Salvation
Later versions of William Branham's stage persona began teaching that the Work that Jesus Christ did on the cross was insufficient, and that a "prophet-god" "Messenger" was required for salvation. All who believed this "Messenger" would be saved, but those who did not believe in the "Messenger" — even if they believed in Jesus Christ — would perish.
Later versions of William Branham's stage persona began teaching that the Work that Jesus Christ did on the cross was insufficient, and that a "prophet-god" "Messenger" was required for salvation. All who believed this "Messenger" would be saved, but those who did not believe in the "Messenger" — even if they believed in Jesus Christ — would perish.
No leaven among you, that brings the entire fulness of the godhead bodily among you. Couldn't do it in Luther's age, couldn't do it in Wesley's age, couldn't do it in Pentecostal age; but in the day when the Son of man will be manifested, revealed, brought back the Church together with the entire Deity of God amongst His people, showing the same visible signs, manifesting Himself like He did at the beginning when He was manifested on earth in a form of a Prophet-God. Oh! Glory! Promised by Malachi 4, promised by the rest of the Scriptures. Where you worship at? The house of God, seated (in present tense).
Branham, William. 1965, November 28. God's Only Provided Place Of Worship
He did in that age just as He did in all ages, and like He will do, just as He promised to do. God promises anything, then He comes down and proves His Word to be right. All that believe, all that believe the Message of that age, come in and was saved. So will it be in any age. All who did not believe the Message and the messenger, perished.
Branham, William. 1964, Aug 16. Proving His Word. 64-0816
This theology becomes problematic. Not only is it in direct conflict with theology produced by previous versions of his stage persona, it is in conflict with passages from the New Testament.
Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Regardless, a majority of followers believe that faith in William Branham as the "Elijah, Messenger of God" is required to achieve salvation. According to those followers, one must believe in Jesus Christ and William Branham. It should come as no surprise that William Branham taught his followers to believe that the "Elijah" he referred to was also the "Lord Jesus Christ" in the form of a "prophet" using his Manifest Sons of God theology. When one follows these paths to their conclusion, they must also believe that William Branham is the Christ to achieve salvation.
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. 65-1127B