A History of Christian Doctrine #3 - Online Christian Library

The Healing Revival and the Latter Rain
This is a matter to give glory to our God, Who has
come in the flesh again in our generation. He has
come in the flesh in all of us, but in a particular way
in this man who was His prophet for this generation.
Although Branham’s end-time prophecies were not
fulfilled and although he did not rise from the dead, his
teachings are still influential to this day. His followers,
generally called Branhamites, teach repentance, baptism
in Jesus’ name, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and holiness
of life. In a few locations they are the largest group
that advocates Jesus Name baptism. Unfortunately, they
also zealously promote the serpent seed doctrine, the
spoken word doctrine, and the necessity of accepting
William Branham as the prophet of the end time.
The Branhamites exist in thirteen loosely organized
fellowships and in many independent churches. In the
U.S. there are about 300 churches with 86,000 constituents
and another 400 house churches with 10,000
constituents. Worldwide, there are an estimated 1,150
churches with 191,000 constituents, and 1,380 house
churches with 109,000 constituents. 276
Many Pentecostal observers have concluded that
Branham was a man whom God used greatly to inspire
faith in people to receive divine miracles, particularly in
the early half of his ministry. He was not pretentious, he
lived simply, and he exhibited a real concern for people
and their needs. Unfortunately, over time he developed an
exaggerated opinion of his role. This exalted view of self,
theological naiveté, and an independent spirit led him
into false and destructive doctrines that seriously damaged
his effectiveness and legacy. Even so, his emphasis
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