Unfortunately, a lot of misunderstanding exists today in
regard to the person and work of the Holy Spirit—even in the church. Many do
not understand the difference between the former and the latter rain—let alone
what it means to be truly baptized by the Holy Spirit. So let’s review these
terms. Each is profoundly significant.
In the Bible, God uses the illustration of the “former and
latter rain” in successful harvesting of crops to represent the successful work
of the Holy Spirit in our life. For example, in Bible times, just as today, the
gentle rain of springtime was necessary to help the planted seed germinate and
grow. This was the “former rain.” And so it is with us. When we first recognize
our need of a Savior and come to Him in repentance, seeking forgiveness of sin
and the gift of salvation, it is evident that the “former rain” is falling upon
us, for the seed of God’s Word is coming to life in our heart. True biblical
conversion is the result of receiving the “former rain.”
However, it was the latter rain that ripened the fruit so
that it was ready to eat. In other words, the “latter rain” was necessary to
bring an abundant harvest at the end of the growing season (See Duet. 11:14).
Thus at the end of time a great corporate “latter rain” will fall on God’s
people—those with whom the initial seed has already sprung up—completing the
work of the Spirit in the believer’s life and preparing him/her to be ready for
Christ’s second coming. This “latter rain” outpouring will also enable Christ’s
followers to go forth sharing the gospel with power and glory. It’s important
to note though, that this “latter rain” outpouring will only fall on those that
have already received the “former rain.” As
Inspiration cautions us, “Unless the early showers have done their work, the
latter rain can bring no seed to perfection.”[i]
We are told that many “expect that the lack [of current spiritual power in their lives] 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. [But] they are making a terrible mistake. [Even
now] 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 greater degree, must be done now.”[ii]
Let’s pause a moment. We don’t want to miss this significant
point!
While there is a distinct “former rain” that happens at
spiritual birth, it is obvious that there has to be a continual filling or
indwelling of the Spirit in our lives day-by-day if we are going to be prepared
for the coming latter rain outpouring predicted in Joel and Acts. As a result
of this understanding, the question begs to be asked: Are we
personally—individually—asking for and receiving this daily baptism of the Holy
Spirit? Are we ready for the
Latter Rain to come?
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