English
Português
Español
Français
Response
The Latter Rain Movement is a significant influence within Pentecostalism that teaches the idea that the Lord is once again pouring out His Spirit, similar to what happened at Pentecost, and utilizing believers to ready the world for His Second Coming. This movement opposes dispensationalism and amillennialism, and many of its leaders endorse unorthodox teachings.
The term “latter rain” was initially used in the early days of Pentecostalism when David Wesley Myland authored a book titled Latter Rain Songs in 1907. Just three years later, Myland penned The Latter Rain Covenant, a defense of Pentecostalism in general.
The name is derived from 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.” Pentecostals understood the “rain” in this verse to symbolize an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The “latter rain” (the end-times outpouring) was believed to surpass the “former rain.”
In 1948, a “revival” erupted in Saskatchewan, Canada, leading to a clearer articulation of the teachings of the Latter Rain movement. Those involved in the revival were convinced that they stood on the brink of a new era, one where the Holy Spirit would manifest His power in a more profound way than ever before witnessed in the world. They claimed that not even the era of the apostles had experienced such a demonstration of the Holy Spirit.
Latter Rain teaching is distinguished by a highly typological hermeneutic, interpreting the Bible in a symbolic and stylized manner. There is a strong emphasis on extra-biblical revelation, such as personal prophecies, experiences, and direct messages from God. Latter Rain doctrine encompasses the following beliefs:
– the gifts of the Spirit, including tongues, are imparted through the laying on of hands
– Christians can be demonized and may need deliverance
– God has reinstated all the ministries within the Church, including apostles and prophets.
– Divine healing can be imparted through the laying on of hands.
– Praise and worship will invite God into our midst.
– Women play a complete and equal role in ministry within the Church.
– Denominational barriers will be broken down, leading to the unification of the Church in the end times.
– The “latter rain” will culminate God’s work; the Church will triumph over the world and inaugurate Christ’s kingdom.
Many individuals in the Latter Rain Movement who claim to be “apostles” also promote the belief in “the manifest sons of God.” This is a heretical teaching suggesting that a select group of “overcomers” will attain spiritual bodies and immortality.
It is crucial to acknowledge that the Assemblies of God identified the Latter Rain Movement as heretical from its inception. On April 20, 1949, the Assemblies of God officially condemned the teachings of the Latter Rain, nearly causing a split within the denomination. Other established Pentecostal bodies have adopted similar stances.
Today, the term “latter rain” is seldom used, but the principles of Latter Rain doctrine continue to have an impact. Most factions of the Charismatic Movement adhere to the teachings of the Latter Rain. Contemporary movements like the Brownsville/Pensacola Revival, the Toronto Blessing, and the “holy laughter” phenomenon are direct outcomes of Latter Rain theology.
