Preparing for the Latter Rain: A Spiritual Q&A

Preparing to receive the latter rain requires a deep work of heart-cleansing, the death of self, and the reaching of a high standard of Christian perfection through the grace of Christ. 🌧️✨

📖 Understanding the Latter Rain

What is the purpose of the latter rain?

The latter rain is the "refreshing from the presence of the Lord" Acts 3:19. Just as the "former rain" caused the seed to grow, the "latter rain" is given to ripen the harvest and prepare the people of God to stand during the final trial James 5:7+1. It gives power to the loud cry of the third angel so that the whole earth is lightened with God’s glory Revelation 18:1.

🛠️ Steps to Personal Preparation

How do we begin our preparation today?

Preparation must happen today. We are called to "seek the LORD while he may be found" and to "let the wicked forsake his way" Isaiah 55:6-7. This involves a daily, hourly crucifixion of self and the dying of the flesh with its affections and lusts Galatians 5:24.

What specific heart-work is required?

We must cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. This means emptying the heart of:

• Envy and jealousy.

• Evil-surmising and strife.

• Roots of bitterness and dissension.

We must pray for the Holy Spirit to purify us, saying, "Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it" Psalm 81:10. If we do not appreciate the "early rain" of daily conversion, we will not discern the value of the latter rain Joel 2:23.

Does our character play a role in receiving this blessing?

Yes, the latter rain will fall only upon a purified people. We must aim at perfection of character Matthew 5:48. This is not an easy matter; it is earned by individual effort through the merits of Christ and "hard, stern battles with self" 2 Timothy 4:7-8. We must be found "without fault before the throne of God" Revelation 14:5.

🤝 Unity and the Holy Spirit

Why is unity among believers so important?

The disciples were of "one accord" when the first Pentecostal outpouring occurred Acts 2:1. To receive the final outpouring, we must "love one another" as God has loved us John 13:34. We must "grudge not one against another" lest we be condemned, for the Judge stands at the door James 5:9.

What is the "Teacher of Righteousness"?

The latter rain is described as a "teacher of righteousness" Joel 2:23 margin). This means we must be ready to receive God’s message of righteousness by faith according to His idea, not our own. We must be willing to count all things loss for the "excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus" Philippians 3:8.

⏳ The Final Result

What happens once the latter rain has done its work?

When the work of the latter rain is finished and the people of God are sealed, the third angel’s message closes. Mercy no longer pleads for the guilty. Jesus ceases His intercession and makes the solemn announcement: "He that is holy, let him be holy still" Revelation 22:11. Every case is then decided for life or death.

How can we ensure our vessel is ready?

Our duty is to keep the vessel clean, "right side up," and "prepared for the reception of the heavenly rain" 2 Timothy 2:21. We must wrestle with God in prayer and humble our souls before Him Acts 1:14+1.

🌟 Summary Checklist for the Soul

• Repent and be converted so sins may be blotted out Acts 3:19.

• Seek the righteousness of Christ as a gift from heaven Isaiah 45:8.

• Discard all selfishness and let Christ be formed within Galatians 4:19.

• Pray earnestly for the baptism of the Holy Spirit Luke 11:13.

Let us set our hearts in order so that the truth of God may live in us and purify us for the coming refreshing! 🙏✨