CLAIM: Malachi describes the coming of Elijah as the ultimate forerunner ministry to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children before Jesus’ Second Coming. There was a partial fulfillment of this in the ministry of John the Baptist who came in the spirit and power of Elijah (Lk. 1:17).
False.
This one speaks of a fulfillment in the person of John the Baptist. Yet, it also speaks to our time in the person of William Branham.
Since the time of William Branham, faith has being been restored, but only a few find it. Many tares rise up in the field, such as a carnal prosperity and a church that is based on feeling rather than faith, but the Word of God endures forever.
William Branham, like Biblical prophets, was a true prophet attested to by signs and wonders and mighty miracles, yet like some of those recorded true prophets, he fell into error and died early. Yet, his testimony bears witness.
His primary message, looking back after his passing, was that of being against institutionalized religion, and for a true relationship with God. What is repeated in various streams is demonstrated to have its clearer source emanating from words of prophets like William Branham, when he described the Nicolatine, Balaamism, and Jezebel doctrines. Such a clear and concise description is not forthcoming, even in most of the voices prominently featured today.
William Branham made mistakes, and paid for it, in his life and his ministry. Yet, his message was one of a restoration of faith, a supernatural God, and a God who is here. Instead of dead formalism, He brought a present God who provided answers to prayer. Yet, the gifts were put on in public display, instead of discreetly, and a whole wave of conferences and carnal copycats ensued.
But, the heart of faith, and the heart of purity were demonstrated.
Certainly Jonh the Baptist fulfilled this passage. Yet, it stands to reason that God would repeat the pattern. William Branham fill this role, but perhaps in not the way that many would see him. Those who would hear the call must hear the Gospel call. And, that call is the call to faith. Rather than simply embracing the words of some man on the same level as that of Scripture, why not follow what the Word says the purpose of Apostles and Prophets are, the unity of the faith, and come to the faith of William Branham. In such a way, we could not simply agree with any forerunner, but we could, along with all the prophets and saints before us, discern with faith (which is proof, Hebrews 11:1) that these are so. Not creating new scriptures, but in full faith of the fullness of their contents, even as those who wrote them had.
If John the Baptist’s message to turn the hearts of children to the father’s and father’s to the children was “Repent”, it should be no different today.
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Luke 24:47