Last Day Events
A. The Historical Application To the Church as a Whole
The Early Rain Came in A.D. 31 at Pentecost
In obedience to Christ's command, they [the disciples] waited in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father—the outpouring of the Spirit. They did not wait in idleness. The record says that they were “continually in the temple, praising and blessing God.” (Luke 24:53).... LDE 184.1
As the disciples waited for the fulfillment of the promise, they humbled their hearts in true repentance and confessed their unbelief.... The disciples prayed with intense earnestness for a fitness to meet men and in their daily intercourse to speak words that would lead sinners to Christ. Putting away all differences, all desire for the supremacy, they came close together in Christian fellowship.—The Acts of the Apostles, 35-37 (1911). LDE 184.2
It was after the disciples had come into perfect unity, when they were no longer striving for the highest place, that the Spirit was poured out.—Testimonies for the Church 8:20 (1904). LDE 184.3
The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the beginning of the early, or former, rain, and glorious was the result. To the end of time the presence of the Spirit is to abide with the true church.—The Acts of the Apostles, 54, 55 (1911). LDE 184.4
Consequences of the Early Rain at Pentecost
Under the influence of the Spirit, words of penitence and confession mingled with songs of praise for sins forgiven.... Thousands were converted in a day.... LDE 185.1
The Holy Spirit ... enabled them to speak with fluency languages with which they had heretofore been unacquainted.... The Holy Spirit did for them that which they could not have accomplished for themselves in a lifetime.—The Acts of the Apostles, 38-40 (1911). LDE 185.2
Their hearts were surcharged with a benevolence so full, so deep, so far-reaching, that it impelled them to go to the ends of the earth, testifying to the power of Christ.—The Acts of the Apostles, 46 (1911). LDE 185.3
What was the result of the outpouring of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost? The glad tidings of a risen Saviour were carried to the uttermost parts of the inhabited world.... The church beheld converts flocking to her from all directions. Backsliders were reconverted.... The ambition of the believers was to reveal the likeness of Christ's character and to labor for the enlargement of His kingdom.—The Acts of the Apostles, 48 (1911). LDE 185.4
The Promise of the Latter Rain
The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was “the former rain,” and glorious was the result. But the latter rain will be more abundant.—Testimonies for the Church 8:21 (1904). LDE 185.5
Near the close of earth's harvest, a special bestowal of spiritual grace is promised to prepare the church for the coming of the Son of man. This outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the falling of the latter rain.—The Acts of the Apostles, 55 (1911). LDE 186.1
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 Spirit and power of God will be poured out upon His children.—The Great Controversy, 464 (1911). LDE 186.2
The work will be similar to that of the Day of Pentecost. As the “former rain” was given, in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the opening of the gospel, to cause the upspringing of the precious seed, so the “latter rain” will be given at its close for the ripening of the harvest.—The Great Controversy, 611 (1911). LDE 186.3
The Latter Rain Will Produce the Loud Cry
At that time the “latter rain,” or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come, to give power to the loud voice of the third angel, and prepare the saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out.—Early Writings, 86 (1854). LDE 186.4
I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth with great power. It had effect.... 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, 271 (1858). LDE 186.5