BE AWARE, AS SHEPHERD'S ROD DOCTRINES ARE DECEPTIVE and FALSE!
by Dionne Sabbay Thompson December 2nd, 2008
"Only those who are living up to the light they have will receive greater light. Unless we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active Christian virtues, we shall not recognize the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain. It may be falling on hearts all around us, but we shall not discern or receive it".--Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel workers 507 (1897).
As a fourth generation Seventh-day Adventist, I find it urgent that the topic of the Early and Latter rain be studied routinely. "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. '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.' Hosea 6:3. '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." Joel 2:23. 'In the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh.' 'And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.' Acts 2:17, 21" (Great Controversy page 611).
Purposefully, the Latter rain (the Fourth Angel's message Revelation 18:1-4) provides an outpouring of righteous teachings, flowing through righteous Loud Cry messengers; for the Sealing and Sanctification of God's people (Zechariah 10:1, Joel 2:23, Romans 8:30, Ephesians 4:30, James 5:7, Revelation 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, Revelation 1:11-13,20;14:7, Great Controversy pages 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, Review and Herald April 30, 1908 paragraph 6). Praise God, as Christ's Victory at the Cross is a Joyous Event for all mankind HALLEJUAH, HALLEJUAH, HALLEJUAH (John 19:30) [A Soul Sealed at Character Perfection page 7].
One MUST constantly work on perfecting character, as it is imperative and the Word teaches such (Matthew 5:48, Acts 3:19, 1 John 3:9, Testimonies for the Church Volume 3 page 43, SDA Bible Commentary page volume 6 page 1096 paragraph 4, Christ's Object Lessons page 330 paragraph 1). The years 2008 and 2009, a serious time for our generation, have provided signs that point to the imminent passing of the Enforced National Sunday Law, the forthcoming Mark of the Beast (Revelation 13:11-18). Powerful/Elite False Protestant Entities in America will become the image of the Roman Catholic Church's Papacy, reinstating the laws of Sunday law persecution (Revelation 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 its tremendous Power and Influence, as per the scriptures, written by John the Revelator, will allow the Papacy to reestablish Sunday as a Persecutory law (Revelation 13:14), the Mark of the Beast.
The Mark of the Beast, enforced Sunday Pagan Worship, having "no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image" [Romanism and False Protestantism] (Revelation 13:11-18, Revelation 14:9-11), will cause a loss of purchasing power for God's chosen, who obey the Fourth Commandment (Exodus 20:8-11, Revelation 12:7, 14:12). 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..." like coriander seed, honey wafers (Exodus 16:31, John 6:58, Revelation 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". (Psalms 37:25, 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 (Exodus 20, Revelation 14:12). Spiritual Babylonians will be a tool by Satan, persecuting the remnant of Christ's seed (Revelation 12:17) [A Soul Sealed at Character Perfection page 85].
Ecumenism, 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 (Zechariah 13:9, Malachi 3:1-3, Titus 2:11-15, Revelation 14:1-5), reserving their seat at the throne of God (Revelation 3:21) [A Soul Sealed at Character Perfection page 85].
As we advance unto days of imminent persecution as God's remnant, it is imperative that we remain joyous as Enforced Sunday laws will refine us as gold tried in the fire; and the intensity of Satan's fiery darts of earthly fines and imprisonment will purify our characters (Great Controversy page 604-608). "And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God" (Zechariah 13:9, Malachi 3:1-3, Titus 2:14). A shaking process has begun, caused by the straight testimony of Christ (Hebrews 12:26, Early Writings pages 269-271). Remember that not one of Christ's faithful elect perished in the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 Ad (Isaiah 4:3, Great Controversy page 34-37). Spiritual Israelites, preparing for translation from earth must reproduce the character of Christ, following the Lamb, Yeshua, where ever He goes, refuting false doctrine with guile-free, deceit-free mouths (1 Corinthians 15:50-52, 2 Corinthians 11:2, 1Peter 2:22, Revelation 14:1-5). The righteous living by faith, by placing themselves in perfect harmony with the Most High and keeping His Ten Commandments, will stand through the day of final destruction (Ephesians 1:13, 4:30, Revelation 6:17, 7:1-4, 12:17, 14:12, 22:14). "The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid" (Zephaniah 3:13) [A Soul Sealed at Character Perfection page 25].
Historically, the Three Angels' Messages (Revelation 14:6-12) have left their mark, each Angel, reserving a space in Earth's history. The first Angel's message occurred in 1831 A.D., (Early Writings pages 232-237, Great Controversy page 331) the Second Angel's Message in 1844 A.D. (Summer) , (Great Controversy page 389) and the Third Angel's Message in 1844 A.D. (Fall) (Great Controversy page 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, extending into 2009 a time of judgment, where the populace's skepticism will increase, and devastation will visit the earth. The Lord and His Eternal power are causing a shaking on the earth by way of His straight testimony which will continue to its second shaking for Spiritual Babylon, as He is earnest to seal His chosen (Hebrews 12:26, 1Peter 4:17, Early Writings pages 269-271). Unquenchable earthly fires will devour refined estates; while navies, air crafts and railways experience calamities without a moment's warning. Probation for the world is closing: the end is near (Signs of the Times April 21st 1890 paragraph 11, 1Peter 4:17, Revelation 22:11). The onset of the Loud Cry Message, 1888, set forth the occurrence 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, page 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, 1Selected 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 (Galatians 4:19, Colossians 1:27) [A Soul Sealed at Character Perfection page 84].
As time advances and God’s people seek to edify the populace about the New Covenant Experience and the True Witness, Christ Jesus the Elijah Message becomes such an important focus (Malachi 4:5-6). The remnant, people of God, are given a reformatory message similar to Elijah, who preached to earthly King Ahab and Queen 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 (Matthew 3:2, 3; 11:9-15) [A Soul Sealed at Character Perfection page 6].
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 and the Latter Rain (Hosea 6:3, Joel 2:23, Zechariah 10:1, James 5:7, Romans 5:1, Revelation 18:1-4, Testimonies to Ministers page 91-92). Thus we understand that exactly forty-four years following Christ's entrance into the Most Holy Place (October 22, 1844), at the end of the 2300 year prophecy, we were sent a POWERFUL message from God. Undoubtedly, we are in the antitypical day of atonement: Christ is our Passover Lamb (1Corinthians 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 September 3, 1889, 1 Selected Messages 359 paragraph 1). To Sanctify means to make holy, thus God expects nothing less than our advancement in holiness, through the Righteousness of Christ (Ephesians 2:8-10, Philippians 3:9-11).
The Review and Herald (September 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 the complete Truth (Isaiah 33:16-17, Psalms 37:25, John 14:6). Thus, we being fed the Heavenly Word of God must develop a genuine hatred or abhorrence for sin (Review and Herald March 18, 1890) [A Soul Sealed at Character Perfection pages 38, 84].
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 (Exodus 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, (Exodus 20, Revelation 12:17, 14:12). Spiritual Babylonians will be a tool by Satan, persecuting the remnant of Christ's seed (Revelation 12:17). Be encouraged, as persecution will purify the faithful body of Christ (Zechariah 13:9, Malachi 3:1-3, Titus 2:11-15, Revelation 14:1-5), reserving their seat at the throne of God (Revelation 3:21) [A Soul Sealed at Character Perfection page 85].
God wants all to look unto Jesus who is the Author and Finisher of our faith (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" (Matthew 5:48, Testimonies For the Church Volume 3 page 43, Manuscript 10, 1889, 1Selected 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 early time of trouble along with Jacob's time of trouble ( Review and Herald November 22, 1892) [A Soul Sealed at Character Perfection page 85].
The Loud Cry of the Third Angel's message was recapitulated by the Fourth Angel with added power and glory (Revelation 18:1-5). The Latter rain teaches of Christ's atonement for our sins, as He bore the curse of the law (Galatians 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" (Matthew 5:48, John 3:16, Hebrews 11:6, Ephesians 2:8-10, Philippians 3:9, 1Thessalonians 5:23) [A Soul Sealed at Character Perfection page 86].
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). Galatians 5:16-26 edifies that if we are walking in the flesh then then Christ's character 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 (Galatians 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 (Galatians 2:20). Purging is a cleansing process only active within an abiding relationship with Christ [A Soul Sealed at Character Perfection page 88].
Once we are abiding in Christ, purging will remove branches not bearing fruit. Any branch that beareth not fruit, 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 chasteneth (Hebrews 12:6). The works of the flesh must be purged out, so that the fruit 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 (Ephesians 2:8-10). 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 (Zechariah 13:9, Malachi 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 2Peter 3:18, illustrating a process of sanctified advancement (Romans 8:30, 1Corinthians 1:30). 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) [A Soul Sealed at Character Perfection page 89].
HOW CAN WE DETERMINE THAT THE LATTER RAIN WILL BRING GOD'S HARVEST TO THE MEASURE OF THE STATURE OF THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST (EPHESIANS 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, Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers pages 506-507).
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 [A Soul Sealed at Character Perfection page 86].
"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:
Galatians 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.
Mark 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 (Exodus 20, John 16:33).
James 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 purity in Character which is erroneous (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers pages 506-507):
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, manifesting a burden for souls (Matthew 28:19); spreading the Everlasting Gospel to all the world (Revelation 14:6-7). God wishes that no one would be lost (A Soul Sealed at Character Perfection page 86).
Overcomers in these end times will be fueled by the Holy Spirit's Early and Latter rain (Jeremiah 5:24, Zechariah 10:1, James 5:7, Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers pages 506-507), bringing God's Harvest to the "Measure of the Stature of the fullness of Christ" or "The Full Corn in the Ear" (Mark 4:28, Ephesians 4:13). Our focus, the manifestation of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), as we "take on the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the WORD OF GOD" (Ephesians 6:17). The church of Philadelphia (brotherly love) is true Adventism, a bride, without spot or wrinkle, eagerly awaiting its Bridegroom, Christ, Yeshua (Ephesians 5:21-31, Revelation 3:7-13). 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 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" (Acts 3:19). Once our characters have become converted and faultless, we have reached the stage of "the ear" , poised for the showers of the Spiritually enriching Latter Rain (Zechariah 10:1, Matthew 5:48, Acts 3:19, James 5:7, 1John 3:9, Testimonies for the Church Volume 3 page 43) [A Soul Sealed at Character perfection page 90].
The body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12-13), the harvest, needs to earnestly pray for the latter rain:
Deuteronomy 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.
Proverbs 16:15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain.
Jeremiah 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.
Hosea 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.
Joel 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.
Zechariah 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.
James 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 (Revelation 14:6,7). Our commitment to God must be a focus that is undying, assisting us with the preaching of the Eternal Word, the Power, Wisdom and Love; characteristics of the Godhead, the Everlasting Gospel (Deuteronomy 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
