversy p 432). Herein lies our focus for this study, as the Loud Cry of the Third Angel's message is where we stand today in 2008. The onset of the Loud Cry Message, 1888, set forth the occurence of Latter Rain, an Outpouring of the Holy Spirit, sent to revive the Seventh-day Adventist Church of its Laodicean condition which existed since 1859 (Testimonies For The Church Vol 1, p 185-186). Thus, it remains IMPERATIVE that we study to shew ourselves approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15). We must search the scriptures daily for light and knowledge, as "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple" (Psalms 119:130, 1 Selected Messages 359.2). Once God's chosen begin to study diligently, the enemy, Satan, will make every effort to attempt to shut out their light, thus it is imperative that our hearts be filled with the Word, Christ the Messiah (Gal 4:19, Col 1:27).
As time advances and God’s people seek to edify the populous about the New Covenant Experience and the True Witness, Christ Jesus the ELIJAH MESSAGE becomes such an important focus (Mal 4:5,6). The remnant, people of God, are given a reformatory message similar to Elijah, who preached to Ahab and Jezebel. Elijah’s message is related to our End Time messages of revival and reformation, calling the people of God back to the Divinity of God, repentant in nature. John the Baptist, a righteous martyr, preached the Elijah Message, as the people of God need to preach this same message (Matt 3:2,3; Matt 11:9-15).
The precious message of Justification by Faith presented at the General Conference in Minneapolis in 1888 set forth the beginning of the Loud Cry Message (Romans 5:1, Testimonies to Ministers p. 91,92). Thus we understand that exactly fourty-four years following Christ's entrance into the Most Holy Place (Oct 22, 1844), at the end of the 2300 year prophecy, we were sent a POWERFUL message from God. Undoubtedly, we are in the anti-typical day of atonement: Christ is our Passover Lamb (1Cor 5:7). Such a message, represented at a Camp Meeting in Rome, New York, is a message of God, bearing divine credentials " for its fruit is unto holiness" Review and Herald Sept 3, 1889, 1 Selected Messages 359.1). To Sanctify means to make Holy, thus God expects nothing less than our advancement in holiness, through the Righteousness of Christ (Phil 3:9).
Event: 1888 Minneapolis General Conferece
The Review and Herald (Sept 3,1889) described God's Justification by Faith Message, as WATER, quenching the thirst of those who eagerly sought the Messiah's provisions, highlighting the fact that "the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us, not because of any merit on our part, but as a free gift from God...". Such a blessing to know that our (Food) Manna, the Word of God, is sure, as we, God's children are promised coriander seed, honey wafers (Exo 16:31, John 6:58, Rev 2:17). Thus, we being fed the Heavenly MANNA must develop a geniune hatred or abhorrence for sin (Review and Herald March 18, 1890).
The Latter rain and the Loud Cry at its onset of 1888, a revival unprecedented, taught of the Messiah's glory and honor, magnifying the name of the Son of God and His Character, the Ten Commandments (Exo 20).Those teaching that the Ten Commandments are to be erased are in error and will be held accountable for such actions, as Christ's Ten Commandments, a legal and binding Heavenly governmental ordinance, will be a last day constitutional mandate, maintained by God's chosen, (Exo 20, Rev 14:12). Spiritual Babylonians will be a tool by satan, persecuting the remnant of Christ's seed (Rev 12:17). Be encouraged, as persecution will purify the faithful body of Christ (Mal 3:1-3, Tit 2:11-15, Rev 14:1-5), reserving their seat at the throne of God (Rev 3:21).
In 1889 at Battle Creek, Michigan's General Conference approximately a year following the beginning of the Latter Rain's visitation upon the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Holy Spirit appeared to have departed (1 Selected Messages 361.1). God wants all to look unto Jesus who is the Author and Finisher of all things (Hebrews 12:2). Character perfecting is ESSENTIAL, as the Messiah's Character, must be our character, and all excellence is found in Him, as we "keep pace with the Third Angel's Message" (Manuscript 10, 1889, 1 Selected Messages 362.1). This hallmark of the Loud Cry Message, the Latter Rain, beginning in 1888, alerts God's chosen to the seriousness of the times. The Loud Cry Message, the Latter Rain, is a warning for all to "lift up Jesus, to present Him to the world as revealed in types, as shadowed in symbols, as manifested in the revelations of the prophets, as unveiled in the lessons given to His disciples and in the wonderful miracles wrought for the sons of men". The Righteousness of Christ is our only hope, enabling us to stand during the time of trouble along with Jacob's time of trouble ( Review and Herald Nov. 22, 1892).
The Loud Cry of the Third Angel's message was recapitulated by the Fourth Angel with added power and glory (Rev 18:1-4). The Latter rain teaches of Christ's atonement for our sins, as He bore the curse of the law (Gal 4:4). As Overcomers, by grace through genuine faith, we can be Victorious over sin, perfecting Christian characters, through the Righteousness of Christ, as whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. As we seek to gain Salvation from the Merits of Christ, our soul will make progress, preserving our Salvation plan. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Matt 5:48, John 3:16, Heb 11:6, Eph 2:8, Phil 3:9, 1Thess 5:23).
God the Father, the Husbandman and Pruner, will effect the process of purging all character defects that interfere with our advancement in Sanctification (John 15:1-7). The purpose of purging is to bring forth more fruit. As Christians, anything preventing the reproduction of the fruit of the Spirit will be purged by the Husbandman, God the Father (John 15:1). Gal 5:16-26 edifies that if we are walking in the flesh then the Spirit will not be reproduced. If we are walking in the flesh then a Spiritual walk is denied access and fulfillment. An unconverted person will manifest the works of the flesh. The purging process is to remove the unchrist-like characteristics (Gal 5:16-21). Anything that is not within the fruits of the Spirit is within the works of the flesh. All fleshly traits even that which is hidden from our view must be given up, purged, crucified (Gal 2:20). Purging is a cleansing process only active within an abiding relationship with Christ.
Once we are abiding in Christ, purging will remove branches not bearing fruits. Any branch that beareth not fruits, hinders perfection of character. Trials and problems are used to purge us in our Christian walk. By focusing on Christ, the defects that hinder our character perfection will be removed by the Pruner, God the Father, the Husbandman. Whom the Lord loveth, he chaseneth (Heb 12:6). The works of the flesh must be purged out, so that the fruits of Spirit can be manifested. "My Father is the husbandman", thus it is God the Father that does the purging (John 15:1). Skillfully, God removes the sin from our lives, by grace through faith, as we faithfully trust in Him (Eph 2:8). God will remove all that He needs to remove. We need not fight against the providence of the Lord. Trials, a providence, enables the purifying process (Mal 3:1-3, Titus 2:14). Thus, by grace through faith and sanctification we must thank God for trials and tribulation. We must first be born again through the promises of God. Sufficient grace is given to a child born of God, overcoming sin (1John 3:9). Righteousness, virtue and knowledge are taught in 2 Peter 3:18, illustrating a process of sanctified advancement ( Romans 8:30). 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 (James 5:7 KJV).
HOW CAN WE DETERMINE THAT THE LATTER RAIN WILL BRING GOD'S HARVEST TO THE MEASURE OF THE STATURE OF THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST (EPH 4:13)?
The Scriptures clearly direct God's true remnant to pray for the latter rain. "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.' 'He will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain" (Review and Herald, March 2, 1897).
The Third Angel's message swelled into a Loud Cry beginning in 1888. We must not feel at liberty to neglect our present duty, as today we are to have our vessels 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.
"Instead of living in expectation of some special season of excitement, we are wisely to improve present opportunities, doing that which must be done in order that souls may be saved. Instead of exhausting the powers of our mind in speculations in regard to the times and seasons which the Lord has placed in His own power, and withheld from men, we are to yield ourselves to the control of the Holy Spirit, to do present duties, to give the bread of life, unadulterated with human opinions, to souls who are perishing for the truth" (Review and Herald, March 22, 1892).
As we approach Christ, our intercessor, sincerely at the throne of mercy we must pray for the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit:
Gal 5:22,23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Mar 4:28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
We accomplish this by walking righteously in the Spirit and Faith of Christ, our Redeemer, manifesting the character of God, Overcoming the world; guided by the Ten commandments, the Decalogue (Exo 20, John16:33).
Jas 2:12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
The former rain was not fully received, as many felt that Christ's return would compensate for the lack of human Character which is erroneous:
As we seek the latter rain, we must continue to allow the Holy Spirit to work on refining our hearts. Solely, the Holy Spirit can ripen the harvest. Through ongoing faith in Christ, our Savior, we can continue to find joy and pleasure, as we refine our minds and hearts. We must sincerely attempt to gain confidence in the Holy Spirit, by faith as Abraham. The latter rain as promised will come, if we continue to pray and seek Christ, in our diligent work, focusing on edifying families, the burden of souls (Matt 28:19); spreading the Everlasting Gospel to all the world (Rev 14:6,7). God wishes that no one would be lost.
Overcomers in these end times will be fueled by the Holy Spirit's Early and Latter rain (Jer 5:24, Zech 10:1, James 5:7), bringing God's Harvest to the "Measure of the Stature of the fullness of Christ" (Eph 4:13). Our focus, the manifestation of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23), as we "take on the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the WORD OF GOD" (Eph 6:17). The church of Philadelphia is true Adventism. As we prepare for the Latter Rain (James 5:7), embracing the return of Christ, true sincere believers must focus on becoming harvest ripe, perfecting Christ-like characters. Harvest ripe by biblical definition entails a process of establishing ..."first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear"(Mark 4:26-29). "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" (Act 3:19). Once our christ-like Characters have become converted and faultless, we have reached the stage of "the ear" , poised for the showers of the Spiritually enriching latter rain (Zech 10:1, James 5:7).
Video: "1844 and the Final Onslaught" by Dr. Walter Veith
The body of Christ (Eph 4:12,13), the harvest, needs to earnestly pray for the latter rain:
Deu 11:14 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 in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.
Pro 16:15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain.
Video: "Out of the Cities Part 1" by Elder Westbrook
Jer 5:24 Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest.
Hos 6:3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.
Joe 2:23 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.
Video: "Out of the Cities Part 2" by Elder Westbrook
Zec 10:1 Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.
Jas 5:7 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.
God wants us to be consecrated to His service, each hour, concerned about the refining of our characters, praying and sharing truth with every nation, kindred, tongue and people (Rev 14:6,7). Our commitment to God must be a focus that is undying, assisting us with the dispensation of the Eternal Word, the Power, Wisdom and Love; charateristics of the Godhead, the Everlasting Gospel (Deut 6:4; Proverbs 8:22-36;John 1:1-3,14; Romans 1:16,17,20; 5:1-5).
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Reference: Review and Herald Various Dates as cited above
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