Branhamism affirms Christ's literal, imminent return to earth. William Branham taught that the return of Christ was near and that his prophetic ministry was instrumental in preparing the bride for the rapture. Branham presented himself as the final messenger to the Laodicean Church Age, commissioned to restore the faith and ready believers for exaltation.

The pre-tribulation rapture is central to Branhamist eschatology: the bride will be caught away before the great tribulation begins, while the world endures God's judgment. Branham's message is viewed as the final restoration of truth necessary for believers to make themselves ready for that eschatological moment. The imminence of the Second Coming generates urgency in Message preaching and motivates separation from worldly systems.