Not A Man But God
William Branham convinced his followers that he was the return of "Elijah the prophet" from the Old Testament of the Christian Bible, and through the usage of indirect reference and symbology, was successful in making his "Elijah" become a fundamental part of his "Message" cult theology. After establishing himself as "Elijah", Branham began introducing doctrine claiming that the "Elijah" of "this age" (himself) was "God" revealed among his people.
William Branham convinced his followers that he was the return of "Elijah the prophet" from the Old Testament of the Christian Bible, and through the usage of indirect reference and symbology, was successful in making his "Elijah" become a fundamental part of his "Message" cult theology. After establishing himself as "Elijah", Branham began introducing doctrine claiming that the "Elijah" of "this age" (himself) was "God" revealed among his people.
But the Elijah of this day is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is to come according to Matthew the seventeen-…Luke 17:30, is, the Son of man is to reveal Himself among His people. Not a man, God! But it’ll come through a prophet.
Branham, William. 1965, Nov 27. Trying To Do God A Service Without It Being God's Will
Leaders in Branham's cult following agree with this doctrine. In his farewell speech, Willard Collins, pastor of the Branham tabernacle, claimed that William Branham was "God tabernacled" in human flesh.
he was God tabernacled in the flesh! Nothing short of it! And he had all the answers, just like they should be to help the people! He come to help the people, not to hurt them. He didn't want to hurt nobody. He wanted to help everybody. And I've been so honored to be with him since 1955.- Willard Collins (my grandfather), Farewell speech.
Collins, Willard. 2015. Farewell Speech.