William Branham – False Prophet

William Branham  Fire Halo

William Branham

William Branham – False Prophet

I have decided to write this article on William Branham for 2 reasons and that is this: William Branham’s influence on the church today is nothing but a vile attack on the True Body of Christ. This article will also serve as a reference to some articles that I will be writing soon on some supposed ‘men of God’ aka ‘Prophets’ in South Africa – who claim that they have William Branham’s Mantle. Any ‘pastor’ who says that William Branham was truly a man of God or says they have anything from William Branham (mantle, angel, follows his teachings, etc) should be avoided like the plague.

Who was William Branham:

William Branham was born in 6th April 1909 in Kentucky and died on 24 December 1965. His ministry was founded in May 1946. But this legacy lives on in his followers and the hundreds of sermons that were recorded or transcribed. Most people read his sermons more than they do they bible. Most people believe William Branham’s words more than the bible. This is obviously concerning, but what is more concerning is what William Branham preached and the strange signs and wonders that accompanied him.

The young William Branham:

William Branham’s mother was 15 years of age, and his father was 18 years of age. When William Branham was born something rather unusual happened on that day – a few rays of light shone into the room and a huge halo, one foot in diameter appeared above William’s mother and baby. Because of this his mother took him to a Baptist church in the local community. That was the first and the last time he went to church in years. –Carl Dyck, William Branham: The Man and His Message (Saskatoon: Western Tract Mission, 1984), page 3.

It should be noted (and keep this in your mind at all times) that Branham’s parents both believed in fortunetelling (so they were not Christian) and this of course means that William Branham was raised in an occult environment. –Kurt Koch, Between Christ and Satan (Grand Rapids: Kregal Publications, 1962), page 150

Branham’s life was influenced by numerous visions and angelic visitations. He recalled that he heard a voice at the age of seven, “Well, I started up the lane again. And I turned to look at this again. And when it did, a human Voice just as audible as mine is, said, `Don’t you never drink, smoke, or defile your body in any way. There’llbeaworkfor you to do when you get older.’ Why, it liked to scared me to death!” –Brother Branham, taped sermon transcript, p. 24

This would not be the last time Branham heard this voice, later this voice would identify itself as an angel and later he ends up receiving extra-biblical revelation concerning future events.

William’s family and Ministry:

William Branham was influenced by a few obscure people/religions before he fully established his ministry in 1948, one of these was the ‘Jesus Only’ Pentecostals. –Brother Branham, p.39

At this time William Branham was married and had a baby daughter. Many family members and other ministers warned him not to associate with the ‘Jesus Only’ cult for this group did not believe in the Trinity amongst other thing. Branham must have broken away from then for later when his Wife and baby daughter died in 1937 from Tubercular Meningitis he attributed their deaths to the fact that it was because he had not continued in fellowship with the Pentecostals and had missed God’s will. –Brother Branham, p.47

Never the less, the ‘Jesus Only’ cult was a great influence on Branham as he adopted many of their heretical doctrines into his own.

Another influential person in Branham’s ‘doctrine to be’ was Franklin Hall who wrote on the ‘Atomic Power with God through Fasting and Prayer’. Hall had a great influence on almost all the healing revival preachers of that time, of which Branham was his best disciple, in so much that Branham’s followers believed him to be the apostle of the final Church age.

In 1946 while Branham was baptising followers in the Ohio river he heard a small voice say ‘Look up!” Looking up he saw it descending toward him – it looked like a blazing Star, a Pillar of Fire. The Supernatural Pillar of Fire hovered just above his head and that voice he had been hearing since he was little spoke out of the Pillar of Fire saying, “As John the Baptist was sent to forerun the First Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, so you are sent to forerun His Second Coming.” –Brother Branham, p.71

That was that, Branham called this his ‘charge’ – that he was called by God and soon many believed him to be Elijah. In fact when Branham passed away in 1965 due to a head injury from a car accident many of his followers (and still today, believe it or not) truly believe he came in the spirit of Elijah, some believed him to be born of a virgin, some believed him to be God and most expected him to actually rise from the dead in three days. –All Things Are Possible, p.164

Not long after Branham was told by the Pillar of Fire that he was the forerunner for the Second Coming of Christ he was visited by the voice manifested in the form of an angel. This angel told him that he had been given two gifts; the gift of healing and the gift of words of knowledge / restore biblical truth. As time went by Branham also came to believe that this angel was the source of all his visions and extra-biblical revelations as well. But of course Branham was very discerning (as he claims it was also one of his gifts) and he asked the angel why he should believe the angel to be from God and the angel told him that the people in Jesus’ day called Jesus a devil, so he (Branham) should not worry about others in his family or ministry saying the same thing about the message/angel. The angel mentioned that Branham had been told by fortunetellers in impromptu meetings that he had a special gift from God and was born under a sign. The angel assured Branham that demons had confirmed that Jesus was the Christ and he should not be concerned by testimony of fortunetellers. –Brother Branham, pp. 74, 75, 79

Well I suppose that settles it then – the angel must be from God, phewww and all this time I thought otherwise. You see in 1 John it explains very clearly what Branham was supposed to ask the angel, ‘”has Jesus Christ come in the Flesh”. I guarantee this angel would have come up with every excuse in the book to say otherwise. But then, what’s the bible anyway? eh? Just useless info…not to be adhered to.

So Branham decided to test out his new ‘powers’ and found himself confronted with a women who had cancer. Just as a matter of interest the angel told Branham about this woman in a vision. So he prayed for her and she was ‘healed’. He shot to Superstardom overnight and from then on claimed his angel was with him day and night.

Two things here; Who said she had cancer? Was there any medical proof of this and secondly who could prove she was healed? Or did Branham proclaim she was healed and everyone just accepted it? So either this was one big lie or worse we have a demon (posing as an angel of light) telling Branham about a women who has cancer, i.e., this woman’s cancer was demonically inflicted. Talk about being set up, William Branham that is, and again so much for his discernment. So Branham prays for her and she is ‘healed’. What actually happened was the demonic affliction was lifted and who knows what else this woman received in its place.

From then on William Branham’s ministry was built on supernatural manifestations and was empowered by a spirit being / angel. The angel accompanied him throughout his lifetime and even directed him in every aspect of his personal life. It was the angel Branham said gave him his power – not the Holy Spirit. In fact Branham knew that if he didn’t do what the Voice told him to do he would suffer greatly.

But if that has not convinced you even slightly that there was something horribly wrong with Brenham, lets go look at his teachings and see just how much they contradict the Word of God.

He believed he was the Last Days Prophet:

This I find rather funny because since starting my blog I have come across at least 20 others who think they are too. Who’s right? Fortunately, non of them, Branham included. Anyhow let’s stick to the story shall we – so Branham said, “Now, I’m just your brother, by the grace of God. But when the Angel of the Lord moves down, it becomes then a Voice of God to you…But I am God’s Voice to you… Now, see, I can say nothing in myself. But what He shows me.” –Footprints On The Sands Of Time, p. 214

His followers believed him to be the spirit of Elijah based on Malachi 4 and the seventh angel in Revelations 10.

Unfortunately for him and his followers, William Branham has to under no uncertain terms be labelled a False Prophet for a lot of things he prophesied did not come to pass for example: He prophesied that Jesus would return in 1977 along with the destruction of America . Branham said, “Jesus did not say no man could know the year, month or week in which his coming would be completed. I sincerely believe and maintain as a private student of the Word along with divine inspiration that 1977 ought to terminate the world systems and usher in the millennium.” –7 Church Ages, p. 322.

As we can see, Jesus Christ has not come back, America is still standing and it’s the year 2008. So you the reader have 2 choices here; 1) William Branham received this information from a lying demonic source aka his angel who’s father is Satan or, 2) God lied.

The bible says, in Deuteronomy 18 v 20-22

“20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. 21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? 22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.”

Branham preached the ‘Serpent Seed’ teaching:

The Serpent Seed teaching is a belief that Cain was produced through sexual intercourse between Eve and the serpent in the garden. The curse of the Serpent’s Seed he believed is the cause of all mankind’s problems and women are to blame and it is evident in their temptation of men. –William M. Branham, My Life Story, p. 19.

Branham also believe that the Serpent Seed was the missing link between man and monkey.

Hitler also believed in the Serpent Seed teaching and this was the main reason why Jews needed to be eliminated, for the Jewish nation was of Satan. Now if Hitler believed in this and Branham believed in this, and Hitler was of Satan and Branham is of God then….we have a HUGE problem here.

It is also noted that Branham despised women and on one occasion stated, “But I remember when my father’s still up there running, I had to be out there with water and stuff, see young ladies that wasn’t over seventeen, eighteen years, up there with a man my age now, drunk. And they’d have to sober them up and give them black coffee, to get them home to cook their husband’s supper. Oh, something like that, I said, ‘I…This was my remarked [sic] then, THEY’RE NOT WORTH A GOOD CLEAN BULLET TO KILL THEM WITH IT.’ That’s right. And I hated women. That’s right. And I just have to watch every move now, to keep from still thinking the same thing.” –M. Branham, ‘My Life Story’ (Spoken Word Publications, undated), p.27.

So now we can see why he was so adamant to preach this Serpent Seed teaching for he had an immense animosity towards women. This would also explain why he preached a rigid ‘moral code’ for women with regards to dressing, hair etc, etc. Branham also had a ‘revelation’ that allowed for divorce. –All Things Are Possible, p.162.

The bible says in Genesis 4 v 11;

1 “And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.” …. not from the Serpent/Satan.

Branham believed the Zodiac and the Egyptian Pyramids are EQUAL to scripture:

So as far as Branham is concerned the Zodiac and Egyptian pyramids are equal to Scripture in the revelation of God’s Word. This might I add is also one of Franklin Halls strange beliefs that was passed onto Branham. –‘Adoption’, pp.31,104.

Now we know that the Zodiac and the Pyramids play a huge part in the occult. So how on earth can the occult be equal to Scripture? Witchcraft, Astrology and New Age all use the pyramids and the zodiac for divination i.e., predicting the future. The pyramids are an essential holiday spot for occultists, witches, magicians, necromancers and many a demon/spirit. The narrow passages through-out the pyramids allowed for occult soul travel were mummified Kings and other notable people were buried with gold, food and other worldly possessions in the belief that their soul would need these things in the after-life. Pyramids also have an occult alignment with the stars i.e., the Zodiac.

Let’s see what the bible says about this: Deuteronomy 18 v 9-12

“9 When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. 10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch. 11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.”

William Branham a Freemason

After Branham’s death a tombstone in the shape of a pyramid was placed on his grave.  On top of the tombstone is what appears to be an eagle, but it is in fact a Pheonix.

 Branham Grave - Freemason

Branham believed that ALL denominations were the Mark of the Beast:

Except for his ‘denomination’ of course which was pure. Hence if you follow anyone eles teachings and not his you are doomed. Branham believed that some humans are descended from the serpent’s seed and are destined for hell, which is not eternal, however. The seed of God, i.e., those who receive Branham’s teaching, are predestined to become the Bride of Christ. There are still others who possess free will and who may be saved out of the denominational churches, but they must suffer through the Great Tribulation. He considered denominationalism a mark of the Beast (Rev. 13:17). –Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements, pp. 95,96.

Branham believed he was commissioned by God to OPEN the SEVEN SEALS in Revelations:

Branham said, “I saw seven angels in the form of a pyramid that swept down, picked me up and was brought east to open the seven seals of God” –William Branham, Standing In the Gap – 63-0623.1M.

Revelations 5 v 1-10 says;

“1 Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. 4 I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

So, is William Branham saying he is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David – Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the One and Only Living God? It must be, because William Branham said it, and if William Branham said that God commissioned him to open the book and loose the seals then who are we to argue, I mean really, the bible must be wrong, completely wrong!

Branham believes he was the ONLY Prophet:

Branham said, “There never was in the age, any two major prophets on the earth at one time. There were many minor prophets, but there were one major prophet. And Elijah was the prophet until Elisha came. Then when Elijah was taking off, a portion, double portion, of Elijah’s Spirit, Elijah’s Spirit came upon Elisha.” —Our Hope is in God, 1951 (tape #51-0929)

Now, God always uses a–a prophet, a man. If you use a bunch of men, you get different ideas (See?); each man, two men. Never did He have two major prophets on the earth at one time. He takes one, so the other one can take its place for another day, another message. He never has two; He has one at a time.” —The Evening Messenger, 1963 (tape #63-0116)

“God always deals with one individual. Two men’s got two ideas. There never was two major prophets on the earth prophesying the same time. Look back and see if there was. No, sir. Too much scrupled up. He’s got to get one man completely surrendered and use that person. He searches for that person, but there will be one sometime, somebody who’ll listen to Him word by word.” –The Fourth Seal, Revelation of the Seven Seals, 1963 (tape #63-0321)

Many historical prophets did indeed prophesy at the same time as others. Several minor prophets did as well (e.g., Hosea & Micah; Haggai & Zechariah. Ezra 5:1,2 actually says, “Now Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the prophet, a descendant of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them. Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadakset to work to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, helping them.” See also, Numbers 11:25-29). In fact, some Minor prophets prophesied at the same time as Major prophets (e.g., Hosea & Micah were contemporary with Isaiah; Habakkuk was contemporary with Jeremiah). But Mr. Branham’s most obvious error was in saying that God never sent two Major prophets at the same time. Of the four Major prophets, Daniel, Jeremiah and Ezekiel were all contemporaries during the years 595-587 BC. –http://people.delphiforums.com/johnk63/1prophet.htm

The difference between Branham and the TRUE prophets of the bible were that the TRUE prophets of the bible were not confused, never presented two different ideas, never got their message ‘scrupled up’ and most importantly their words were God’s words hence they appear in the Word of God. Unlike Branham who preaches a DIFFERENT gospel.

Branham taught that God is NOT omnipresent:

Branham said, “Now, you cannot be omnipresent without being omniscient. God’s not even omnipresent; God’s omniscient. Omniscient which means – makes Him omnipresent (He knows all things). But in order to be a being He has to be in one being.” –The Masterpiece, 1964 (tape #64-0705)

“He’s [God]–He’s infinite, and He’s–He’s omnipresent, omniscient, therefore He knows all things. He can’t be present everywhere. By being omniscient, knowing all things, then He can be present everywhere.” –The Harvest Time, 1964 (tape #64-1212)

So because Branham believes that God is a ‘being’ and not ‘spirit’ he can’t be in more than one place at a time. He does however believe that God knows ‘all things’ hence He is omniscient, so it seems like God is everywhere, but He is not.

The bible says: Jeremiah 23:23-24

“Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord.”

Branham DENIED the Deity of Jesus Christ:

Branham said; “The man, the body was not Deity, but Deity was in the body.” –God’s Gifts Always Find Their Places, December 22, 1963 (tape #63-1222)

“Jesus was not God, but He was God. He was a Man, yet He was God. He could cry, and yet He could raise the dead. He could cry for a man being dead and raise him back up again. He was Jehovah-jireh, Jehovah-rapha, Jehovah Manasses; He was Jehovah, all completely. He was Jehovah, and yet He was a Man.” –Questions and Answers #3, August 30, 1964 (tape #64-0830M)

“He was–He was Jesus when He was born. But when the Holy Ghost came upon Him after His baptism, He was anointed with God. God was in Him, ’cause He come to fulfill the Word.” –The Messiah, January 17, 1961 (tape #61-0117)

“And this little Boy, twelve-year-old Child, no wisdom at all, why, but just a twelve-year-old Boy… The Father didn’t dwell in Him at that time, because He come on the day when He baptized Him; he saw the Spirit of God coming down (See?), and went in Him.” –Paradox, February 6, 1964 (tape #64-0206B

“The Spirit left Jesus in Gethsemane and He became just a man– When God looked down upon the body… (The Spirit left Him in the Garden of Gethsemane; He had to die a man.)” –It Is the Rising of the Sun, April 18, 1965 (tape #65-0418M

Unbelievable! William Branham DENIES Jesus Christ. Anyone who says that William Branham is a man of God is deluded, deceived and follows the teachings on an anti-Christ.

The bible says, John 1 v 1-14 – The Deity of Jesus Christ:

“1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”

William Branham’s unsolved mysteries:

The Seventh Seal:

Branham believed that his interpretation of the 7 seals (Revelation, chapters 5-8) was essential in preparing his followers for Christ’s soon return. He spent the week of March 18 thru the 23, 1963, “revealing” the meaning of the first 6 seals from Revelation 6. However, on the evening he was to reveal the 7th seal, he did not explain its meaning. It remains a mystery to his followers to this day.

The Seven Thunders (Revelation 10:3,4):

Likewise, Branham spoke of the 7 Thunders, but never revealed what the voices spoke.

The Third Pull:

Although not a biblical mystery, Branham created a new mystery, speaking of a future phase of his ministry which he called the Third Pull. Not only did he fail to say what this phase of his ministry would accomplish, but he never fulfilled it before his death.  –http://people.delphiforums.com/johnk63/teachings.htm#unrevealed

William Branham’s terrible inconsistencies about a man who tried to prove him to be false:

William Branham sometimes warned his listeners against testing the authenticity of his gifts. Which is odd because the bible tells us to test the spirits. Never the less Branham indeed had an active imagination and most definitely liked to instill the fear of God into his follows too NOT test him. Branham would frequently tell his congregation about a man who tried to prove him to be false by writing fictitious illnesses on his prayer card, and then would stand in the prayer line expecting Branham to correctly identify his illnesses as mentioned on the prayer card. Every time Branham told this story, the outcome of what happened to his man would change:

  1. The man received the diseases that he wrote on his card and was still suffering from them (1953).
  2. The man had died from his diseases (1954).
  3. The man was bedfast “to this day” (1956).
  4. The man ran screaming from the auditorium when Mr. Branham publicly exposed his plan (1956).
  5. The man died a year after the incident (January 1957).
  6. The man was still in “serious condition” (June 1957)
  7. The man died 6 months after the incident from cancer (1958).
  8. The man was carried from the auditorium paralyzed and is still paralyzed (1958–note that in 1956 Mr. Branham said he ran screaming from the building).
  9. The man died on the platform sixty seconds after Mr. Branham exposed him (1961).
  10. The man died six weeks after the meeting (1962).

— http://people.delphiforums.com/johnk63/teachings.htm#unrevealed

So much for being man of God. This is called manipulation people, manipulation and lies belong in the same basket of rotten apples.

William Branham’s vision and the Cloud:

Once again it would seem that William Branham has a very over active imagination, or he just lied as went along to ‘prove’ himself to be a man of God. I have received a few emails over the last couple of months from people sending me images of this famous cloud as proof that Branham is a prophet. So I went and did some research and found out that this cloud appeared over Flagstaff which was 352 km / 219 miles from where Branham was having his vision on a mountain in Tucson. Now from what I have read it says this cloud was huge and could be seen from very very far away. However…

Branham says he was standing below it: “And now, the “Life” Magazine picked it up. And I have the–the article here this morning in the “Life” Magazine there, of the show… Now, here it is, the same time I was there. See the pyramid or the Cloud? I was standing just below this.” —William Branham, “Standing in the Gap,” TSW (sermon preached 6-23-63), 6:7, pp. 20-21

Hmmmm…. How could he be 219 miles from this cloud but yet at the same time be standing just below it…now that is a miracle!

Also Branham’s account or ‘count’ of how many angels he saw appear changed from 5 to 7 over a period of time. It changed from 5 to 7 angels so he could say these angels represented the ‘The Revelation of the Seven Seals’.

5 angels in vision on the mountain:   “And I, still in my … the two consciences together, I knew I was standing here, and I knew I was somewhere else. And I thought, “Now, this is a vision, and I must learn what this means.” And no more than the second group of birds came by, I looked to the west; and it looked like in the form of a pyramid—like two on each side with one in the top, came five of the mightiest angels I ever seen in my life. Such a terrific speed I never seen…. Their heads back and their pointed wings just sailing quickly.” –William Branham, “Reproach for the Word,” The Spoken Word (TSW), Spoken Word Publications (Jeffersonville, IN, sermon preached 12-23-62), 2:16, pp. 4-7

7 angels in the vision on the mountain:   “In December 1962 God gave William Branham a vision of an angelic visitation which he foretold in a message “Sirs is this the Time?” On February 28, 1963, the vision and prophecy was fulfilled when a constellation of seven angels, formed as the head of Christ, met him with a commission to speak the opening of the Seven Seals of Revelation. Life Magazine (May 17th 1963) carried the photograph (left figure) of this supernatural event, describing it as a “Mystery Cloud over Arizona.” –http://www.bibleway.org/wmb

I seem to be hmmmm’ing a lot while writing this article. It’s amazing, people will believe all sorts of lies and even when presented with the truth continue to hold fast to these lies for dear life. What for? Do you like to be lied too? Do you like to be deceived? Do you like to be made a fool of by non other than William Branham? But then I suppose that’s what deception does, it blinds one to the truth.

Conclusion:  1)  This cloud has absolutely nothing to do with William Branham’s vision,   2)  Satan can perform wonderous signs to capture the imagination of people who pretty much believe anything, except the Word of God.

The famous CloudWilliamBranhamCloud1 If you turn the cloud sideways you can apparently see an image of Jesus.WilliamBranhamCloud2

*  I am sure if one is on some hallucinatory drug you will be able to see a face of some kind.

William Brenham denies the Trinity:

Like the ‘Jesus-Only’ Pentecostals, Branham denied the Trinity doctrine teaching a form of Modalism. Instead of three Persons in the Godhead, Branham taught that there was only one Person (Jesus) going under different titles or modes at various times in history. Branham’s teaching is a variation of a second century heresy taught by Sabellius know as Modalistic Monarchianism or Patripassianism. –Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, pp. 727-28) and www.watchman.org/prOfile/branpro.htm.

Monarchianism: View found primarily in the third century that denied the Trinity, arguing that because God’s nature is one He cannot exist eternally in three Persons. The two most popular forms of monarchianism were dynamic monarchianism and modalism. –www.watchman.org/cat95.htm#Monarchianismm

The Trinity doctrine cannot be fully comprehended by finite man. However, any other view of the Godhead will not satisfy God’s self revelation in Scripture. Modalism teaches that there is only one Person in the Godhead functioning through relational “modes.” When He is in the Father mode, the Son and Spirit modes are not functional. In Matthew 3:13-17, however, the Son is baptized, the Spirit descends and the Father speaks. Also, “in the name of” (Matthew 28:19) or in the authority of does not limit the nature of God’s unity to one Person but connotes equality of essence within the Godhead (2 Corinthians 13:14).  –www.watchman.org/prOfile/branpro.htm

William Branham view on baptism:

Branham claimed that proper baptism was needed to avoid the “Mark of the Beast” of denominational churches and escape the danger of missing the rapture and entering the Tribulation. Proper baptism must be in the name of Jesus only. Baptism with the Trinitarian formula of Matthew 28:18 (“in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”) is unacceptable to God.

If an incorrect formula was spoken during baptism, Branham felt the convert would go into darkness. “But a tritheist, triune baptism was never recognized in the Church, the New Testament… Now you know what to do, that’s right; and if you refuse to walk in Light when Light’s brought forth, you turn to darkness. Right! Amen!” –Conduct, Order, Doctrine Q and A, pp. 178, 181, 182, 184, 190).

Baptism in the name of Jesus only may have been the early practice in the Jerusalem church. However, all manuscripts of Matthew 28:19 have the Trinitarian formula as being commissioned by Jesus. One document, dating from A.D. 60, the Didache, prescribes the Matthew formula (Father, Son and Holy Ghost) for baptism within the church. Regardless of the formula, baptism is not a requirement for being raptured or avoiding the Tribulation. Full salvation is by grace though faith and not of works such as baptism (Ephesians 2:8-9).  –www.watchman.org/prOfile/branpro.htm

Something interesting William Branham once said:

“167 I was talking on the Name of Jesus Christ baptism. That’s right, a revelation of that come. That’s the Truth. But what did a bunch of people do? Gathered it right out here and put a denomination out of it, made another tower of Babel, same thing, throw edit right into it. Certainly. Luther done the same thing. Wesley done the same thing; John Smith done the same thing, Alexander Campbell done the same thing. Pentecost done the same thing. God deals with individuals keeping His Word. God’s only plan to bring believers to Himself in a true oneness is receiving the Holy Ghost. Then here’s how…You say, “Well, Brother Branham, I spoke in tongues. I shouted. I did this.” If you still got that kind of a spirit and deny the Word of God, you haven’t got the Word of God in you; you haven’t got the Spirit. If you’ll set and hear the Truth preached, and look It up in the Bible, and see It’s the Truth, and then refuse to do it, that’s not the Spirit of God. I don’t care how much you spoke in tongues, how much you shouted, how much churches you belonged to, or how many times you was baptized, or anything else. The Word is truth. That’s what vindicates the truth. If you got all these other truths and then with the Word (Amen.), then you know you’re coming home.” –Oneness (62-0211)

So if we reversed this and said, “Well, William Branham, you spoke in tongues, you shouted, you did this and that, and you healed, and you prophesied, and you had visions, and you saw angels, and you had revelations and you spoke words that God supposedly told you to speak. Then surely if you’ve got that kind of a spirit but at the SAME TIME deny the Word of God / deny Jesus Christ, then you William Branham haven’t got the Word of God in you; you haven’t got the Spirit.


William Branham - A man and his Angel - by Mike Oppenheimer

Discerning the World had this to say:  “Mike Oppenheimer from Let us Reason Ministries has released an extraordinarily well researched book exposing the incredible practices and false teachings of William Branham. Branham is the father of the satanically inspired Latter Rain Movement that has completely engulfed the church with it’s ‘unholy spirit of fire’.  I urge all to get this book and read it, you will not be disappointed if you are seeking the Truth – your eyes will surely be opened.”

PDF book on William Branham (over 900 pages)

A Man and His angel- A Biblical examination of William Branham’s Practices and Teachings

Click here to get book:  http://www.letusreason.org/bookw.branham.htm


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Deborah (Discerning the World)

Deborah Ellish is the author of the above article. Discerning the World is an internet Christian Ministry based in Johannesburg South Africa. Tom Lessing and Deborah Ellish both own Discerning the World. For more information see the About this Website page below the comments section.

420 Responses

  1. Micheline says:

    It is always interesting to see how some people “glorify” their favourite preachers and protect them with all their might.

    Maybe a little MORE glorifying of GOD is needed and LESS of any sinful man.

  2. Ray kariyen says:

    I am glad you have done so much research and trying so hard to prove that a man sent from God is wrong. I wish you well because the very day that the Lord walked this earth they called him all kinds of names and said what you are saying.
    I go to the church and I can assure you that I am not following a man. Just as Moses was a man and beliveing in what he wrote does not mean I worship a man or he is a devil for that matter, even though he killed.
    If there are no people of your callibre then the Bible will be wrong and it cannot be wrong for you or people that cannot live a rightous life.
    Last, once again I wish you well and rember every slander of yours because on the day jugment it will play before you.

  3. Ray

    >> I wish you well because the very day that the Lord walked this earth they called him all kinds of names and said what you are saying.

    Jesus Christ never ever preaches false teaching like William Branham did, so to compare the two is blasphemous.

    >> I go to the church and I can assure you that I am not following a man.Just as Moses was a man and beliveing in what he wrote does not mean I worship a man or he is a devil for that matter, even though he killed.

    Yes you are following a man. You see Moses was IN THE BIBLE, he was a type of Christ between the Israelies and God. William Branham is not mentioned in the bible and never will be. You are following his teachings instead of what is written in the bible by God Himself.

    >> If there are no people of your callibre then the Bible will be wrong and it cannot be wrong for you or people that cannot live a rightous life.

    I have no idea what you are trying to say, but the Bible is the Word of God, and the Word of God is Jesus Christ in published form, Jesus Christ is God and the Bible is our Authority.

    >> Last, once again I wish you well and rember every slander of yours because on the day jugment it will play before you.

    I wont be there on judgement day, I am a born again Christian saved by Jesus Christ who shed His blood for me at Calvary, He died, was buried and resurrected 3 days later and then ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of our Heavenly Father.

    What did William Branham do for you?

  4. Lee says:

    John the baptist was spoken of in Malachi 4:6 and the book of Matthew and Luke, now let’s look at proper context instead of twisting of words, because Branham’s followers have been indoctrinated by a cult, I will have to speak to them in very small simple words, not to make fun of them,but because Branham’s followers as well as oneness pentecostals are unlearned when it comes to proper exegesis of scripture.

    We will look at luke and Malachi and Matthew

    Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

    (( John who ? John the baptist who is the son of Zacharias and Elisabeth. ))

    Luke 1:14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

    ((whose birth ? John the baptist birth look see Luke 1:13 for details))

    1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb

    (( He shall be filled with the Holy Ghost ? He who ? John the baptist. From his mother’s womb ? Whose womb ? Elisabeth’s womb. who is Elisabeth ? John the baptists mom))

    1:16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God

    (( children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. He ? John the baptist ! ))

    1:17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias , to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

    ((( he shall go before him in spirit and power of Elias so now we must take verse 17 out of context and switch from John the Baptist to WILLIAM BRANHAM ???? In proper context of scripture verse 17 just as the other three verses all speak of John the Baptist. And verse 17 connects with Malachi )))

    Compare Malachi 4:6 with Luke 1:17 and we find the words prophesied in Malachi 4:6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children is also found of John the baptist in Luke 1:17. But of course let’s ignore scripture and proper exegesis for some nut job who claimed he had magical powers !

    Malachi 4:6 *And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children and the heart of the children to their fathers* , lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

    Luke 1:17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, *to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children* and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

    You can’t take scripture that speaks of john the baptist and then change it into a false prophet named William Branham people.

  5. Wow, now that is interesting Lee, I didn’t even know that.

  6. Bro Moses Mbogo says:

    Hallelujah there is no heavenly sent messager who never suffered this before.u r not the 1st critic neither will u be the last..my free advice believe the seventh angel messenger(WIILIAM MARRION BRANHAM) OR DIE! take it or live it..otherwise my friend you just did the worst

  7. Bro Moses

    >> OR DIE!

    Oh my word, I am shivering in my boots.

    Jeremiah 23:30-32
    30 Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour.
    31 Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.
    32 Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.

  8. Virginia Otter says:

    William Branham stated “its okay to be a freemason and still be a christian”. No wonder most of his teachings were demonic taken from the bible of the freemasonry which is OCCULTIC! One example of many of his Lies: The serpent seed. Branham taught that the serpent had sex with Eve and produced Cain. The bible clearly states from the chapter of Genesis 4:1 And Adam knew EVE his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said; I had gotten a man from the Lord. William Branham A False Prophet deceiving the masses. A freemason of the high rank of the 33rd degree. A grand master of deception. He was a worshiper of Lucifer’s doctrine, to attack to destroy the true word of God. He is not God’s Prophet, he is Satan’s prophet to bring all of his follower to worship the soon coming anti-christ during the new world order. William Branham teaching can not deceive God’s elect.

  9. Lugo Suarez says:

    I’m from a country in Africa where this guy has a large following, at 19 i was actually in his church for a about a year. I played in the band, Now first things first, i was never really a Bro. Branham believer, i just enjoyed playing in the band and observing what a ‘cult’ society was like. These were my observations:
    The older followers (40+) are Hardcore and are always pushing the youth deeper into his madness. They enforce their families to go for services almost every single day!They raise their kids up constantly telling them he is “THE Prophet”,have pictures of him on their walls , car keys, wallets and this is why there kids become so blind.
    His youth (16-25) followers naturally are estranged from society but put so much effort trying to fit in. It’s like they follow him in secret and are shy to admit it, probably because they have issues with his message. The youth are mostly offspring of the already hardcore Branham believers, i was the only 1 out of roughly 45-50 who wasn’t. They don’t have any freedom! They can’t marry outsiders, passions such as being A ‘Pop Star’ or a ‘Model’ are seen as demonic and if attempted they’d most likely get kicked out of home. The woman always amused me, They can’t wear makeup, Jeans, Shorts or Tights. So they’d wear tight skirts and dresses that hug their curves ‘nicely’ to give guys a good view of their ‘assets’. They’d also sneak in a bit of makeup but minimal so the elders wouldn’t notice lol.Outside of church most Youth would never tell a soul their Branhamites, especially the girls as this would ruin the chances of getting laid. Funny enough they were also super horny but would only have sex with outsiders to keep it anonymous. But having said that ,most Branhamite’s are good people and just want whats best for them and their families spiritualy, sadly they’re a bit extreme & believe Branham is 2nd to Jesus. I often sat there thinking “wow how can people believe this guy?” From don’t eat eggs, don’t wear shorts to Don’t have mixed race children this guy has said it all. I left because we played old boring hymns and i also personaly discovered what Branham said about “Mulatto’s” or Mixed race people. Being one i was like wtf!! I just find it interesting how when their together they’re Branhamites , When their with “worldly ” People then they’re conveniently not Branhamites. They just go about believing all the non Branhamites are destined for hell and look at you incredibly weirdly but don’t ever say anything.
    My advise you don’t need to worship a prophet to Be a follower and believer in Christ, So stay away from Such churches READ YOUR BIBLE continuously and pray.

  10. Mark says:

    That is an excellent usage of scripture references Lee.

    William Branham is not John the Baptist but a mere man who has denied the Biblical Trinity along with speaking utter falsehoods and failed prophecies. Therefore he is a false prophet who preaches another gospel promoting lies.

    Deuteronomy 4:2
    Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

    Deuteronomy 12:32
    What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shall not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

    Proverbs 30:6
    Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

    Revelation 22:18,19
    For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add to these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

    And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

    William Branham has added and taken away from the Word of God claiming to have “extra biblical revelation” when it is all guided under demonic spirits manifesting false signs and wonders.

  11. brother says:

    can anyone answer me where anyone in the bible ever was baptist in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Gost please give me a scriptural answer…Amen

  12. brother,

    Can water baptism save you? If not then you are barking up the wrong tree.

  13. Thomas says:

    You have not answered the question. You cannot answer it as there is no such baptism in scripture. Besides water baptism not saving us but the blood of Jesus Christ….. all Scripture is important. What JESUS commanded is important whether it pertains to salvation or not . We don’t pick and choose but are to fullfill all scrupture we are asked to do. Scripture is so important that we are not even to as or take away anything and that includes baptism

  14. Thomas,

    You are so right to say “what Jesus commanded is important whether it pertains to salvation or not. What did He say about baptism?

    And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)

    Yep, you are so right when you say “Scripture is so important that we are not even to as [add] or take away anything and that includes baptism.” You are taking away from baptism when you exclude the name of the Father and the Hly Spirit in baptism. That’s not nice of you.

  15. Thomas says:

    Please read nicely….Who is the!NAME!,,,,of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Gost,,,,let me ask u like this,,IS Father a Name or is it a Title of what u are….??

  16. THomas,

    Where in the Bible does it say “Father” is just a title? Do you think you are just a title? If you are just a title then “mother” is also one.

  17. Brother says:

    Thomas,

    I don’t think u understand my questions cos so far u didn’t answer one,..??but u don’t need to reply anymore thanks

  18. Brother,

    I perfectly understood your question. Father is not just a title. He is a Person in the Trinity.

  19. Emmanuel Oduory says:

    Thank you so much, whoever wrote this article of Bro. Branham purported falsehood in prophecy. First, the writer breaks God’s word by judging others (Don’t judge that you may not be judged).Secondly, Bible states each to work his or her salvation with fear and trembling (not being busy bodies),Thirdly, the Bible is written to genuine and true believers not critics and heretics. Fourthly, every minister of the Gospel will be accountable to God for the people you preached to (your congregation) not the globe or humanity.Fifthly, salvation is God’s work not a man’s work and God knows His own (He takes care of them not you).Sixthly, Heaven is of God much as the Earth is, so as mortal man the writer owns none and will die like any other mortal man-his end??, but the GOSPEL LIVES.
    I would like to remind the writer that according to Matthew 11:25 the Truth is always HIDDEN to the wise & prudent but REVEALED to babes (not babies) such as would learn ,of course, them babes are taught of God (Holy Ghost).Luke 24:45Then opened He (JESUS CHRIST) their mind that they may understand the scriptures. Reading the scriptures is good but it takes God to bring the understanding which is the true, genuine, holy interpretation by revelation .Revelation is the diving line between the children of God and those of Satan.
    I am deeply sorry to the writer because I will not join the debate of whether Branham was a true or false prophet. The Bible says ‘To know Him is Eternal Life,’period and Amos 3:7 states ‘God does nothing unless first He reveals His secrets to His servants the prophets’-men like you and me. My advice to the writer is seek God for your soul and you will find Him, if it pleases Him.

  20. Emmanuel Oduory says:

    The only way you know God is by Revelation. This is God’s language and way of life even to His children.It has ever been and shall be forever eternally that He will use revelation. In fact Jesus Christ (FAITH OF GOD IN EXRESSION MADE MATERIAL/FLESH)is God’s revelation to mankind through His servants the prophets in every age. Oh my! No amount of prayers ,fasting, good moral conduct, intellectual pursuance can change a dog to be a sheep. Ha Ha! Ha! Your nature remains-either child of God or Satan right from birth. The gospel only awakens you to know who you are in order for you to take your rightful position in Christ.
    So don’t bother about the critics. Jesus was about His Fathers business in the midst of unbelieving Pharisees and Sadducees. Unbelief does not hinder God with His work. In fact, the unbeliever sinks into hell more and more. Let me put it right: THE PREACHING OF THE MESSAGE OF THE HOUR BLINDS THE UNBELIEVER BUT GIVES LIFE TO THE BELIEVER. Amen.

  21. jamie oliver says:

    William branham killed his wife and baby daughter and i have proof.i found an old diary that belonged to his wife…time to contact the fbi

  22. Chenel says:

    conrad edwards wrote:

    according to the scripture, mal 4 v 5+6, rev 10v7, math 17 v11, zech 14v7, Acts 3v21, joel 2 v25, between the 6th and seventh trumpet a prophet is to appear. who hath ears to hear will hear.

    I haven’t even read the article yet, but I wanted to respond to this post because I have met someone Thursday who proposed this line of reasoning. My friend, have you read the verses that you actually put up? For example, you cite Matthew 17:11, which talks about Elijah, but have you read the 12th verse where Jesus says that Elijah already came(past tense)? How can this passage be referring to someone who is coming in the future when Jesus specifically says that Elijah had already come?
    Let us look at Malachi 4:5-6; now go to Matthew 11:14. You will see that Jesus says this Elijah is none other than John the Baptist. The individual that I was talking to came up with Malachi 3:1 to prove that Malachi was talking about two different prophets, but based on Matthew 11:10, the prophet, Malachi, was referring to both times was John the Baptist.
    It’s difficult for us to accept that we’re wrong. However, if we want to be saved, we just have to accept the truth.

  23. Chenel,

    And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. (Joh 1:19-21)

    And neither was William Branham.

  24. firefighters prayer says:

    Wow that was strange. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit
    my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m
    not writing all that over again. Anyways, just
    wanted to say superb blog!

  25. theo says:

    I wouldnt want or desire to be a critic of the spirit that was proved over and over to prophecy truth and scripturally align the word with incidents from the garden of eden and beyond right to our day…your confusions are many and enough to call one a false prophet only if your confusions were true, but you need someone to explain to you all things and what they meant..Jesus Christ one time said to people ‘eat my flesh and drink my blood’ He never explained it to the..i shun to know what side of things you would be on if you lived in that day..but if God knew you before the world began you will understand and wont be against The Word in YOUR day..if you are like korah and them that argued with Moses and got destroyed, well i cant help you, you need to help yourself by repenting..in ALL THINGS GOD IS IN CONTROL.

  26. theo says:

    Thomas Lessing (Watch and Pray / Waak en Bid) wrote:

    Chenel,

    And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. (Joh 1:19-21)

    And neither was William Branham.

    but he said ‘i am the voice of one crying in the wilderness make way…’

  27. theo Mohloana says:

    Its allways good for a person trying to find God and seeking His way to have the right source otherwise the blind lead the blind..that is why i put those links and websites for your personal references on William Branham’s words and ministry from personal testimonies of Pearry Green and others that where there in the meetings and saw the things that happend.Most of the people critisising here dont even have 50 years in their faith enough to say you know your stand, some of you i am sure you speak from anger and confussion and didnt do your research, pray and go consult the right people, Paul consulted and discussed things with Peter, you may help and you may be helped.but be humble.

  28. theo Mohloana says:

    Lugo Suarez wrote:

    I’m from a country in Africa where this guy has a large following, at 19 i was actually in his church for a about a year. I played in the band, Now first things first, i was never really a Bro. Branham believer, i just enjoyed playing in the band and observing what a ‘cult’ society was like. These were my observations:
    The older followers (40+) are Hardcore and are always pushing the youth deeper into his madness. They enforce their families to go for services almost every single day!They raise their kids up constantly telling them he is “THE Prophet”,have pictures of him on their walls , car keys, wallets and this is why there kids become so blind.
    His youth (16-25) followers naturally are estranged from society but put so much effort trying to fit in. It’s like they follow him in secret and are shy to admit it, probably because they have issues with his message. The youth are mostly offspring of the already hardcore Branham believers, i was the only 1 out of roughly 45-50 who wasn’t. They don’t have any freedom! They can’t marry outsiders, passions such as being A ‘Pop Star’ or a ‘Model’ are seen as demonic and if attempted they’d most likely get kicked out of home. The woman always amused me, They can’t wear makeup, Jeans, Shorts or Tights. So they’d wear tight skirts and dresses that hug their curves ‘nicely’ to give guys a good view of their ‘assets’. They’d also sneak in a bit of makeup but minimal so the elders wouldn’t notice lol.Outside of church most Youth would never tell a soul their Branhamites, especially the girls as this would ruin the chances of getting laid. Funny enough they were also super horny but would only have sex with outsiders to keep it anonymous. But having said that ,most Branhamite’s are good people and just want whats best for them and their families spiritualy, sadly they’re a bit extreme & believe Branham is 2nd to Jesus. I often sat there thinking “wow how can people believe this guy?” From don’t eat eggs, don’t wear shorts to Don’t have mixed race children this guy has said it all. I left because we played old boring hymns and i also personaly discovered what Branham said about “Mulatto’s” or Mixed race people. Being one i was like wtf!! I just find it interesting how when their together they’re Branhamites , When their with “worldly ” People then they’re conveniently not Branhamites. They just go about believing all the non Branhamites are destined for hell and look at you incredibly weirdly but don’t ever say anything.
    My advise you don’t need to worship a prophet to Be a follower and believer in Christ, So stay away from Such churches READ YOUR BIBLE continuously and pray.

    YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW, YOU WILL CERTAINLY CRY WITHOUT ROOM FOR REPENTANCE IF YOU DONT MEND YOUR WAYS…Wrong is Wrong and Right is Right, even pastors following William Marrion Branham can make fatal mistakes and say and do things that William Marrion Branham never said they should do or say..The man’s message will never be disproved, his followers can surely have faults..are you FAULTLESS YOURSELF?

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