Summary of “Former and Latter Rain” – Practical Sanctification Series Part 2

This message is a continuation of the “Robe of Light” series, exploring the theme of sanctification through biblical agricultural symbolism, focusing on the concepts of the former and latter rain as metaphors for spiritual growth and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Key Themes and Concepts

1. Sanctification as a Process

• Sanctification is an ongoing spiritual growth process, not a one-time event.
• It involves daily living in Christ, receiving His character, and being transformed continually.
• The message stresses the restoration of God’s creation plan through salvation.

2. Biblical Agricultural Symbolism

• Believers are likened to plants or trees planted by God (Psalm 1:3; 2 Samuel 7:10).
• Just as plants need water to grow, Christians need the Holy Spirit (the living water) to flourish spiritually (Isaiah 44:1-4).
• Growth includes fruitfulness in righteousness and obedience.

3. Former Rain and Latter Rain

• Former Rain: Represents the initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost), which prepares believers by cleansing and sanctifying them (Titus 3:5-6; Ephesians 5:26-27).
• Latter Rain: A greater, more powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit expected before the Second Coming, bringing completeness to sanctification and preparing the church as the bride of Christ (Joel 2:23; Zechariah 10:1).
• Both rains are essential; latter rain cannot be received without former rain.

4. The Church as the Woman and Army

• The church is symbolized as a woman clothed with the sun, moon, and crown of stars (Revelation 12:1; Song of Solomon 6:10-11).
• The “army” or “camp” refers to God’s people growing in righteousness and readiness for Christ’s return.

5. The Role of Love and Obedience

• Loving God with all heart, soul, and strength is central to receiving blessings including the rains (Deuteronomy 11:13-14).
• True love results in obedience and character transformation.
• Sanctification requires daily choices to surrender and obey God.

6. Jesus Christ as the Tree of Life

• Christ is the seed planted that dies and brings forth much fruit (John 12:24).
• Believers partake of Christ’s life and character through faith, growing into maturity.
• The ultimate goal is to become “perfect men” in Christ’s character (Ephesians 4:13).

7. Preparation for Judgment and Second Coming

• The church must be purified and prepared to receive the latter rain for final sanctification (Testimonies for the Church Vol. 4, p. 71).
• The latter rain enables believers to stand in the time of trouble and complete their spiritual growth.
• Probation will close when this preparation is complete.

Important Scripture References

Summary Points

• The spiritual life is compared to a plant’s growth, needing water (Holy Spirit) to produce fruit (righteousness).
• Former rain represents Pentecost and initial sanctification; latter rain is a future, greater outpouring completing sanctification.
• Receiving both rains requires love for God expressed through obedience.
• Jesus Christ is the seed whose death enables new life in believers.
• The church is preparing for the final harvest before Christ’s second coming.
• Believers must actively participate by surrendering selfishness and embracing sanctification.
• The ultimate goal is to grow into perfect Christian character modeled after Christ.

Closing Prayer Summary

The speaker prays for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and power to rightly divide the Word of God, receive spiritual growth, protection, grace, and readiness for Christ’s return through sanctification.

This message encourages believers to embrace daily sanctification empowered by both former and latter rains of the Holy Spirit, preparing them spiritually for the final events before Jesus’ return.