It is the author's opinion that during the latter-rain witness the greater part of earth's people will make a profession of faith in Christ. Then God will withdraw the anointing in order that Antichrist may run his predestined course. Sin will become so readily available that the majority of those who had made a profession will fall away.

The falling away is necessary in order that the Church may become without spot or wrinkle. Every work of God must be tested with fire.

It is after the period of spiritual darkness that the Lord will return for His glorious Church.

This is the pattern of the promised latter-rain revival and the following tribulation, as we understand it.

During the latter half of the twentieth century there has occurred a number of spiritual activities and movements such as the charismatic renewal, the faith and prosperity emphases, reconstructionism, and lately the "laughing revival." There have been minor phenomena such as leg-lengthening, oil on the hands, and the filling of dental cavities.

These various spiritual expressions sometimes involve hundreds of thousands of people.

The indicators of true revival, as we understand it, are three in number. True revival is characterized by sincere, profound repentance. True revival includes an opening of God's Word so new understanding emerges. True revival generates worldwide evangelism.

The latter-rain revival that is at hand will be marked by genuine, heartfelt repentance and righteous, holy behavior; by an opening of the Scriptures; and by worldwide evangelism.

It is our point of view that we are entering the spiritual fulfillment of the Levitical Blowing of Trumpets (Leviticus 23:24). The spiritual fulfillment of the feast of Trumpets is portrayed by the seven trumpets of the Book of Revelation. We believe these trumpets will not be fulfilled in sequence, necessarily, but—as is true of the rest of the Book of Revelation—their fulfillments will take place in a general fashion without reference to specific calendar dates. The works of God often take place on a spiral staircase such that we keep returning to the same kind of fulfillment but at a higher level. Have you found this to be true as you have walked with the Lord?

Keeping in mind that the first six trumpets have not found complete fulfillment as yet, we would like to examine the tenth and eleventh chapters of the Book of Revelation to discover what we should be looking for during the days when the seventh and last angel is about to sound his trumpet. How can we tell when this period is actually occurring? Remember, when the seventh trumpet sounds the saints will be clothed with incorruptible eternal life.

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (I Corinthians 15:52)

We think in these two chapters we may discover facts that will enable us to recognize the true latter rain, distinguishing it from lesser spiritual events. We will not present an exhaustive study at this time but point toward highlights, since in other writings we discuss in detail the two witnesses and the ruling Son.

To be continued.