“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Cor. 7:1).

This Scripture is addressed to those who are called out: “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And I will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty” (2 Cor. 6: 17-18).

How many have become guilty of overlooking part of this verse! We were called out and separated from all things, which are not according to God’s holy Word. We have the greatest promise of all times, but now we are called upon to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and the spirit.

The Bible says: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;” (Heb. 12:14-15). Much is being said about rapturing faith and grace, but it seems that the main thing on our part is being overlooked. “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 5:23).

It is wonderful to believe the message of the hour, but there are certain requirements to be met in order to see God. “… we are bound to give thanks alway 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” (2 Thess. 2:13).

We know that Christ sanctified Himself for us, but sanctification must also become an experience with God in our lives. God requests this of us right now, that all our thoughts, ways and deeds, and our complete being and will be surrendered and put under subjection to the Word and Spirit of God.

Of Jesus Christ we read in Hebrews 10:7, “Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.” He said, “Not mine, but thy will be done.” He has established the new covenant with us, “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Heb. 10: 10, 14).

Perfection in Jesus Christ cannot be reached without sanctification. That is why Paul speaks to the elect, who have come out from all things not in accordance with the Word, to be cleansed from all filthiness of the flesh and of the spirit, “perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

How quickly it is said nowadays, “the perfect has come!”, but do we comprehend what is included in this term from the spiritual viewpoint? If we have this hope within us to meet the Lord Jesus Christ, this verse applies: “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure” (1 John 3:4). In our Christian life, we must experience justification, sanctification, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit!

In his sermon, IT IS THE RISING OF THE SUN, Bro. Branham tells of his mother’s dream, in which she saw him standing near three steps. He was telling the people that they had to climb those three steps before they could walk the highway leading to the pearly gates. He then said:

“If that isn’t my message exactly today: Justification, sanctification and the baptism of the Holy Ghost! Now I am saying that the person has to come by these three steps to be able to walk that highway…”

Just then, a lady with high heeled shoes tried to walk up that highway, disregarding Bro. Branham’s admonition. She told the other women:

“Don’t believe him, he’s a madman. I’ll show you I can be justified, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost and still walk like that!”

She started to run up that highway just as hard as she could run, and after a while the road got narrower and narrower. She started reeling, mincing like that, and off she went. And mother said, ‘The most horrible screams that I ever heard in my life was that woman falling into those flames and smoke, going down, down like that…’ She had obeyed everything but one word. Pentecostal women can be saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost and then fail. Absolutely!”

The importance of these three steps in the life and heart of every believer cannot be overemphasised. If those who have had an experience of justification, sanctification and the baptism of Holy Ghost can fail, how much more must all, who have not partaken thereof examine themselves, take inventory and seek God in prayer as never before? Your conversion is not complete without the baptism of the Holy Ghost. The disciples were sanctified by the Word, but they still had to receive the baptism with the Holy Ghost. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. He said, “These signs shall follow them that believe …”

In times past, the Word of God was not made known in its fullness to the extent it is now. In all the ages, the Word of God could only be believed as far as it was preached, but in our day, we are held responsible for the fullness of God’s holy Word, as it was restored unto us.

In the recent weeks, the Lord has led us to come forward in our services for a time of prayer and worship after the Word has gone forth. Since the international ministers meeting in April, a drastic change has taken place in our services. Truly, we are experiencing the meaning of 1 Pet. 4:17, “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God…”

The Spirit of God showed individuals in a vision, called them by name, pointed out their particular problem, and bade them to come forward to be prayed for. As a result, the fear of God would come upon the whole congregation; many rushed to the front to be prayed for, others confessed their sins openly (Acts 19). We experienced a time of purification and sanctification because of His sacred presence in our midst.

At times, we were so aware of God Almighty being in our midst and under the impact of His holiness, we would take off our shoes, realising that we were standing on holy ground. The time has come for the Word of God to take effect in our lives. The Christ-like character must now come forth as we yield ourselves completely to Him in humility and contrition. Not only here, but all over the world, the Bride of Jesus Christ is called to enter His sanctuary as a holy people. The Lord has impressed upon us that it is not adequate to confess our sins before Him alone, but if we have sinned against one another, we must make it right and separate ourselves from all unrighteousness.

For years we have heard the message to be separated from all ungodliness and not to touch the unclean thing. Perhaps we have always given this only a spiritual application by coming out of the denominations, forfeiting all unscriptural doctrines. This certainly has its place, but right now, the time has come for a complete separation from all sin and unbelief, so that we can be placed into the direct presence of God Almighty without spot or wrinkle.

The mighty demonstration of the power of God amongst the Bride, that we’re all waiting for, can only take place once such a purification and sanctification have been accomplished amongst God’s children. We believe that the visions shown, and the prophecies given are not solely meant for our local congregation, but God’s children around the earth are included, as the Holy Spirit moves the Bride of Jesus Christ onto perfection.

What a consolation the prophecy of Dec. 27^th 1975 should be for God’s children around the earth:

“Behold, thus saith the Lord! ... Ye have heard My voice, have heard My Words, the revelation is before thee and not hid. No, I have opened up every Word to thee and now behold! Not only here have I erected My sanctuary, and not only do I dwell in this place, and not only here do I show the bow of My covenant, and not only here am I present with the pillar of fire, but truly, thus saith the Lord! In the individual heart that I have prepared for Myself, have I set up My sanctuary, and there is My throne, above which is the bow of My covenant, and everyone is included under it, thus saith the Holy One in thy midst, who has chosen thee and has taken each individual by the hand and has led him to the mountain of judgement. I have also erected the sanctuary in each single heart, and have given them My Glory. Thus speak I, the Holy One in thy midst, who has taken up His dwelling place in thine hearts, and will lead thee to perfection.”

We shall never forget the impact of the service of April 23^rd 1976, during the ministers’ meetings. While we had gathered around the platform after the message had been delivered, the Holy Spirit came down upon the whole congregation. A sister sang a song in the Spirit in another tongue, and the interpretation in our language had the most beautiful and perfect rhyme, which of course cannot be translated verbally with the same effect. This is the text:

“The Bride is being made ready now, in the most beautiful brightest splendour. I led them out of the deepest, darkest night.

I have led her to this place here,
for this day, the Word of the hour is also being fulfilled.

My servant is filled with My Spirit and Word,
and handles the sword of My Spirit continuously.

America did not recognised that My hand has turned in blessing
towards this country, therefore let them so go.”

Of course, God has His elect in every nation. As a whole, the USA has missed her chance during the great visitation. God’s elect there, however, will continue on with the Lord. What was said by the Spirit points out, that God did not become a US citizen, but is the God of all flesh. We are not looking towards America or any other country; we are looking towards heaven from whence cometh all our help. Amen!

“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Cor. 7:1).

This Scripture is addressed to those who are called out: “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And I will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty” (2 Cor. 6: 17-18).

How many have become guilty of overlooking part of this verse! We were called out and separated from all things, which are not according to God’s holy Word. We have the greatest promise of all times, but now we are called upon to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and the spirit.

The Bible says: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;” (Heb. 12:14-15). Much is being said about rapturing faith and grace, but it seems that the main thing on our part is being overlooked. “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 5:23). 

It is wonderful to believe the message of the hour, but there are certain requirements to be met in order to see God. “… we are bound to give thanks alway 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” (2 Thess. 2:13).

We know that Christ sanctified Himself for us, but sanctification must also become an experience with God in our lives. God requests this of us right now, that all our thoughts, ways and deeds, and our complete being and will be surrendered and put under subjection to the Word and Spirit of God.

Of Jesus Christ we read in Hebrews 10:7, “Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.” He said, “Not mine, but thy will be done.” He has established the new covenant with us, “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Heb. 10: 10, 14). 

Perfection in Jesus Christ cannot be reached without sanctification. That is why Paul speaks to the elect, who have come out from all things not in accordance with the Word, to be cleansed from all filthiness of the flesh and of the spirit, “perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

How quickly it is said nowadays, “the perfect has come!”, but do we comprehend what is included in this term from the spiritual viewpoint? If we have this hope within us to meet the Lord Jesus Christ, this verse applies: “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure” (1 John 3:4). In our Christian life, we must experience justification, sanctification, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit!

In his sermon, IT IS THE RISING OF THE SUN, Bro. Branham tells of his mother’s dream, in which she saw him standing near three steps. He was telling the people that they had to climb those three steps before they could walk the highway leading to the pearly gates. He then said:

“If that isn’t my message exactly today: Justification, sanctification and the baptism of the Holy Ghost! Now I am saying that the person has to come by these three steps to be able to walk that highway…”

Just then, a lady with high heeled shoes tried to walk up that highway, disregarding Bro. Branham’s admonition. She told the other women: 

“Don’t believe him, he’s a madman. I’ll show you I can be justified, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost and still walk like that!”

She started to run up that highway just as hard as she could run, and after a while the road got narrower and narrower. She started reeling, mincing like that, and off she went. And mother said, ‘The most horrible screams that I ever heard in my life was that woman falling into those flames and smoke, going down, down like that…’ She had obeyed everything but one word. Pentecostal women can be saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost and then fail. Absolutely!”

The importance of these three steps in the life and heart of every believer cannot be overemphasised. If those who have had an experience of justification, sanctification and the baptism of Holy Ghost can fail, how much more must all, who have not partaken thereof examine themselves, take inventory and seek God in prayer as never before? Your conversion is not complete without the baptism of the Holy Ghost. The disciples were sanctified by the Word, but they still had to receive the baptism with the Holy Ghost. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. He said, *“These signs shall follow them that believe …”*

In times past, the Word of God was not made known in its fullness to the extent it is now. In all the ages, the Word of God could only be believed as far as it was preached, but in our day, we are held responsible for the fullness of God’s holy Word, as it was restored unto us.

In the recent weeks, the Lord has led us to come forward in our services for a time of prayer and worship after the Word has gone forth. Since the international ministers meeting in April, a drastic change has taken place in our services. Truly, we are experiencing the meaning of 1 Pet. 4:17, “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God…”

The Spirit of God showed individuals in a vision, called them by name, pointed out their particular problem, and bade them to come forward to be prayed for. As a result, the fear of God would come upon the whole congregation; many rushed to the front to be prayed for, others confessed their sins openly (Acts 19). We experienced a time of purification and sanctification because of His sacred presence in our midst.

At times, we were so aware of God Almighty being in our midst and under the impact of His holiness, we would take off our shoes, realising that we were standing on holy ground. The time has come for the Word of God to take effect in our lives. The Christ-like character must now come forth as we yield ourselves completely to Him in humility and contrition. Not only here, but all over the world, the Bride of Jesus Christ is called to enter His sanctuary as a holy people. The Lord has impressed upon us that it is not adequate to confess our sins before Him alone, but if we have sinned against one another, we must make it right and separate ourselves from all unrighteousness.

For years we have heard the message to be separated from all ungodliness and not to touch the unclean thing. Perhaps we have always given this only a spiritual application by coming out of the denominations, forfeiting all unscriptural doctrines. This certainly has its place, but right now, the time has come for a complete separation from all sin and unbelief, so that we can be placed into the direct presence of God Almighty without spot or wrinkle.

The mighty demonstration of the power of God amongst the Bride, that we’re all waiting for, can only take place once such a purification and sanctification have been accomplished amongst God’s children. We believe that the visions shown, and the prophecies given are not solely meant for our local congregation, but God’s children around the earth are included, as the Holy Spirit moves the Bride of Jesus Christ onto perfection.

What a consolation the prophecy of Dec. 27th 1975 should be for God’s children around the earth:

“Behold, thus saith the Lord! ... Ye have heard My voice, have heard My Words, the revelation is before thee and not hid. No, I have opened up every Word to thee and now behold! Not only here have I erected My sanctuary, and not only do I dwell in this place, and not only here do I show the bow of My covenant, and not only here am I present with the pillar of fire, but truly, thus saith the Lord! In the individual heart that I have prepared for Myself, have I set up My sanctuary, and there is My throne, above which is the bow of My covenant, and everyone is included under it, thus saith the Holy One in thy midst, who has chosen thee and has taken each individual by the hand and has led him to the mountain of judgement. I have also erected the sanctuary in each single heart, and have given them My Glory. Thus speak I, the Holy One in thy midst, who has taken up His dwelling place in thine hearts, and will lead thee to perfection.”

We shall never forget the impact of the service of April 23rd 1976, during the ministers’ meetings. While we had gathered around the platform after the message had been delivered, the Holy Spirit came down upon the whole congregation. A sister sang a song in the Spirit in another tongue, and the interpretation in our language had the most beautiful and perfect rhyme, which of course cannot be translated verbally with the same effect. This is the text:

“The Bride is being made ready now, in the most beautiful brightest splendour. I led them out of the deepest, darkest night.

I have led her to this place here,
for this day, the Word of the hour is also being fulfilled.

My servant is filled with My Spirit and Word,
and handles the sword of My Spirit continuously.

America did not recognised that My hand has turned in blessing
towards this country, therefore let them so go.”

Of course, God has His elect in every nation. As a whole, the USA has missed her chance during the great visitation. God’s elect there, however, will continue on with the Lord. What was said by the Spirit points out, that God did not become a US citizen, but is the God of all flesh. We are not looking towards America or any other country; we are looking towards heaven from whence cometh all our help. Amen!