Who Is This Melchisedec? #1
Leaving First Principles
Picture of the Millenium
Let
us pray. Heavenly Father, we’re very privileged people to be allowed to gather
together in freedom, our choice of our thoughts and our actions, Lord, up to a
certain degree, in a nation that You had set apart at one time, and we’re still
happy to be a part of it, identified with it but, above all, identified, with
the Light that has shone in the west—the last light of the last age. We’re
grateful for that, Lord, and we pray that that Light might shine in our hearts
and our minds and be the only Light we walk in and the only Light we go by. Let
that be what shows us right from wrong, separates all the darkness, Lord, makes
us children of the Light and of Life. Give Your blessing to us this morning, we
pray, by the study of Your Word, and may we grow there by It. In Jesus’ Name we
pray. Amen. You may be seated.
1. Now
in this message, “Who Is This Melchisedec,” as Bro. Branham brought to us in
1965—and before we go into reading it word by word and commenting upon it as we
usually do, we want to note, first of all, Bro. Branham placed the identifying
of Melchisedec, or his identification of Melchisedec, as an end time revelation
under the Seventh Seal. Now there is a quote before Page 9, but, the quote I
like to use is, I think on Page 9 and paragraph 42. He says:
[42] Notice,
like the sculpture, he hides, his work of art by placing a mask over it. That’s
what God has done to this age. It’s been hid. All these things has been hid,
and are suppose to be revealed in this age. Now, the Bible said they would be
revealed in the latter time. It’s like a sculptor keeping his piece of work all
covered over until the time he takes the mask off of it, and there it is. And
that’s what the Bible has been. It’s been in there, the Bible, see, hidden.
It’s been a work of God that’s been covered up. And It’s been hidden since the
foundation of the world, and it’s sevenfold mystery. And God promised in this
day, at the age of this Laodicean church, He would take the mask off the whole
thing and we could see it.
So,
in introducing this message or speaking concerning it, identifying this person;
Bro. Branham states that this is only found under the Seventh Seal, and
definitely is either one or a part of one of the Seven Thunders.
2. Now
the prophet is one hundred percent correct in his assessment concerning
Melchisedec as seen by reading the Book of Hebrews; starting there for a
background, Heb 5:5, and reading to Heb 6:14.
(5) So
also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said
unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten Thee.
(6) As
he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of
Melchisedec.
(7) Who
in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with
strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was
heard in that he feared;
(8) Though
he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
(9) And
being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them
that obey him;
(10) Called
of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
(11) Of
whom (That’s Melchisedec.) we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing
you are dull of hearing.
(12) For
when for the time you ought to be teachers, you have need that one teach you
again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such
as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
(13) For
every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is
a babe.
(14) But
strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of
use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
3. Now
you will notice that what he says to the First Church Age church, because this
is Paul, the messenger to the First Church Age. And though he is speaking to
diverse churches, it is still the Word to that age. And he is speaking to them
in Heb 5:11-14.
(11) (Of
whom it is said) of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered,
seeing you are dull of hearing.
(12) For
when for the time you ought to be teachers (The time has come when you should
be, you’ve been long enough.) you have need that one teach you again which be
the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of
milk, and not of strong meat.
(13) For
every one that useth milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness: for he is
a babe.
(14) But
strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, (Whenever that time comes,
that’s when they will be skilled enough to handle this presentation of
Melchisedec.) even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to
discern both good and evil.
Now
you understand in there the thought is that there can and certainly we would
believe, will be, must be, a people who will mature to the place where they can
handle this. And up until the time that this can be handled, this revelation
could not be given, because the things are difficult in here.
4. Now
you’ll notice in verse 11:
(11) Of
whom we have many things to say, (That’s Melchisedec.) and hard to be uttered
seeing you are dull of hearing.
So
we learn that the subject matter pertaining to Melchisedec is difficult to
explain because of their inability to grasp it. They have not progressed to the
place in the Word of God Itself from principle to principle, until they reach
the status through the understanding of the principles to receive what
revelation lies here. Now you are going to have to accept that, because that’s
the Bible truth.
5. Now,
could this teaching be a teaching that Peter referred to in 2 Pet 3:10‑17,
and Paul has brought in question?
(10) But
the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens
will pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent
heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
(11) Seeing
then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you
to be in all holy conversation (behavior) and godliness,
Now
that word ‘dissolved’ means; set free from, broken loose from. So now, when
you’re broken loose from anything, wherein in the principle of condemnation is
set forth, the principle of promise and avenging, which will be exoneration,
will set in. Understand what I said? The law of parallelism, blessing and
cursing. Okay.
6. (11) Looking
for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on
fire shall be dissolved...
Now
you’re hasting unto it, which means time and eternity have blended at that
time. And once you hit eternity it’s just...bluey. You are in an emanation. You
are in a radiation particularly using the word ‘ray‑diation’, the day of
the acceleration of the ray to where you even have faster vibrations than the
speed of light. In other words you have literally come up with a glorified
body. Light travels at what? 186,000 miles per second. Well look, that’s
nothing compared to this. See light has to travel; this doesn’t. In other
words, how can I express it? Just like God, all things open to God. God
omniscient, God omnipotent. God is where He wants to be. Bro. Branham said, “Faster than the speed of thought.” See?
7. Now
you begin to realize this is happening here. Looking to the day that when
before they call He answers. God has already anticipated your thought, so
therefore, you’re ahead of the thought. That’s deep. I just let it go, because
it’s the truth, and who cares? I’m like my sister‑in‑law, she says,
“I don’t care who owns it, as long as I can use it.” I don’t care whatever God
says, as long as I’m a part of it. It’s got to be good! That’s what you’re
looking at see.
8. (12) Looking
for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on
fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
(13) Nevertheless
we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein
dwelleth righteousness.
(14) Wherefore,
beloved, seeing that you look for such things, be diligent that you may be
found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
(15) And
account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved
brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
(16) As
also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some
things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest,
as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
Now,
when does the day come when people can not be wrested? W-r-e-s-t-e-d. Who knows
the Chapter? Who knows the Book? What Book? Come on yell it out. Don’t leave me
standing up here. I’ve taught you all these years; you still can’t guess?
Ephesians. What Chapter? Fourth Chapter. It (Ephesians 4) says here, “God is
giving a ministry, and the ministry will not be able to accomplish it until the
last day,” although they have looked forward to it, and it was being done in
the measure of acceptability of the hour, of the grace that they had. This is a
different story today. It’s running out.
9. Now:
(12) For
the perfecting of the saints, (That’s equipping.) for the work of the ministry,
for the edifying of the body of Christ:
(13) Till
we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God,
unto a perfect (or a mature) man, (Full age.) unto the measure of the stature
of the fullness of Christ:
(14) Henceforth
be no more children, tossed to and fro...
(15) But
speaking (holding) the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which
is the head, even Christ: (Grow right
up to the head.)
So,
when there’s no more measure, and you’ve come to the place mentioned here, we
understand that there will be no wresting of Scripture at the last day. But as
Paul said in 2 Cor 4:2:
(2) But
have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor
handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth
(vindication.) commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of
God.
And
Paul says, “It’s been proven, I am worthy by vindication and the life I live,
for you to listen to me. So, there’ll be no more wresting of it.” Somebody will
come on the scene that positively is so vindicated, he doesn’t make a mistake,
and you and I will not make a mistake; and we’re coming right to the place of
the Second Coming. Now that’s what we’re looking at here. Do you follow what I
said now?
10. Let’s
go back to Hebrews again then, because I’m reading in Heb 5:12.
(12) For
when for the time you ought to be teachers you have need that one teach you
again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such
as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
Now
we find that they are Pentecostal babies and have not been able to receive the
doctrine of the first principles. Bro. Branham’s vision said, “You can’t teach
Pentecostal babies doctrine.” As he told the woman when Bro. Branham was chided
by the great hierarchy, “Why do you keep picking on woman? Why don’t you teach
them how to use spiritual gifts?” And he said, “How can I teach them algebra, when they don’t know their ABC’s?” So
you’ve got a Pentecostal condition in the Book of Hebrews.
11. Now
I know for years we thought only the Corinthians were that way; but these
people are that way. They are legalists. They haven’t come up from under the
law. And as long as you’re a legalist, you’re going to look for something to do
instead of relying on what has been done, so you can take the honey out of it
and have the energy out of it. That’s the trouble, see? I won’t have to go any
further on that. That’s the truth.
12. All
right now, milk-Word or first principle doctrines aren’t sufficient to give
them the true revelation of Melchisedec, nor is it sufficiently foundational.
Just can’t work it. Now, is the first principle and the foundation of Heb 6:1‑2
based on a specific dispensation allowed of God? Now let’s read here a little
further. Everyone’s unskilled. Now verse 14, they’ve got to come of full age in
order to discern between good and evil. Now notice, and we’ll just go down into
Heb 6:1‑2.
(1) Therefore
leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection…
Now
you can understand here that Paul the apostle must have in mind these people,
or somebody, to have the ability to grasp the first principles and then go on,
because these people up here didn’t. See? Okay.
(2) Of
the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the
dead, and of eternal judgment.
(3) And
this will we do, if God permit. (So He allows us.)
13. Now,
so we’re asking the question here that the first principles here: are they
sufficient as a foundation? They would be if they had them, but they didn’t
have them, so there’s something wrong. Now, will God then commit to anybody the
truth without the correct principles and the correct understanding which will
be basic to the understanding of this man Melchisedec, whoever He is, according
to what Bro. Branham brought us?
14. Okay,
let’s go to Col 1:25. And he said:
(25) Whereof
I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God, which is given to
me for you, to fulfill the word of God;
Now,
from here you will notice that Paul had a dispensation or a stewardship
committed unto him, to do a specific thing, and not to do another specific
thing. Now the specific thing he had was the dispensation committed unto him of
the grace of God in the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ. But as pertaining
to the Resurrection, a dispensation was not committed unto him, because he
said, “I want above everything else to be a part of the first Resurrection—to
know the power of God in the first Resurrection.” And it wasn’t given unto him.
That’s Eph 1:17‑23. That Spirit was not given unto him. The Spirit given
to him in the Pillar of Fire to give him all the grace and understanding for
his hour and the ages to come, was given at that time to him, but it wasn’t
given to him to know what was going to happen in this hour, that is, the
dispensation or the stewardship of that Gospel.
15. All
right, let’s find out who got it. Let’s go back to Rev 10:1‑7.
(1) And
I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a
rainbow was upon his head,
That
was the One that was absolutely in Revelation 5, the One seated on the throne,
because the rainbow was round the throne. And you’ll notice He brought His
rainbow with Him, though He didn’t bring the throne. In other words He brought
the promise of government, but He didn’t bring it with Him for the government
on earth was not yet given to the Bride, only in potential, but the promise
was. So the covenant of the rainbow for the preservation of the saints for the
earth, and the saints in condition to have a preservation was brought down by
this mighty messenger, God Himself in a Pillar of Fire.
16. Now
that’s simple A-B-C, if you’ve got an ounce of revelation. If you’ve got no
revelation, you just pick your nose and go home. That’s all right. Just be
careful that you don’t touch the food when you pick your nose. Oh, I’m a tough
dirty preacher up here, but I do it on purpose. I want to rattle your brains
this morning. We’re into something, whether we know it or not. See by faith I’m
looking to this Book to do something for us. That’s all there is to it.
17. Now
listen:
(1) ...and
his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire (That’s upon
the earth.)
The
Pillar of Fire came down to earth. Now we are built from the feet up. And this
is a picture of headship returning to the Bride, not Jesus the man. He wasn’t
on the throne at that time. This is the One that was on the throne. This is Rev
1:12‑13—the Judge. This is God the Judge of all the earth, and the
question of the Judge is: “Will You spare the righteous when You destroy the
wicked?” That’s the question. Do you understand what I’m talking about? That’s
Heb 13:8 you’re looking at. Now this has to do with Melchisedec. I’m
backgrounding everything with Melchisedec here. I’m doing it on purpose,
showing you that Bro. Branham had every right to tell us this was under the
Seventh Seal and one of the Thunders or a part of the Thunders; and we’re
placing it. See?
(2) And
he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea,
and his left foot on the earth, (Now that’s when the seals were torn off by the
vision but not torn off literally.)
(3) And
he cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth, (In other words the first
age was what? A lion. And the same One comes down with the same roar of the
lion, but it doesn’t have to be the roar of the lion, because that’s already
taken care of. It is now what? The eye of the eagle, and the eye of the eagle
sees everything that the roar of the lion had. There is no difference.) ...and
when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.
(4) And
when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I
heard a voice form heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven
thunders uttered, and write them not.
(5) The
angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to
heaven,
(6) And
swear by him that liveth for ever and ever,
18. Now
listen; he’s telling you here now—when you can hear what was sealed up. These
aren’t in apposition. This is where it is stopped, and he tells you how it is going
to begin again. See? Now the One that came down, also with the voice of the
lion, told Paul, “You can’t write certain things,” and told John, “You can’t
write certain things.” So when the same One comes down, as it were with the
voice of the lion, He has the thunders which opened the Books He sealed up,
because you are looking down the road two thousand years from the time It says,
“Seal it.”
(5) (Now
this one) lifted up his hand to
heaven.
(6) And
sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things
that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are and the sea,
and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:
That’s
the same One that was in the presence of Abraham, because God swore by Himself,
swearing by no greater. So that when God swearing by Himself. In other words,
vindicating Himself upon His Own promise, and vindicating Himself in the
promise, so that both God and the promise are vindicated. What more do you
want?
I
don’t understand people. They’re twice dead spiritually, and they’re already
rotting because of AIDS. By the year two thousand, over three hundred and fifty
million Americans will have AIDS. See? We’re getting pretty close for
something. See?
19. (7) But
in the days of the voice of the seventh messenger when he shall begin to sound,
the mystery of God (What mystery? What’s under the Thunders is going to become
unsealed. It’s going to be finished. He shall begin to sound.) the mystery of
God should be finished as God hath declared the good news of the gospel by His
servants the prophets.
That’s
the literal translation. Never mind this here one in the King James, because
it’s not right. Oh, it’s right, but not really right, because you can’t
understand it. You don’t know what he’s saying.
Now
he said, “At that time the Gospel is going to run out.” Remember, the Jews
never did have the Gospel, really. So this is to the Gentiles.
20. All
right, now let’s go back to the Book of Hebrews again. And It says here:
(11) ...You’re
dull of hearing
(12) For
when for the time you ought to be teachers...
Now verse 14.
(14) But
strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age.
So
there’s going to come a time when there’ll be a people that are strong enough
to take it. I’ve already thrown a tough one at you already to see if you’ve got
the guts to take it spiritually speaking. I’ve already said that Melchisedec
must have had a city on the earth. He had a retinue; He had soldiers. You
stumble to think for one minute that God Himself was in that form and that God
had a retinue of angels, and everybody looked like men, and Abraham came by—and
acted like He was a man.
If
you can’t see that that’s a picture of the Millennium, look, you don’t belong
here. Go on home please. Do yourself a favor. You know why? Because the day
will come when you are going to get so condemned, you can’t take it. How are
you going to stand in the presence of God, the great Creator in the form of the
Lord Jesus Christ, a human body up there at the Wedding Supper, because that’s
going to be so totally strange it’s to be pitiful.
Remember,
He said, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, and my ways are not your ways for
as high as the heavens above the earth.” Say, “I’m so different from you.” He
said, “Did you think I was a man like you?” We’re not limited anymore, my
brother/sister, by senses and sensibilities. Who wants to be sensible? What has
it got you for being sensible?
21. All
right, listen.
(14) ...Full
age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern
both good and evil.
Now
strong or full revelation belongs to those of full age—and we saw that in
Ephesians—or those truly mature and can judge between good and evil—which is
evidently taken from Mal 3:16.
(16) Then
they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened,
and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that
feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
(17) And
they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my
jewels; (In other words, not all through seven church ages, although that’s
true, but it’s at the time when the jewels are put together, when we become His
crown having shown forth the virtue which lay in him, which lay in us by reason
of Him.) and I will spare them, as a man (that) spares his own son that serves
him.
(18) Then
shall you return, (That’s the faith of the children turned back to the fathers,
the hearts.) and discern (between righteousness and wickedness) between the
righteous and wicked...
People
can’t do that today, because it’s a Word-based doctrine and principle of Cain
and Abel. And I’ve preached that, and out of that comes everything, or I want
nothing, or God’s Word lied, and He had a vindicated prophet as the biggest
liar of all, because He said, “One Word off.” And it doesn’t matter what you’ve
done, because you’ve done the one thing you shouldn’t have done. See? And the
whole things shot. Eve had one little miserable word. That’s all: the word
‘not’.
But
the devil came along with his little greenery, and he said, “Surely, surely
not?” Then he began to argue, and people argue about this. Is this an end time
revelation? Well the prophet said it was, and I’m showing you by the Word of
God it certainly can be. You might not believe it. Or people that might hear my
voice out there on tapes, they might not believe it; but I care less.
And
he goes on to say:
(1) For,
behold, the day cometh, it’s going to burn like an oven (Right following the
day that he makes up his jewels.)
It’s
not that they weren’t already there. Your bodies and mine were already in the
ground, just waiting for the touch of life in the proper manner to bring us
out. So this… Just waiting for the right time, for the life to pick everything
up. We’re looking at it this morning here. See?
(1) ...They’ll
leave them neither root nor branch.
(2) But
unto you that fear (believe) my name the Sun of righteousness is going to arise
with healing in his wings;
22. Now
let’s go back to Hebrews again, and remember Hebrews 4 precedes Hebrews 5, and
in there It says in Heb 4:12:
(12) For
the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword,
piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and
marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Now
that’s what It says it is. But listen, who says when it’ll do it? Now think it
over. Think it over. You might not take this as a strict principle.
You
may say, “Well bless God, the Word does that, and the preacher gets up, and he
preaches it, and don’t you know It really discerns hearts?”
Who
said that’s all there is to it? What if it’s the Logos come down and does it?
What if every Scripture has compound meanings? What if you miss the meaning for
your hour? I’m not taking the chance.
23. Let
me ask you something here: when was this ever proven? Paul said he had a proven
ministry. Try to prove this. Let the Word of God discern. Have three thousand
people here, and Billy Graham gets up to preach and fifty people come forth.
And
they say, “Hallelujah there’s the picture, bless God. The God Word discerns.
Yes It does; Amen—look what happened.”
I’d
say hogwash. I can take fifty thousand bills with the old Raj Nishi, a
whoremonger, stupid, heathen, and his word will bring out ten thousand. Pbbbt!
Hogwash for your stupid ideas. Let’s see it work.
24. (13) Neither
is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are
naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
And
“the whom we have to do” tells you right here that it’s going to be done
amongst us; because if God does this in Heaven, who gives a rip. I’m not
interested in pie in the sky. You can have it. If I can’t have a ham sandwich
down here, don’t tell me God’s giving me roast turkey beyond the river.
Brother/sister, I’m a skeptic when it comes to high faluting theories and
ideas. Let me tell you this, the Apostle Paul must have proved this. “Well Paul
you sure sound good, but let’s see you do it.” And William Branham said, “I challenge you. Bring me twenty‑four
of your worse cases; I guarantee every single one.” He said, “I challenge you.” You couldn’t hide if you tried. His eyes dart back and forth. I
wish you’d been with me in my position, when he tried me right through the
middle, looped a whole through me back and forth and you knew you couldn’t hide
if you tried. The beady eyes maybe looking at me this morning.
25. I
don’t mean to be mean to you. I’m not preaching to you as a people. I don’t
care two bits what you do. Go on home and do anything you want. I preach the
Word of God, because it’s the only way I know to get my food and my thrill, and
it becomes a double testimony from God to the prophet to me to preach it to you
the way I preach, because I know what I’m talking about. And if I don’t have
it, I’ll stand in judgment, and the greater judgment, because I know more than
most people do. Not boasting, just telling you: I know what the prophet said.
I’ve been with him.
26. There’s
your picture right here. Now let me ask you a question: when is there a people
that can stand scrutiny? Only at the end time, because the Bible says so. You
say, “Bro. Vayle, they’ve always had scrutiny.” Not on this they haven’t had,
because this, the doctrine, is under the Seals. When a man adds and a man
takes, it’s finished. You’re right back to the same old principle of the Garden
of Eden. What are you going to do about it? Do you want immortality or don’t
you want immortality? If you want it, you don’t add a word, and you don’t take
a word. If you want to fool around and live the rest of your life in the
27. Now
I want you to notice that actually, Heb 5:11‑14, and Heb 6:1‑12 is
an interpolation so that you can read from Heb 5:10, and skip entirely down to
Heb 6:13, and you won’t miss one beat. It’s an interpolation. Exactly the way
Rev 10:1‑7 is. There’s no difference. Let’s read It beginning in Chapter
5, then, starting at verse 5.
(5) So
Christ also glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said
unto him, Thou art my Son, today have I begotten Thee.
Now
remember, that’s said as Jesus came out of the grave. He wasn’t talking to a
boy that’s just begotten. ‘Begotten’ means ‘to be started in life’. To beget a
child is the day of conception. So this is from the earth. Begotten again from
amongst the dead is what this is. As He also said in another place, “Thou art a
priest forever after the order of Melchisedec.” Now, you’ll notice in there
that if He said, “This day have I begotten thee,” He also has to say, “This day
You’re a priest after the order of Melchisedec.” In other words there’s two
salutations. See?
(7) Who
in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers...(And so on down
there.)
And
then It says in verse 10.
(10) Called
of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
Now watch; verse 13.
(13) For
when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he
swear by himself,
(14) Saying,
Surely blessing I’ll bless thee, and multiplying I’ll multiply thee. (Now, is
that when Abraham met Melchisedec? No. Not at that moment He didn’t say it, but
it doesn’t matter.)
(15) So
after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
(16) For
men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end
of all strife.
(17) Wherein
God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability
of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
(18) That
by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might
have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope
set before us:
(19) Which
hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which
entereth into that within the veil;
(20) Whither
the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus (Christ), made an high priest for
ever after the order of Melchisedec.
28. Now
what he says right here, where God swore by Himself and by His Own immutable
Word has to do with Melchisedec. Doesn’t do with anybody else. And then He
said, “For this Melchisedec tells you why what we read above here obtains.”
Say, “Well what is all this about Melchisedec have to do with the above Scriptures?”
Well, read It.
(1) For
this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham
returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
(2) To
whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King
of righteousness; and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
(3) Without
father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor
end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
(In other words there’s something in there that refers to a definitive
priesthood that never could be changed. The Aaronic could be.)
(4) Now
consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the
tenth of spoils.
(5) And
verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the
priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the
law; (Now the one takes tithes, another takes tithes.) that is, of their
brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
(6) But
he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and
blessed him that had the promises.
(7) And
without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. (King of Salem
blessed Abraham.
(8) And
here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is
witnessed that he liveth.
(9) That
I may also say; Levi also, who received tithes, paid tithes in Abraham.
(10) For
he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. (So now we
have a history of Melchisedec being linked into a priesthood and with a destiny
of people. Now...see how far do I want to go down here? Well we’ll keep reading
a bit more.)
(11) If
therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people
received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise
after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
(Well I can tell you why. In the first place, the Melchisedec is the original
priesthood, and the Aaronic is super imposed. And the law after four hundred
years could not annul the promise. So how could the law ever annul this
priesthood? Yet Christ had to become an Aaronic priest by the presentation of
blood.)
(12) For
the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the
law.
(13) For
he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man
gave attendance at the altar.
(14) For
it’s evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda;
So
all right. Levi is in the loins of Abraham. Where do you think Jesus was
according to the flesh? In the loins of Abraham too, because
29. Now:
(14) ...it’s
evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing
concerning priesthood.
(15) And
yet it’s far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there
ariseth another priest-(hood.)
(16) Who
is made not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an
endless life. (It tells you right there, what was in Melchisedec? Authority and
dynamism of an endless life. No beginning or end.)
(17) For
he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Now It tells you some things about Melchisedec, and then
in the interpolation It says, “There are things I cannot tell you. They are far
too deep. I can’t explain them. You can’t get them at this time. I’ll hit them
loosely, and I’ll leave It until the dispensation of the Gospel is committed to
somebody else.”
30. Now that we see this, we must return to Heb 6:1‑12
(1) Therefore
leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection;
not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith
toward God.
Now he tells you these people up here couldn’t even
apprehend it. Down here there’s a people who can apprehend it, but it does not
take in the revelation and understanding of Melchisedec. They haven’t got what
it takes. See?
(2) Of
the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the
dead, and of eternal judgment. (Even that doesn’t do it.)
(3) And
this will we do, if God permit.(Now God has got to permit something, but at
that time He did not permit it. He couldn’t allow it.)
(4) For
it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, (Once for all
enlightened.) and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of
the Holy Ghost,
(5) And
have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
(6) If
they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify
to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
And then It tells you why It does that.
(7) For
the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, (See there’s the
anointing.) and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed (Now
notice, on the earth, that’s the bodies. What’s in the bodies? The tare or the
wheat? They both can have it. See? Absolutely. Only one Word test… Only one
check is the Word. And now It says:) bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom
it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:
(8) But
that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing;
whose end is to be burned. (Now It doesn’t say it’s going to be done right at
that time. It says, “It’s nigh unto the curse.” Now what got cursed? Serpent
seed. It’s ready for the cursing of it. Get rid of it all. All right, I think
we... Let me see. Read a little further.)
(9) But
beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany
salvation, though we thus speak.
That’s the law of the parallelism of Scripture, the
blessing and the cursing—Ebal and Gerizim. And he said, “Though I speak thus,
you don’t need to worry, because you don’t belong to the burning class.” Why
should we worry? Do you think for one minute the wheat out there worries about
the tares? I see the tares trying to take over. I’ve been ripping up the weeds
every now and then out back of our place out there, and you should see some of
the roots. They’re this long. Not the plants, the good plants, you’re going to
eat. No; the tares. “Neither root nor branch.” I like that, bless God. I like
to put poison on weeds. “Leaving neither root nor branch.” That’s what God’s
going to do. He’s smarter than we are. He’s got it all figured out.
(9) But,
beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany
salvation, though we thus speak.
(10) For
God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which you have
showed toward his name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do
minister. (See right in there you’ve got the one’s that are even good to the
Bride.)
(11) And
we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full
assurance of hope unto the end:
In
other words there’s no such thing as full assurance—a full understanding—until
the very end. He tells you this right here. He said, “You can’t take it, but
don’t be too alarmed about it, because,” he said, “You can be sitting there as
foolish virgin, as well as wise virgin.” Sure, there’s something here in the
Word of God.
Now
It says here:
(12) That
ye be not slothful, (That’s one of the seven deadly sins.) not slothful but
followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (What
faith and patience is that? Who look at the promise to receive it. They’re not
looking someplace else. They’re like Abraham.)
31. All
right now, verses 1-3 and especially verse 1:
(1) Therefore
leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection;
not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith
toward God,
(2) Of
the doctrines of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of
the dead, and of eternal judgment.
(3) And
this will we do, if God permit.
So
I say, therefore, in verses 1-3, especially verse 1, must be seen in
contradistinction to Heb 5:12.
(11) Of
whom we have many things to say and hard to be uttered. (But you are too
immature and dull, you just simply can’t take it.)
Now
that is said in verse 1, in contradistinction to Heb 5:11. Do you see what I’m
telling you? Don’t just read your Bible and read through as though it’s a hunk
of wood. You’ve got a chronology here. One time you can’t, because you’re the
wrong people; the next time you can, because you’re the right people. God never
put hair on the baby’s feet. You’re not looking at something out of the
cartoon, “Popeye.” God puts hair on the baby’s head. So you’re looking at the
time of the head. To what belongs to the head like hair, ears, eyes and nose
and all, is what you get at the end time.
Not
as though they weren’t already there, as Bro. Branham said, “You Lutherans potentially had the Holy Ghost.” Don’t tell me
Luther wasn’t full of the Holy Ghost, or I don’t know the Bible. I asked Bro.
Branham about that. Surely God, he didn’t misunderstand me. So I read the last
chapter of the Church Age Book as written. Maybe it went over people’s heads; I
can’t help that. Wesley must have had the Holy Ghost. They had the measure for
their day. But he said, “Luther looked
for the Pillar of Fire.” That’s the clue! Because that is the Holy Ghost.
They looked for a return to headship. We’ve got it. That’s what you’re looking
at in the form of the Holy Ghost in the Pillar of Fire. So therefore, I want
you to notice here, that verse 1:
(1) Therefore
leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection;
And
then he names it. “Up here,” he said, “you haven’t got a chance.” Do you follow
what I’m saying? There’s a time lapse of two thousand years, and two different
groups of people, and somebody’s got to have it. There’s only one time you come
to full stature, and that’s in age seven. So this is the message of the Seventh
Church Age. That’s why it’s hard to understand, and people wrest it to their
destruction. They put it every place, but where it belongs. Larken brought that
out.
Don’t
misplace Scripture; don’t wrest it; don’t put it in the wrong time slot. Bro.
Branham came right behind him and said the same thing. He said, “Yes sir, Larken’s right. Now I’ll prove it
how it’s right.” And he vindicated it. So we’re in the right time slot.
32. And
Paul said, “We’ll do this if God permit it.” How could God permit to put hair
on the baby’s feet? God is not stupid. “First
thing a baby forms is the spine,”
Bro. Branham said. In other words you’ve got a network right there for every
single thing. But at the end time the baby develops the neck. That’s all it
does, because the head always belonged to God and always will. So God didn’t
put the Adam’s apple down there on the ankles, or the voice box down there on
your big toe.
Well
He’s not going to do this either, because you’re building the stature of a man.
The days of Nebuchadnezzar, from the head down to the feet, and this is from
the feet up. And there’s where Jesus took His place, was with the feet. And the
first time with Paul, He was the corner stone. Now He’s the headstone. So
therefore, now, if this is the hour, God must permit the revelation, whatever
it is, and what ever it’s suppose to do, and I’m hanging in there with you
depending on God and the prophet to tell us what it’s all about.
33. Then
he turns right around now, notice, the advance to perfection, which Paul
desires, has already been revealed to us, to a Corinthian church in the same
condition that the Hebrews are in. A tongues-talking bunch of Pentecostal
babies. I’m not against the tongues; it’s just the baby part I’m against.
That’s all. Notice in 1 Cor 13:9:
(9) For
we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
(10) But
when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done
away.
Now
It tells you right there that there will be no more parts, because there’s no
more parts to come. When the completion is there, there’ll be nothing veiled.
Then don’t tell me that God will have a veiled people. Why should God unveil
anything to a bunch of blind people or veiled people?
34. 2
Corinthians. Let’s take a peek at It. We see more and more of the truth here.
I
love the Lord. Don’t you love the Lord? I get so happy up here. I’m having a
great time, and I lay it on to you guys, and I feel dirty about it. I feel
mean, because I’m having such a good time, and I don’t know if you’re having
the same good time I’m having, and I’ve got a kind of whip you around to see if
you’re getting it, because you’re a little too Pentecostal. You’re too scared
to talk out at times. Don’t be afraid to risk your neck, if I call for a
Chapter. At least you’re thinking; bless God. This way I don’t know if you’re
quite comatosed or not. Whether you’re believing, disbelieving? Join the crowd.
I’ve got a lot of questions unanswered. Oh boy. You better believe it. I’m
looking at Godhead. I’m sorry.
Now
he says here in 2 Corinthians 3. It talks about the veil on the heart and the
mind.
(16) Nevertheless when it shall turn to the
Lord, the veil shall be taken away.
Now
there comes a time, like
(17) Now
the Lord is that Spirit:
He
tells you, “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit on my right hand.’” That’s the Holy
Ghost talking to Jesus. This is not Jesus. This is the Lord Who is Spirit.
Jesus, the man, is not spirit. Oh God he’s more… Oh listen, he’s so physical he
makes this physicality look like nothing. So what does It say, “The Lord at
this time is spirit.” That’s God the Holy Ghost. And when the Spirit of the
Lord, and the same Spirit that was in our Lord Jesus Christ, comes here, you’re
loosed.
(18) We
all with open face begin looking in a glass beholding the glory of the Lord,
and we’re changed into the very image that comes out.
What
is it? It’s the loosing image. The dissolution image. The untying by the Spirit
of God. The same thing that’s going to dissolve the earth and loose it.
35. Now
what does Paul say?
(1) Therefore
seeing we (Why?) have this ministry, (Or the man to whom this dispensation is
committed.) as we have received mercy, (That a man can receive it and tell it
to you.) we will not faint;
Paul
didn’t pull his punches. Bro. Branham stood there like a little old person,
little tiny guy up there, and he wouldn’t pull his punches, if you came and
mowed him down with a Howitzer. He just stood there. Why?
(2) But
have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, (Not
holding the Word of God deceitfully.) nor handling the word of God deceitfully;
but by manifestation, (Vindication.) we commend ourselves to every single
person to listen and receive it.
(3) (And
if what I’ve preached is lost;)
(4) (It’s
because you’ve let the gods of this world blind you and you’re still sitting
there ignorant because you won’t let your mind go.)
“Who’s
William Branham?” You might as well say the next thing, “Who’s Lee Vayle?”
Because I dare to stand up here and count myself one of his best friends to
preach exactly what he preached, and I’m not vindicated. I don’t need any
vindication. If I need vindication, then you need vindication. And you know
what I’ll do? I’ll hire the biggest toughest guy to come and bang you all in
the head with a four-by-four. Then I’m vindicated, and you’re assassinated. Do
you see what I’m telling you? Oh come on, when a thing is vindicated, you
forget everything but just what the man brought because of his vindication. So
It tells you right here; see what we’re dealing in.
36. Okay.
That perfection is come. And Bro. Branham said, What is perfection? He said, We
believe by the grace of God we have the perfectly revealed Word for this hour.
And what is that? That’s Revelation 10:7, which goes over to
(3) And
this will we do, if God permit.
(4) For
it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the
heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
(5) And
have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
(6) If
they shall fall away, (Having fallen away.) they’ll never be renewed unto
repentance: (Never change their mind.) they crucify to themselves the Son of
God afresh, (And therefore they have to be judged.)
Now listen, that is absolutely Mal 4:1‑2.
(1) (The
day of the Lord,) when the earth is going to burn...
(2) But
unto you that believe, that fear His name...
And
remember, fear His Name, how? When a prophet comes to you in the Name of the
Lord, and he tells you, the thing comes to pass, and you believe it, you become
a part of him. But when you turn it down you will burn. People don’t like that.
But it’s always been a prophet that had to do it. Jesus Christ was a prophet.
Never forget my brother/sister, we’ve preached it time after time, that we have
missed it.
Everybody
wants to say, “Son of God, nice man, great man, this that.”
Prophet!
That’s exactly what He was, and always will be and that made Him the Judge. Yes
sir! The Word of God made flesh. People don’t want to believe that. They want
to believe, “Nice little Son of God, nice little man, nice little Savior, nice
this.” Oh listen, I want to tell you, that’s a lie from the pit of hell. He’s
no more that than God’s some fohgy old grandfather. Bro. Branham said, “Dotty old grandfather.” We’ve got to understand that, because
listen, that’s where our salvation lies.
37. Now
listen, this one comes to the church, a Laodicean, Nicolaitane church in
Revelation 3. Look at their condition. It is the most horrible rotten
condition. Not one good thing said about it. Every other church has something
good said about it, but not this bunch.
And
he says here: [Revelation 3]
(14) Unto
the messenger of the
(15) I
know your works you bunch of miserable, lukewarm creatures...
(16) ...You
make me puke.
You
know what, what do you think a man coming to a woman he’s going to marry, and
she is wretched, miserable, blind and naked to every single thing that he
stands for and what he wants in her, and she comes to the door, you know, and
she’s like this, you know, hair all down?
You’d
say, “You make me ouggh, puke.”
They
don’t even need to get that bad, before I want to throw up. It’s just
exactly... I’m not going to say it, because it’s a joke that Phyllis Diller
paid a hundred dollars for. So I might as well tell you. She said, “She came
home with rice in her hair one day, and they said, ‘Have you been to a
wedding?’“ She said, “No, a chinaman took one look at me and puked all over
me.” He threw up. True.
I’ve
got one bad habit. I don’t want to make the pulpit a place to joke in, but I
have a way of teaching, sometimes it’s not too nice. I’m going to tell you,
Jesus said here, “I took one look, and I wanted to vomit.”
“So
I can’t believe that lovely sweet Bride,” said Duplessis at the west coast:
“That great judger of people... He got judged himself. He got smeared across
the road.”
“Oh
those sweet Christians.”
What
sweet Christians? Short haired, slack wearing, bobby shorts wearing, God knows
what prostitute and woman preacher; the women out there—those who laugh in a
prophet’s face. I don’t know how Bro. Branham took it. I don’t know how he took
it. He said, “I want to vomit.” He said, “I’m going to vomit, too.”
38. (17) Because
thou sayest (Now listen.) I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of
nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and
blind, and naked: (Now He says, “Look, I’ve got a Word for you just the same.”)
(18) Buy
of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that
thou mayest be clothed, (You say you’ve got it, but you don’t.) the shame of
your nakedness do not appear; (Committing their fornication and spiritual
adulteries. Lying under the great
(19) As
many as I love, I rebuke and (I) chasten: have a zeal therefore to change your
mind.
They’ve
got one chance to do it under the dynamic outflowing of the Spirit of Almighty
God, where every man and woman under God’s high Heaven can be anointed by the
Holy Ghost and receive, if they want to, something from God; and they turn it
down flat.
(20) Behold,
I stand at the door, and knock: and if any man hear my voice, and open the
door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
(Melchisedec)
(21) To
him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, (and so on.)
39. Now
listen, this has to be the same as Hebrews 12, because it’s in the Book of
Hebrews. What is he talking about here? Talking about a people who could not
understand Melchisedec. Talking about a people that couldn’t understand the
deep things of Almighty God. Now he comes here in Hebrews 12, he’s ready to
close off, and he says here after dealing with the fornicators like Esau; all
the profane persons, all those that turned back on Christ having held up a few
of the wonderful saints of God in the chapter of faith. He says here in Heb
12:18.
(18) For
ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with
fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,
(19) And
the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard
intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:
That’s
what they did in Hebrews 6. They didn’t want It. They turned it down. Same as
in Moses’ day and Christ’s day.
(20) (For
they could not endure that which was commanded, and if so much as a beast touch
the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:
(21) And
so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)
(22) But
you are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly
Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels.
Listen,
that’s not something on earth. That’s the one that’s going to come down. In
other words It’s here in a dimension, in a figure. You’ve come right up to It,
because the Owner, and Creator, the Head, the Pillar of Fire, is already here.
Then how far away is He sitting? It’s right with us. It’s in the midst of us.
(23) To
the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven,
and to God the Judge of all, (There it is.) and to the spirits of just men made
perfect, (That’s us.)
(24) And
to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that
speaketh better things than that of Abel.
(25) See
that you refuse not him that speaketh...