“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”

(Heb 13:8)

CIRCULAR LETTER March 2013

Election – Predestination

I wish to extend heartfelt greetings to all of you with the “Thus saith the Lord” from Isa 46:10:

“Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure …”

Before the foundation of the world, God purposed His Plan of Salvation. He made decisions about how His Plan of Redemption would come to fulfillment. Amidst the history of mankind, the Plan of Salvation is coming to pass, and it is imperative that we recognize what God has in mind for His Own and that we let ourselves be placed into this plan.

In his first sermon after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Peter explained how everything that happened with Jesus was part of the counsel of God and His Plan of Redemption. He said this about the Redeemer: “Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain (Jn 19:16-37): Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.” (Acts 2:23-27; Ps 16:8-11).

In his second sermon, Peter emphasized that God had declared His intentions in advance:

“But those things, which God before had shown by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.” (Acts 3:18; Ps 22; Isa 53).

Also in his third sermon the apostle addressed the subject of predestination once again:

“For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.” (Acts 4:27-28).

Not only the Jews, God’s chosen people, but also all of the believers from the Gentile nations are included in His Plan of Redemption. His election and predestination go far beyond what we human beings can comprehend.

“And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.” (Isa 49:6).

Paul connected the promise to faith: “And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.” (Gal 3:8; Gen 18:18).

“That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.” (Rom 9:8). “Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.” (Gal 4:28).

True faith is anchored in the promises of God. As Abraham believed what God had promised him and then saw it fulfilled, so do all of the elect believe the promises of God and experience their fulfillment: “That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” (Gal 3:14). The true children of God receive the full blessing of all promises by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Just as sure as the Word was manifested in the Son of God in a human body of flesh (Jn 1), so will every Word of God which is ordained for them also be manifested in all sons and daughters of God. In Him, all of the promises that God has given unto us are “Yes and Amen” – by their fulfillment in and through us, God is glorified (2 Cor 1:20).

From the beginning, God equipped human beings with a free will so that everybody could decide for or against Him. But because He knew who would accept His offer of grace, He could write their names into the lamb’s book of life before the foundation of the world (Rev 13:8; Rev 17:8; Rev 21:27).

“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will …” (Eph 1:4-5).

Furthermore, He “… made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself …” (v. 9). Amen!

The Apostle Paul repeatedly emphasized the fact of election and predestination. He wrote:

“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” (Rom 8:28-30).

This is the appointment of the elect. Before there was an earth, a paradise, a fall of mankind, even before time began, God predestinated all of the elect and chose, separated, and sanctified them in Jesus Christ.

“And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” (Jn 17:19).

Whoever continues reading in Jn 17, from verse 20, is led into the depth of the divine counsel.

“I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” (v. 23).

“I in them …” This is the realized mystery of God among the elect and predestinated ones. We have all things in Him, Who said, “… for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.” (Jn 17:24).

The Redeemer and the Redeemed were already loved and predestinated before the foundation of the world. “… and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.” (vv. 25-26). Amen.

To sum it up, Paul wrote the following about this subject in Eph 3:1-12: “How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery … as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ … To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God …”

Acceptance and Rejection

In Romans, chapters 9, 10, and 11, Paul illuminated the fact that Israel, the chosen people, rejected what God had promised, and in reference to the nations he stated: “But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.” (Rom 10:20-21; Lev 26; Eze 20).

Israel objected; Israel, as a whole, refused and remained in unbelief and disobedience. Then the apostle continued:

“I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew.” (Rom 11:1-2).

God did not cast away His people, although His people rejected Him. After all, He came to His Own and His Own received Him not. Only the ones who received Him and believed in His Name received the right to be children of God (Jn 1:11-12). Until today, the veil is over their hearts and can only be lifted by the revelation of Jesus Christ (2 Cor 3:12-18).

We are living at the end of the time of grace, and as with Israel back then, it is now happening with the Church of the nations:

“For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” (Heb 4:2). The election must be received and experienced personally by each individual. True faith is anchored in the promises of God, and only true faith leads into the fulfillment. The matter currently at hand is that all believers let themselves be integrated in His predetermined counsel.

Faith must be followed by obedience; we see this in particular with Abraham when he was supposed to sacrifice Isaac (Jas 2:21-26; Gen 22). Abraham did not act according to his own discretion – he obeyed and did what the Lord had commanded him. That is how faith was justified by the deed. That is precisely what it is about with regard to His chosen people and also with the Church! Faith without the corresponding deed is dead and only a lip service.

The Apostle Peter pointed out: “Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.” (1 Pt 2:6; Ps 118:22).

It is marvelous: All those who do not place their trust in themselves or in a man, but in Him, the precious chief cornerstone, are built up jointly as living stones and will never be put to shame: “Ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” (v. 5) – and we are His house – the pillar and foundation of the truth (1Tim 3:15; Heb 3:6).

“Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.” (1 Pt 2:7-8; Isa 28:16).

Here, the true believers who place their trust in the Lord are clearly being distinguished from those among His people who do not believe as the Scripture says. At the first coming of Christ, the religious builders discarded the cornerstone; now they are rejecting the capstone (Zec 4:7; Acts 4:11). Our Lord and Redeemer is the First and the Last. He is Alpha and Omega, the cornerstone and the capstone.

In order that everyone can determine for oneself whether he or she belongs to the true believers, the elect, the predestinated ones or to those who take offense at the Word which God has promised for our time, everyone should read the corresponding verse once again: “… which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.” (1 Pt 2:8). That hurts, but that is how it is. It is always about the promised Word of the hour and about what God is presently doing. Whoever does not receive and believe it is destined to remain in disobedience and unbelief, to take offense and to be condemned.

For some He is the Rock of Salvation, for the others the stumbling block. Whoever does not believe God stumbles over it on account of disobedience against the Word. And, amazingly enough, here it speaks of appointment as well. Whenever the time of fulfillment came, all of the elect believed, recognized the time at hand, and had a part in what God was doing. The following applies to them: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” (1 Pt 2:9-10).

Paul, who had a direct responsibility because of the divine calling, introduced himself like this: “Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness …” (Tit 1:1).

The apostle showed how important it is to believe the truth and what the consequences are if the truth is not believed: “… And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie …” (2 Ths 2:10-11). Divine love for the Word is the prerequisite to have it revealed and to be kept safe from any lie. Addressing the true believers, the apostle wrote the following, which I also apply to all those who now truly believe: “But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth …” (v. 13).

In the Epistle to Timothy, the man of God wrote: “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of demons …” (1 Tim 4:1).

We have, after all, arrived in the end time and see that this Word is also being fulfilled. As sure as every true doctrine comes from God, so does every false doctrine come from misleading spirits, even from demons. Only the Spirit of truth leads into all truth (Jn 16:13). And only “… as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Rom 8:14).

Then he showed his co-worker at the time – and today all of us – the requirement: “… thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” (1 Tim 4:6; Isa 28:17).

The apostle admonished us with these words: “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” (v. 16). Amen.

“These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing …” (1 Tim 6:2-4).

The Son of Man said: “My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” (Jn 7:16-17). Every true servant who was indeed sent by the Lord can say the same. First, we must be prepared to do the Will of God, only then will it be revealed to us. At first, the risen Lord taught His apostles for 40 days (Acts 1:1-5), then He commanded them: “… Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you …” (Mat 28:20). The apostolic doctrine documented in the Bible is the doctrine of Christ; it is in force as the only true doctrine until the end (Acts 2:42).

We also have to take this Scripture very seriously: “… that no lie is of the truth.” (1 Jn 2:21). In view of the true believers we read: “For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.” (2 Jn 1:2). To this we say: “Amen!”

In 2. Tim 3, Paul further described the circumstances during the end time: “Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.” (2 Tim 3:8). Indeed, they always rise against the one whom the Lord has called to preach the absolute truth in connection with the Plan of Salvation. They are men of corrupt minds. Hereto it must be said that every true doctrine makes sense and every false doctrine is nonsensical.

From the days of Moses, we also have the report in Num 16 that from the very tribe of Levi, which God had chosen to the ministry in the temple, Korah, the despiser, rose up against Moses. This Levite let jealousy arise in him; he looked at Moses, the man called by God, with contempt and thought that this man claimed too much for himself. And behold: He quickly gathered a group around him. Yes, and then God judged this Korah, who despised the unparalleled commission of Moses, and put an end to him along with his group. Why was this example written down for us? As a warning (2 Tim 3:16).

The false prophets and christs who are making their appearances are not the ones who harm the believers of the end-time message, but instead “… of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” (Acts 20:30). They claim that they have been called out by the ministry of the messenger, but then they go their own ways, like Dathan and Korah, and form factions which believe their special revelations. The Epistle of Jude says this about them: “These be they who separate themselves …” Every ministry placed by God, however, is provided for the edification of the Church (Eph 4:11-16).

Indeed, if it were possible, the very elect would also be misled by the cunningly devised fables. But, thankfully, it is not possible. The elect see through the religious deception; they remain in the Word and in the Church.

Just as 7000 remained of Israel in the days of Elijah and did not bow their knees before Baal, as the man of God set forth in Rom 11:5, “Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.” Amen.

Only the elect are the Bride of the Lamb who will be taken up into glory at the Return of Christ. They are the wise virgins who will be ready and go into the marriage supper (Mat 25:10; Rev 19:7). To them applies the beatitude: “But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.” (Mat 13:16). Their eyes see; their ears hear; their hearts believe; they recognize the day of God’s merciful visitation. To them apply all nine beatitudes; they are pure in heart and will see God (Mat 5:3-12). As the elect, they remain in the Word and reject any interpretation; they abide in the grace and the love; they walk in the ways of God; they listen only to what the Spirit of God has to say through the Word of God to everyone in the Church.

A Worthwhile Comparison

What happened at the first coming of Christ, and what is taking place now, before His second coming? John came on the scene and bore witness of the light so that all people would come to the true faith (Jn 1:7). Just as Isa 40:3 and Mal 3:1 were fulfilled by the ministry of John the Baptist, namely that through his message he would reach the hearts of the fathers who were living in the beliefs of the Old Testament and prepare a people for the Lord (Lk 1:16-17), so the hearts of the children of God are now being brought back to the doctrine of the apostles, to the faith of the apostolic fathers. Through this last message a people is again prepared for the Lord.

In 1. Cor 10, Paul showed us the exodus of His chosen people Israel. They all stood under the cloud; all crossed the Red Sea; all were baptized unto Moses; all ate manna; all drank from the spiritual Rock, which was Christ (vv. 1-4).

Indeed, and then came the shattering verdict: “But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.” (v. 5). In verse 11 we are directly addressed: “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” This example was written down for us, the ones who are living at the time of end for this world, as a warning. It does not suffice to speak of the prophet, of the calling out, of the baptism, of the pillar of fire, of what God has done – we must ask ourselves what God has done in our lives and whether God is indeed well-pleased with us.

Back then God was not well-pleased with the majority of His chosen people Israel. But exactly that is the important thing, as the example of Enoch shows: Before his rapture, he received the testimony that God was pleased with him (Heb 11:5-6).

After all, that is what it is about, that we recognize the path which God is now taking with the Church, for that is the only way that God can be well-pleased with all of those who shall be raptured. In the deepest of their hearts, they are in absolute agreement with God, with His Word, and thereby also in His Will for this important phase in the completion of the Plan of Salvation.

The Lord had to say the following about His chosen people, who witnessed His great works for forty years and yet did not believe: “Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do always err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.” (Heb 3:10). Have we recognized the ways of the Lord with His Church for this time period? Or do we err in our hearts and go our own ways?

Here we must refer to 2. Cor 11:1-6. Paul, the man called by God, was filled with godly jealousy, for he had espoused the believers to one Husband, and he wanted to present a chaste virgin unto Christ. But he feared that the serpent would beguile the careless believers with malice and pull them away from Christ, unto the wicked one. Thus he drew the comparison to how it happened with Eve. After being beguiled, Eve was no longer a virgin. After being beguiled, she carried the seed of the serpent in her, gave herself to Adam, bore Cain, and right afterward bore Abel (Gen 4). There were two different seeds in Eve, two sons which were called brothers (Gen 4:8-10). Cain was a false brother; he was not the son of Adam and is not found in any genealogy register. He was the son of the wicked one (1 Jn 3:12).

Brother Branham emphasized many times with reference to Eve that it was just a single Word which the serpent added and then used to challenge everything that God had said. That is how the original sin, “the unbelief,” and finally the beguiling came about, which led to the physical and spiritual death. Therefore, Brother Branham repeatedly stressed the “original sin,” which entails all the other sins and transgressions. Every interpretation gives rise to doubts about what God has said and thus faith is undermined and substituted by unbelief.

What is the secret in regard to Christ and the Bride Church? Mary was engaged to Joseph, but she was a virgin. She believed the promise and said, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” (Lk 1:38). The divine seed was placed into her womb by supernatural begetting, as it was foretold in Ps 22:9: “But thou art he that took me out of the womb …” and “Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.” (Ps 2:7; 2 Sam 7:14). Thus the Word from Isa 7: 14 was fulfilled: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive …,” and the Word became flesh; the Son of God was born (Mat 1:18-25; Lk 1:26-38). Likewise, the divine Word seed, in which is the germ of life, is placed as the Word of promise into the virgin womb of the Church, from which the overcomers shall come forth and grow unto a perfect man (Eph 4:13).

It must be emphasized again and again that now, at the end of the time of grace, the true proclamation of the last divine message is more important than ever: the Word of promise over which God is keeping watch and which He Himself brings to fulfillment in the children of promise (Gal. 4:28).

What Takes Place Before the Return of Christ?

In Jn 14 we find the main promise of our beloved Lord: “I go to prepare a place for you … and … will come again, and receive you unto myself…”

However, prior to that, His other announcement had to be fulfilled: “Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.” (Mat 17:11). The promise that a prophet like Elijah must come on the scene before the day of the Lord is written in Mal 4:5-6. It was fulfilled in our time. Just as Elijah took twelve stones, rebuilt the altar of the Lord, and called upon the people of Israel to make their choice, the same thing also took place through the ministry of Brother Branham, who put the doctrine of the twelve apostles on a candlestick. Elijah prayed: “Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the Lord God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again.” (1 Ki 18:37). The Lord Himself has turned our hearts back as well.

Of our Redeemer it is written: “Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.” (Acts 3:21). Now is the time of calling out, of restitution and restoration of the original condition, as God has announced it. The original foundation was laid; the absolutely pure, divine message of the everlasting Gospel is being preached (Mat 24:14; Rev 14:6).

At the first coming of Christ, supernatural things happened on earth: An angel, who could say, “I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee …,” visited Zacharias in the temple and gave him the promise of the birth of John the Baptist (Lk 1:11-25). Then the Angel Gabriel came to the virgin Mary and announced the birth of the Redeemer (Lk 1:26-38). In the ministry of our Lord, supernatural things happened all the time. And also the believers in the early Church experienced the supernatural working of God. We remember the supernatural calling of Paul (Acts 9). In the first three verses in Rev 1, we read that the Lord sent His angel to show His servant John everything that would take place. In the last chapter, verse 16, our Lord testified once more: “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches.”

On May 7, 1946, an angel came to Brother Branham and said: “Do not fear! I am sent from the presence of God to tell you …” As is well-known to everyone in the message, it is how Brother Branham received his direct call to the ministry, by which the hearts of the children of God were turned back to the origin, to the beginning, to the Word, to the faith of the apostolic fathers. It is the Word of the Lord which remains forever and “… which by the gospel is preached unto you …,” as Peter testified (1 Pt 1:25). We are now dealing with the most important time period in the Plan of Salvation.

The message of the forerunner back then contained a very special promise. All who believed and were baptized heard John say: “… he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.” (Mat 3:11) – “In you, who have heard the message, whose hearts were turned to Him, who were baptized, in you He will fulfill His promise.” In Acts 2 we read how it was fulfilled (vv. 33-41). On the day of Pentecost, initially the 120 believers who were gathered in the upper room were filled with the Holy Spirit. Then the sermon of Peter pricked the hearts of many, and they asked, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Thereupon came the answer, which is still valid today: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” In Acts 2:41 three thousand souls were added unto them, in Acts 4:4 five thousand. The ministry of the forerunner was worthwhile: Many hearts were prepared; they were in expectation; they believed the promise; they had a part in it when it took place. Likewise, the hearts of the true believers are now joined with the Lord and all are in great expectation of what God will do. They get baptized biblically in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and will experience the mighty moving of the Spirit.

On June 11, 1933, the following words were spoken to Brother Branham from the supernatural cloud: “As John the Baptist was sent to forerun the first coming of Christ the message that is given you will be a forerunning of the second coming of Christ!” Brother Branham quoted these words several times in his sermons and even emphasized: “Not that I would be a forerunner, but the message was the forerunning.” According to Isa 55, it is not the messenger as the bearer of the Word, but the message itself which accomplishes what God has sent it for: “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (v. 11).

As an eye- and ear-witness who witnessed the meetings of Brother Branham and who was personally in contact with him for ten years, I am acquainted with what he was told in reference to the message which he had to bring. Later on, however, entirely different versions were published than the original and genuine one, in which the word “message” is missing. According to the newest version, the voice is alleged to have said: „As John the Baptist was sent for a forerunner of the first coming of Jesus Christ, you will bring the second coming of Jesus Christ.” An older version asserts: “… you were sent to forerun His second coming.” But adding one word or taking one word away completely changes what the Lord said (Rev 22).

The reason why brothers deliberately falsify the wording of the commission is obvious: Thereby they want to say that with the ministry of Brother Branham everything came to an end. Some even believe that the Lord has already come and is now claiming His Own; others that the Rapture has already taken place; again others that the Angel of the Covenant has come on earth and has put His feet on the land and the sea; that Revelation 10 has already been fulfilled; that the mercy seat has become the judgment seat; that the seven thunders are seven special men; and many other confusing things. They cannot and do not want to believe that Brother Branham upon the command of the Lord just stored in the food by putting it in baskets onto shelves, as he had symbolically seen in a vision. But he did not yet give out the food as a prepared meal upon the table. They cannot and do not want to believe that the prophet told me on December 3, 1962: “Wait with the giving out of the food until you get the rest of it …” and “… The food is in the sermons which are recorded on tapes …”

In the past years, eight brothers from four countries travelled to Jeffersonville to speak with the two witnesses who were present at the time when Brother Branham by revelation repeated what the Lord had told me on April 2, 1962. The main witness, Brother Fred Sothman, who had clung to Brother Branham since 1948 unlike anyone else, even repeated for the last two brothers the precise words which the prophet had said. He could actually recall the sentence: “Wait with the giving out of the food until you get the rest of it.” Why have none of the brothers who publish their own theories interviewed the witnesses? The answer is self-evident: Then they would not be able to continue their slander; then they would have to acknowledge what God is currently doing through the message.

Everybody must make the decision whether he believes God and His Word or the interpretations; or, in this case, whether he believes what was really said or what falsifiers have made out of it. Nevertheless, a chaste virgin will be presented to Christ, our Lord and Savior (2 Cor 11), and the wise virgins will be ready at the Return of the Bridegroom (Mat 25:10). The preparedness of the wise virgins is, no doubt, connected with the ministry of the wise servant and the faithful household in Mat 24:45-47, because right in the next chapter it states: “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins …” This applies to our time. The spiritual famine, which was foretold in Amos 8:11, is here and the food that was stored in by the command of the Lord is being distributed, as the Lord commanded me on April 2, 1962. Later, He also told me: “My servant, I have ordained thee according to Mat 24:45-47 to give out the food …” With God, everything runs orderly and as scheduled. What He said then is still valid today: “He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me …” (Lk 10:16).

An Important Comparison

According to Mat 25:1-13, the kingdom of heaven is likened unto ten virgins who go out to meet the Bridegroom. All of them hear the message and take their lamps with them. But then they all fall asleep. We must compare Mat 25:5 with Mat 13:25: There the good seed was sown by the Son of Man; then the people fell asleep and that was the time the enemy used to sow his evil seed. Brother Branham called it “the seed of discrepancy.” In the parable of Mat 25, likewise, all virgins fall asleep and now the enemy also makes use of the opportunity to sow his seed. After all, every interpretation is a strange seed, which the wicked one sows. At evening time it has become light, as the prophet said many times; at midnight it will be manifested who has walked in the light and reaches the goal – who is foolish and who is wise. This does not take place at evening time when the messenger is on the scene, this happens at midnight when the Bridegroom comes. For then the foolish lack the oil of the Spirit. Indeed, and then they are sent to them that sell – not to Him who baptizes with the Holy Ghost and with fire! Those who sell do talk a lot about the revelation of the Spirit, but do not have it themselves.

One almost does not dare to repeat what the Lord says to the foolish virgins: “Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.” (Mat 25:11-12). This “afterward” or “later” will then be “too late.” This is not addressed to unbelievers, but to believers. Virgins who have heard the midnight cry, who went out to meet the Bridegroom must then hear: “I know you not.” What has happened with them? Have they at some point crossed the line and missed the connection? Did they let themselves get beguiled, misled?

In the last message to the Church, the Lord stands before the door (Rev 3:20): If anyone hears His voice and opens the door, He will come in to him and sup with him. Have the foolish virgins not heard the last knocking and did they not open the door for Him? At the end, they themselves stand before the closed door. After all, Jesus is the door through which we must enter. He is the good Shepherd and His sheep hear only His voice (Jn 10). Which voice did the foolish hear? Did they follow a stranger with strange doctrines? The “I know you not” to the foolish is beyond comprehension for us.

All of those in the Church who accept any strange seed are defiled and do not belong to the wise virgins any longer; they are beguiled, as Eve was. Paul said with all clarity that in the case of seduction, another Jesus, another gospel under the influence of another spirit is then preached. The foolish let themselves get tossed around by every wind of doctrine, whereupon their thoughts are shifted toward the evil one (2 Cor 11:1-6). The wise remain faithful and receive solely the seed of the Word. They remain under the divine influence by only believing what the Scripture says and how the Scripture says it. The faith, which has overcome the world, is triumphant with them.

Note the similarity between the statements addressed to the miracle workers, who in fact are deceivers, and to the foolish virgins: “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Mat 7:23) and:

“Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.” (Mat 25:11-12).

As certain as the Scripture about the faithful servant has been fulfilled, so will the one of the evil servant in Mat 24:48-51 also come true, as well as what the Apostle Paul foresaw in a prophetic view: “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, … whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.” (Tit 1:1-11). Also in our time, the good seed was sown first; then the enemy sowed his seed on the same field. But a true prophet never became a false prophet, and a wise servant sent by the Lord Himself never became an evil servant – and vice versa. The Son of Man only ever sows the good seed through His messengers, while the enemy sows the evil seed. What our Lord said remains true forever: “The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one …” (Mat 13:38-52).

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.” (Jn 13:20).

Through His teaching, God provides His justice for our guideline (Isa 28:17; 1 Tim 4:6; Tit 2:7). The table of the Lord is set with only the pure food. Now it becomes manifest who has found the connection and lives in the presence of Jesus Christ, and it is also obvious who has stayed behind in the experiences of the past and only talks about the prophet and about what happened in his ministry. Everything that was part of the ministry of the messenger has come to pass, and the whole counsel of God has been declared unto us. Brother Branham spoke about every biblical subject. Like Paul, he showed the women, the men, everyone their rightful place; he spoke about the Church order, about the ministries, and upon the command of the Lord he even addressed the difficult subject of “Marriage, Divorce, Remarriage.” By the grace of God, everything that Brother Branham taught can be biblically placed. In the days of the Bible, the concern was not about the life story of Moses or Elijah, or about the one of John the Baptist, of Peter or of Paul, about whom we know practically nothing. Likewise, today it is not about the life story of Brother Branham, but rather about Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation, which God is now bringing to its completion.

We resolutely reject cults centered on any person and any type of idolatry. Only a believer who does not recognize that God shall not give His glory to anyone else will idolize personal belongings of the prophet, and even his grave. However, we do not preach the prophet, but the things that were revealed to him by the Spirit – we preach Jesus Christ as the Same, yesterday, today, and forever. Whoever is truly chosen lives in the presence of God. All of the elect partake in the ministry of the prophet by recognizing what God has done and is still doing even after his departure. Now the concern is about what the Lord Himself has foreordained for this time. In full agreement, we can gratefully say, “Amen!”

Satan, the accuser of the brethren, uses spiteful people who are under his influence to destroy the influence of the servant of Christ which he has through the proclamation of the Word. The accuser will finally be cast out when the male child is raptured, who after the marriage supper will rule over all nations with a rod of iron (Rev 12:1-12). This is one of the promises that have been given to the overcomers (Rev 2:26-29). Then the ministry of Jesus Christ as the Advocate will come to its end (1 Jn 2:1-2). God has given us perfect atonement and perfect justification through the blood of the Lamb of God. There is never any enmity among the elect. The elect will never persecute or accuse others. It was the seed of the serpent, namely Cain, who feigned love, let jealousy arise because God did not receive his sacrifice, and became the first murderer (1 Jn 3:9-12; Gen 4:8).

As certain as the Redeemer entered the heavenly sanctuary as the High Priest (Heb 9:11-14) with His Own blood and offered up the blood of the New Covenant (Mk 14:24) upon the golden cover plate of the Ark of the Covenant (Heb 9:15-22; Ex 25:17), He surely is the Mediator of the New Covenant (1 Tim 2:5). The judgment seat from which the verdict was pronounced in the Old Testament became the mercy seat. Only when the completion of the entire Plan of Salvation is accomplished will the mercy seat again turn into the judgment seat. This takes place according to the sixth seal (Rev 6:12-17), when the sun turns into darkness and the moon into blood, when the terrible “day of the Lord” dawns (Isa 13:9-16; Joel 3:4; Mal 3:19; Acts 2:20; 2 Pt 3:10).

Paul went on to say: “Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.” (Rom 8:33). Who wants to condemn them? And then he listed a number of things which can come upon the elect, even tribulation and persecution, and ended with the remark: “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 8:37-39).

The entire Plan of Redemption is embedded in the love of God. He has loved us and we as His redeemed and loved ones may continue to love Him and one another in His love (Jn 13:34-35).

The elect and the ones predestinated before the foundation of the world will experience the last and final work of God. First, the seed of the Word had to be sown into their hearts, upon which the latter rain shall then fall (Hos 6:3; Joel 2:23-24; Zec 10:1; Jas 5:7). God took care of everything. And as certain as He finished His Work of Creation, so will He also finish His Work of Redemption. Amen. Amen.

The Year 2013

In June 2013 it will be eighty years since Brother Branham heard a loud voice call out to him from the supernatural cloud of light that the message which was entrusted to him would forerun the second coming of Christ.

Fifty years ago, namely in March 1963, Brother Branham spoke about the Revelation of the seven seals in a series of meetings, upon the command of the Lord. Something extraordinary took place prior to that: On February 28, 1963, Brother Branham was on Sunset Mountain in Arizona, USA, when suddenly seven consecutive thunderclaps shook the entire area. He repeatedly referred to these thunders and compared them with Rev 10 and said that they are connected to the Seals and the rapturing faith. There seven angels appeared to him in a supernatural cloud of light in the constellation of a pyramid. The seventh one in this constellation spoke to him and gave him the instruction to return to Jeffersonville and preach the seven seals. That took place from March 17 to March 24, 1963.

At the opening of the Seals, it was about the revelation of all the mysteries, about the declaration of the whole counsel of God with the Church, with Israel, and in general, based solely on the Holy Scriptures.

Sadly, there have never been as many interpretations of the statements of the prophet, as many directions and teachings, which are wrongly being labeled as the “message,” as there are nowadays. Every preacher refers to the prophet, although private interpretations are being presented, without any consideration of what the Bible says.

Does really nobody notice how much they are adding to the written Word as so-called “special revelations”? Does really not a single one of them think about what the Lord announced would happen to those who added anything to the written words of the prophecy, namely, “… God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book …” (Rev 22:18-19)? They will not be in heaven, but outside, and will have to suffer the plagues of the tribulation.

One may pose the question, for instance, what is written in the Bible about the seven thunders? The answer is: nothing, absolutely nothing. What can I, as a servant of God whom the Lord called to preach the Word, say about it? Nothing. Why not? Because I reverently respect what the Voice from heaven said: “Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.” (Rev 10:4b). Also with this very controversial subject it is absolutely imperative to not only take the quotes from the years 1962/63, but also what Brother Branham said after the opening of the Seals. In the sermon “The Unveiling of God,” Brother Branham said in June 1964: “I said, “But, you look, one word cannot be added or taken away.” See? And he said, “Well then, them seven thunders (You see?),” said, “wouldn’t them seven thunders blasting out, won’t that be a revelation be give to some man?” I said, “No, sir, it would be adding something to It or taking something from It.” It’s all revealed in there, and the seven seals opened up the revelation of what that was. See? He’s still in the Word. You see, you can’t get out of that Word. It won’t leave the Word. And God’s Spirit will never leave that Word. It’ll stay right with the Word …” (1 Cor. 4:6).

It has been eighty years since he was told that the message would forerun the second coming of Christ. Two thousand years have passed since the Lord gave the promise of His Return. Already in his days, Paul wrote: “We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed …” (1 Cor 15:51). Peter explained, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Pt 3:9). The words of our Lord are still valid: “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” (Mat 24:42) And: “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.” (Mk 13:33).

Within a short time, we can expect the Return of the heavenly Bridegroom, which will take place as soon as the last elect are called. It is important that we are ready. “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” (2 Pt 3:14).

The last message has reached the ends of the earth, and each year could be the last. The orientation based on the Word of prophecy, which is of no private interpretation (2 Pt 1:20), is of utmost importance for us. We read in the Word what has been predicted for this time, and we see that everything is coming to fulfillment.

At present, it is imperative to correctly place everything concerning God’s Plan of Salvation and to also let oneself be properly placed. I believe that all those who have accepted their election and predestination can earnestly partake in what God is currently doing. All the others have to come to terms with their destiny because they take offense at the Word for this time and do not recognize what God is now doing.

The only valid truth for all who find grace in the eyes of God is what is written in the Word. And those who are sincere in their hearts will understand everything correctly. I do not need to take anything back of the things that I have preached or written. Together with all of the elect we will experience the completion and ultimately the Rapture, which was shown to me in January 1981, when I was taken up with the multitude dressed in white. I conclude with the Word of the Apostle Paul: “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. … For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” (Acts 20:24+27).

My sincerest thanks go out to all of the elect and predestinated ones on all continents for remaining faithful to the Lord and His Word and Work.

“And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” (Rev 19:9).

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Rev 22:17).

Expectations on All Levels

Pope Benedict XVI surprised the entire world on February 11, 2013, with the announcement of his resignation and thereby triggered many speculations about his successor.

“He shall stand in the traditional faith, but at the same time reach out to the modern man in the world. He shall keep the church with 1.18 billion Catholics together, and at the same time plant the faith into pluralistic and multicultural societies. He shall not be too old, but should bring maturity and highest education.” That is how a journalist summarizes the expectations of the Catholics from the new pope. The Protestant churches allegedly hope for an ecumenist, first and foremost.

After all, 349 Protestant churches and denominations with more than 560 million people in over 110 countries are united in the Word Council of Churches. Pope Benedict XVI, highly esteemed in the entire world, always found the right words and also the fitting Scriptures to emphasize the “unity of Christians.” He presented, for instance, the Word of the Apostle Paul from Eph 4:4-6, which refers to the one faith and the one baptism: Benedict spoke of the “confession of our baptismal belief in God.” But whoever carefully reads what is actually written in the Bible will find out that the one faith and the one baptism of which Paul speaks have nothing in common with the “one Trinitarian creed” and the “one Trinitarian baptism” that are believed and practiced by the churches.

Pope Benedict also read from Jn 17:21, where it states: “That they all may be one …,” and applied this Scripture to ecumenism. The words of Jesus, however, do not refer to a human union of denominations, but to the unity of the true believers in Jesus Christ, our Lord, in His Word.

After Pope John Paul II, who came from Poland and who was fluent in German and Russian, together with Michail Gorbatschow played the leading part in the success of the German unification, the lot fell on the German Pope Benedict XVI to make the arrangements for the unification of all the churches. Pope John Paul II invited the representatives of the 12 world religions to Assisi, Italy; Pope Benedict XVI was the first pope ever to meet with a representative of the Lutheran church in Wittenberg, Germany, the place where Martin Luther under inspiration brought about the breakthrough of the Reformation.

In the year 2017, the celebration of the 500-year anniversary of the Reformation will take place, and by that time “the wound inflicted by the Reformation” is supposed to heal and all of the daughter churches are to return to the bosom of the mother church so that the schism finally comes to an end and the so-called “unity in diversity” of the “one church” comes into existence.

Whether it is in the religious, political, or economic realm: Unification is being pursued on all levels. Germany was united; Europe is being united; the whole world is being united under one head, which will be respected by all. The Church of Jesus Christ, however, is not affected by this process. The true believers of the Bible do not find any recognition in this world. To them applies what our Lord said: “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” (Jn 17:14). They are united under their head, Jesus Christ.

In the year 1993, only twenty years ago, the Vatican, which had exchanged ambassadors with all governments, recognized and established diplomatic relations with the State of Israel. After all, the pope is the only personality who is highly esteemed in the entire world and is acknowledged by all religions and governments as an authority. For 18 years, ongoing negotiations have been held about three areas in particular: the status of the Catholic church in Israel; the sovereignty over the holy sites; and about tax matters and property rights of the Catholic church in the Holy Land. Altogether, the concern is about 21 important areas, sites, and buildings. The greatest obstacle thus far has been Israel’s refusal to surrender control over the Upper Room, which is located on Mount Zion. Now Israel has conceded a “small portion” to the church and granted the pope an official place in the Upper Room.

Since the greatest hindrances have now been cleared, the new Catholic nuncio in Israel, Archbishop Giuseppe Lanzarotto, arranged an agreement with the former Deputy Foreign Minister, Danny Ayalon, which shall be signed in the Vatican in June 2013. This agreement most surely paves the way for a treaty that is acceptable to the Palestinians/Muslims, Jews, and Christians. It includes the Temple Mount and East Jerusalem and is supposed to bring about the long-awaited peace in the Middle East and hence worldwide (1 Ths 5:3). After all, the Prophet Daniel foretold in chapter 9:27: “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week …” The new pope will have to assume the leading part in the peace negotiations, which Pope Benedict as a German who witnessed the terrible Nazi-time could not fulfill. Most suitable would probably be a pope from the USA, the Great Power which is acknowledged by the whole world, to unite all religions and to finalize the status of Jerusalem for the Jews and Muslims. Yet, things will come to pass as they are supposed to.

Brother Branham said that the treaty will be made at around the time when we can expect the Rapture. Quote: “The moment He starts the seventieth week, or seven years, the Church is gone.” (August 6, 1961). Quote: “And after the Church is taken away, Rome and the Jews will make a covenant with one another.” (March 18, 1963). Before our very eyes, biblical Prophecy is being fulfilled on all levels, even with Israel, and we may lift up our heads and know that our redemption is drawing near (Rom 8:23; 1 Cor 15:50-58; 1 Ths 4:13-18; 1 Jn 3:1-3).

“And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.” (Rev 22:10).

“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (22:20).

By His commission

Missionary journey

Also this year started with a long journey, namely to India. I was overwhelmed when, after the blessed meeting in Chennai, Brother Swamy took me by the hands and gratefully said that he heard me preach in 1964 for the first time. He is now 92 years old and could hardly believe that I still travel. Also in Hyderabad and especially in New Delhi, believers travelled hundreds of kilometers to participate in the meetings.

It was Brother Branham who gave me the address of a well-known evangelist in India in December 1962. This was now my twenty-fourth missionary trip to this country since my first visit in the year 1964. During this time, the entire nation has been included in the proclamation, from the far North down to the utmost South. However, not only in India but also in all the other Asian and Far Eastern countries God has done great things – most recently even in Mongolia. Unfortunately, we cannot go into further details here about what is taking place there and on the African continent and in other parts of the earth.

Indeed, all nations and tribes are blessed in Christ Jesus, as the Lord promised it to Abraham (Gal 3:14). We are aware that now the last call goes forth so that even the last one is called.

Two pictures with the brethren and sisters in India

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© by the author and publisher E. Frank

Content

Election – Predestination 1

Acceptance and Rejection 3

A Worthwhile Comparison 7

What Takes Place Before the Return of Christ? 9

An Important Comparison 12

The Year 2013 15

Expectations on All Levels 17

Missionary journey 20