Who is this Melchisedec #141

“The Immortal God and His Mortal Son”

July 31, 2002

WHO IS THIS MELCHISEDEC 65-0221E 165 I pray tonight, God, just one more time. Tomorrow we're scheduled to go to Tucson. Other parts of the world, other cities we must preach in. But, dear God, there might be strangers here tonight that never has--they've heard words preached, but never seen it made manifest. As I asked You at the beginning... When those disciples, Cleopas and his friend coming from Emmaus, was walking along the road and You stepped out of the bush and begin to talk to them after the resurrection, preached to them... Why, He said, "Fools, slow of heart, don't you know that Christ should suffer these things and enter into His glory." But still they never recognized it. All day long they walked with You and still didn't know You. But one night... Night come; they constrained You to come in. When they went into the little inn and closed the doors, then You did something just the way You did it before Your crucifixion; and they recognized it was the risen Christ. In a few moments You was behind the curtains and gone. Quickly they run and told the disciples, "The Lord is risen indeed." Father God, I believe that You're still alive. I know You are. And You've proved it to us so many times. Could You just do it once more for us, Lord? If we found grace in Your sight, let it happen once more. I am Your servant; these are Your servants in here. Lord, all that I've said wouldn't mount to... Just one word from You would be more than I've said in these five nights--or five messages. It would be more, just one word from You. Won't You speak, Lord, that the people might know that I've told them the truth? Grant it, God. I ask it in Jesus' Name this once more. Amen.

I would just like to point out here that Brother Branham is praying, and almost begging God to once more show His Presence in a way to the people that would vindicate what he had been speaking for the past 5 messages to them.

He said, Father God, I believe that you are still alive. Now the ONENESS would take that and run with it and say, see, “The Jesus that died is the Jesus that was raised up and is still alive now,” and they just do not know what they are talking about.

God cannot die, period. Paul called Him the ONLY IMMORTAL, Invisible Eternal KING. I TIMOTHY 1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, [be] honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Now, we have examined this invisible King setting up His invisible Kingdom, but tonight I want to examine this immortal aspect of God. Paul again in the same letter to Timothy mentions this aspect of God’s immortality again in chapter six.

I TIMOTHY 6:15 Which in his times he shall show, [who is] the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honor and power everlasting. Amen.

Paul speaks of God as being the only potentate. The word used for only is the Greek word monos which means “the only one”, or one of a kind, where there is no other of this kind. And he calls him the ONLY potentate which word means authority. Now, we know that God is the Word. That is St. John 1:1. In the Beginning was the Word and the Word was God, period.

Now, the word immortal used in chapter six is a different word than used in chapter one. The word is athanasia and it means undying or unending in contrast to Aphthartos which means imperishable, un-corruptible in the sense that it can not be destroyed or ended by any means outside or by itself. Imperishable.

So one word speaks of the Life without beginning or ending and the other speaks of the power to maintain this imperishable condition. Therefore, Paul speaks of the power of an endless life as one which nothing can separate it from that life it has received. And he refers specifically to the Son of God who was made after the order of Melchisedec.

HEBREWS 7:15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, 16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. 17 For he testifieth, Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

And he speaks also of us who receive this Life in our very beings which is eternal in nature, in that it is the very Life of God and it is both without beginning and without ending, and it is imperishable in that it can never be destroyed by anything. Therefore it has not only the nature of Life that was in the Father, but also the power to preserve that same Life and nature. Notice how both the words athanasia meaning life without ending or beginning is used and apthartos which has to do with a power to maintain that Life in an imperishable nature and both these words are used in reference to the Life we receive through the new birth.

I CORINTHIANS 15:53 For this corruptible (phthartos) must put on incorruption (aphthartros), and this mortal (thnetos,) [must] put on immortality(athanasia). 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. I 55 O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory? 56 The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law. 57 But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 ¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

In Romans 2:7 Paul again soeaks of this condition fo immortality that we are to take on. 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

But what is interesting about this passage is that Paul just doesn’t give the end or outcome of the Elect. He also talks about those who are not in the election. He contrasts the outcome of the elect as being given Life that is immortal, and full of honor and glory while he also speaks of those who would oppose these as ending up with another outcome that is not so good.

ROMANS 2:1 ¶ Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself;

He is letting us know that there is a judgmental nature in these that condemn. He says, in their coming to judgment they actually end up condemning themselves. Was it not the Pharisees that said Jesus had a devil? Was it not the religious that condemned Jesus with having a wrong spirit? Was it not the Pharisees and Sadducees that condemned Jesus to death? Did not Paul say they will end up condemning themselves?

He continues by saying, for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey un-right-wise-ness, indignation and wrath, 9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

Paul says, Look, you are the guys that despise the goodness and riches of God’s Word, and so there is nothing left but death and destruction. No immortality for you. No incorruption for you. Why? Because God’s Word is His Life, and when you receive that Word into your mortal being, it brings on immortality. When your corruptible being feeds on the eternal Word of God, the God life in that God Word brings forth an incorruptible state in your being. But what of these that would condemn the Riches and goodness of God? How can they receive the reward of God.

God sent a prophet with riches and goodness and it has been mocked and spit upon just as they did to His only Begotten Son. They called him a devil, they called him Beelzebub, they said he was demon possessed, and laid every evil word against Him in order to crucify His influence He was having upon the Sons of God. And so have they done the same thing again. They did it to brother Branham and now they are doing it to those who would stand with Brother Branham and speak the same Doctrine as He taught.

Today men have crept into the message who claim to be preaching the message, but actually teach the Jesus only or Oneness doctrine they espouse. And then they call the doctrine of William Branham the same sort of names they called Jesus.

7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey un-right-wise-ness, indignation and wrath, 9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

Now, I did not ask that man to say those evil things. In fact the last time I saw him I thought we were on good speaking terms. But nevertheless, it is not I nor brother Vayle who is going around calling people devils. But we certainly have had our share of being called that. But do I care? Not really. Jesus said it would happen.

MATTHEW 5:10 Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

LUKE 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you [from their company], and shall reproach [you], and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. 23Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward [is] great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

And what blessings are these? What reward are we talking about? 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

That’s the attribute right there, eternal Life which is immortal and incorruptible.

Look, Go is the only Immortal and incorruptible, and if we do not receive God Life, then we have no hope at all.

LIFE 57-0602 E-18 Now, we wonder then the word "life" must have a compound meaning to it, must mean more than one thing. Life itself means an existence. So then, if Thy lovekindness is better than life, then what could be any better? Because God alone has Eternal Life. God alone has Eternal Life. If we can get that straight now, it will be easy for us to see the great picture God sets before us. How that someday that everything that isn't of God will vanish and perish and go away. Now, everything that had a beginning has an end. There's nothing that ever began but what has an end. But something that had no beginning has no end. And God alone is the only One that had a never beginning. He had no beginning of days nor ending of years. And therefore, we have to become a part of God by birth to live, have an eternal existence.

HEBREWS CHAPTER 6 & 7 57-0915M 270-634 Melchisedec was the King of Salem, which is the King of Jerusalem, which is the King of peace; which had neither father nor a mother, beginning of days or ending of life. Jesus had both father and mother, and a beginning of days and ending of life. But He was made after the order of Melchisedec which had no beginning of days nor ending of life. Melchisedec was God Himself. Melchisedec was Jehovah God, the same One that met Abraham years later in front of his tent, had His back turned to him; He said, "Why did Sarah laugh?"

QA HEBREWS PART 2 57-1002 273-388 Now, notice, we find out that, Who was Melchisedec but God Himself. It couldn't have been no one else, for He was the King of Salem which is Jerusalem. He had no father nor mother; couldn't been Jesus, 'cause He had father and mother. He had no beginning of days, no ending of Life; there's only One that has that; that's God. It was God dwelling here in a Theophany. See?

TRIAL THE 64-0419 74 Jesus said, "As it was in the days of Sodom, when the Son of man is being revealed..." In the days of Sodom was the Son--that was God revealed in human flesh, which was one time called Melchisedec, the Father. Melchisedec at that time had no father, no mother, no beginning of days, or no ending of life; ever Who He was, He remains the same. Jesus had father and mother, but this Man had neither father nor mother. And He appeared to Abraham in the form of a Son of man, Elohim, Jehovah.

Now, notice then there is a difference between God and His Son in that God is immortal and His Son was not until God made Him immortal by raising Him up from the dead.

ACTS 2:22Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 23Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

ACTS 2:31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 35Until I make thy foes thy footstool. 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

ACTS 3:26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

ACTS 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

ACTS 5:30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and [so is] also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

ACTS 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

ACTS 13:30 But God raised him from the dead:

ACTS 13:33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

ACTS 13:37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.

ROMANS 4:24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

ROMANS 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection:

ROMANS 8:10 ¶ And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness. 11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

I CORINTHIANS 6:14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.

I CORINTHIANS 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then [is] our preaching vain, and your faith [is] also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.

II CORINTHIANS 4:14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present [us] with you.

I PETER 3:18 ¶ For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: