The Return of the Latter Rain Movements
When Old Doctrines Return Under New Names
Throughout the history of Christianity, movements have arisen claiming to restore something that the church supposedly lost. Some have emphasized neglected biblical truths. Others have introduced teachings that go beyond Scripture while presenting those teachings as a return to New Testament Christianity.
The desire for genuine spiritual revival is not wrong. The church should desire the moving of the Holy Ghost, the salvation of souls, the operation of spiritual gifts, and the manifestation of God’s power.
However, a sincere desire for revival does not guarantee that every teaching associated with a revival movement is biblical.
This distinction is especially important when examining the movement known as the New Order of the Latter Rain, which emerged in 1948 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada.
The movement developed around a reported spiritual outpouring at Sharon Bible College. Its influence spread through Pentecostal circles, introducing or promoting teachings concerning the restoration of apostles and prophets, prophetic impartation, personal prophecy, and the restoration of New Testament church government.
Today elements of that movement have appeared in the New Apostolic Reformation.
