Faith is Works Expressed, by W. M. Branham

Overview

Delivered on November 26, 1965, in Shreveport, Louisiana, “Works Is Faith Expressed” is a foundational sermon by William Branham¹. It seeks to reconcile the apparent conflict between the teachings of the apostles Paul (justification by faith) and James (justification by works)². Branham’s central thesis is that genuine, God-given faith is an internal revelation, and works are the necessary, external evidence of that pre-existing faith³. The sermon is rich with personal anecdotes, biblical narratives, and prophetic claims, all woven together to illustrate how a believer who has received a true revelation from God will act upon it, regardless of circumstances.

Key Sections of the Sermon

1. Introduction and Personal Anecdotes

Branham begins in his characteristic conversational style, sharing stories to build rapport with the audience.

• “Golden Days”: He reminisces about a road trip with his friends “Brother Jack” and “Brother Brown,” describing their humorous arguments over creation and their footraces. This serves to establish a theme of fond memories and authentic fellowship⁴.
• A Fulfilled Prophecy: He points out a man in the audience for whom he had prophesied the birth of a baby girl, even though doctors had said it was impossible due to mumps. The presence of the child and father serves as immediate, tangible “work” proving a previously spoken “word of faith”⁵.
• The Dream of the “House of Hell”: He recounts a vivid dream where he saw people trapped behind thick iron bars. Commanded by the Lord to “Deliver those people,” he speaks in the Name of Jesus Christ, and the bars break, freeing everyone. This symbolizes his divine commission to preach a message of deliverance⁶.

2. The Core Theological Argument: Reconciling Paul and James

This section forms the sermon’s foundation, using Abraham as the primary example.

• Paul’s Perspective (Romans 4): Paul states Abraham was justified by faith. Branham explains this is what God saw in Abraham—his internal belief in God’s promise of a son, even when it seemed impossible⁷.
• James’s Perspective (James 2): James states Abraham was justified by works. Branham explains this is what man saw—Abraham’s external action of placing Isaac on the altar⁸.
• The Synthesis: Branham argues there is no contradiction. The work (offering Isaac) was simply the outward expression of the faith that was already in his heart. Faith is the cause; works are the effect. Works are the visible proof of an invisible faith⁹.

3. The Nature of Faith as a Divine Revelation

Branham then defines what true faith is and is not.

• Faith is a Revelation: True faith is not intellectual agreement, emotionalism, or self-generated effort. It is a direct, sovereign revelation from God to the individual’s heart. He quotes Jesus: “Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father which is in Heaven”¹⁰.
• Predestined Ground: He uses the parable of the sower to explain that for the “Seed” of God’s Word to grow, the “ground” (the human heart) must be prepared by God beforehand. This connects to his doctrine of predestination, where God foreknew and prepared those who would receive His revelation¹¹.
• The Eagle Analogy: He alludes to his famous story of an eagle hatched among chickens. The eagle doesn’t know its true identity until it hears the scream of its mother eagle. Likewise, a predestined believer recognizes the call of God’s Word for their day because their nature is already divine¹².

4. Biblical Examples of “Faith Expressed”

Branham provides a series of powerful biblical narratives to illustrate his main point. In each case, a revelation was followed by a corresponding action.

• Noah: Believed the revelation that it would rain (something that had never happened) and his work was building the ark, which seemed foolish to the world¹³.
• Moses: Believed the revelation from the burning bush and his work was confronting Pharaoh with only a stick in his hand¹⁴.
• David: Believed the revelation that God would deliver him from Goliath and his work was fearlessly challenging the giant with a simple sling¹⁵.
• Samson: Believed God was with him and his work was taking on a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a mule¹⁶.
• John the Baptist: Believed the revelation that he would identify the Messiah and his work was boldly proclaiming, “There stands One among you now”¹⁷.

5. Application to the “Last Day” and Personal Testimony

The sermon’s focus shifts to the present time, connecting these principles to his own ministry.

• The Prophecy of Joseph: This is the sermon’s climactic anecdote. He recounts how God revealed to him that he would have a son named Joseph, despite doctors warning that another pregnancy would be fatal for his wife. When his daughter Sarah was born first, mockers claimed he meant “Josephine.” Branham held to the revelation, refusing to “stagger at the promise.” Four years later, against all odds, his son Joseph was born safely. This personal story is presented as the ultimate modern example of faith being expressed by works (holding fast to a promise)¹⁸.
• The End-Time Message: He interprets prophecies like Luke 17:30 (“as it was in the days of Sodom…”) as applying to the current age. He identifies a message going to the denominational systems (like the angels to Sodom) and a distinct message to the “called-out Bride” (like the Angel who stayed with Abraham), which involves discerning the thoughts of the heart¹⁹.
• Impersonators vs. The Word: He acknowledges that there will be false ministries that impersonate signs and wonders, just as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses. The ultimate test, he argues, is whether a ministry aligns perfectly with the revealed Word of God for the specific age²⁰.

Conclusion and Altar Call

Branham concludes by bringing all the themes together. He states that the works of his ministry (visions, fulfilled prophecies, discernment) are the evidence that proves his message is the fulfillment of Bible prophecy for the present hour²¹.

The sermon transitions into a prayer line. He performs acts of discernment, telling individuals in the line and in the audience their specific afflictions and needs (cancer, a desire for a baby, the need for the Holy Ghost, etc.). This is presented as the living, practical demonstration of the sermon’s title: the “works” of the Spirit are expressing the “faith” that Christ is present and fulfilling His Word. He ends by calling for everyone to act on their faith and receive their healing²².

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1. See page 47 for sermon details.[↩]
2. Pages 9, 11, 28.[↩]
3. Pages 9, 27-28.[↩]
4. Page 1, paragraphs 4-7.[↩]
5. Page 3, paragraphs 13-14.[↩]
6. Pages 4-5, paragraphs 24-35.[↩]
7. Page 11, paragraphs 83-86.[↩]
8. Page 11, paragraph 86.[↩]
9. Pages 9, 11.[↩]
10. Pages 13-14, paragraphs 105, 114.[↩]
11. Pages 15-16, paragraphs 124-125.[↩]
12. Page 16, paragraph 126.[↩]
13. Page 19, paragraph 156.[↩]
14. Page 20, paragraphs 159-162.[↩]
15. Pages 21-22, paragraphs 168-173.[↩]
16. Pages 23-24, paragraphs 185, 187.[↩]
17. Page 24, paragraphs 188-191.[↩]
18. The full narrative is found on pages 31-35, paragraphs 243-287.[↩]
19. Pages 35-36, paragraphs 292-293.[↩]
20. Pages 36-37, paragraphs 301-303.[↩]
21. Pages 38-39, paragraphs 308-311.[↩]
22. The prayer line and discernment begin on page 44, paragraph 338 and continue to the end of the sermon.[↩]