F.F. Bosworth and Kenneth Hagin Jr.

A Look at the Similarities in Their Writings on the Past Tense of God’s Word

By Roscoe Barnes III

Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer
Copyright (c) 2018

#FFBosworth

#BosworthMatters

Kenneth Hagin Jr.’s booklet, The Past Tense of God’s Word (Kenneth Hagin Ministries, 1980), is very similar to F.F. Bosworth’s booklet, The Past Tenses of God’s Word (1940?), which was sold and promoted by Bosworth in the 1940s. The content of Bosworth's booklet is also published as Chapter 8 – “How to Have Your Prayers Answered,” in his classic, Christ the Healer.

An examination of Hagin's booklet reveals he borrowed heavily from Bosworth’s writings. He mentions Bosworth in the third paragraph of Chapter 1 (page 1) and includes this quote:

In the words of F.F. Bosworth, “The Gospel is a world-wide emancipation proclamation of liberty from service and bondage to the old tyrant master of sin and sickness – the devil.”

That quote, however, is the only place in the book where Bosworth’s name is mentioned. Although several lines, words and ideas appear to be lifted from Bosworth’s booklet, Bosworth is not given credit for the material and he is not identified as the source for the message presented by Hagin. In some places, Hagin uses the same verses of Scripture that Bosworth uses.

Below are examples of the material used by Hagin followed by the content in Bosworth’s book.

KENNETH HAGIN JR.:

When Jesus said, “It is finished” on the cross, he meant the work He was sent to accomplish was finished. It is finished! It’s in the past tense. It has been taken care of. And everything included in that statement “it is finished” is for you and me today. (p. 1)

F.F. BOSWORTH:

When Jesus said “It is finished,” He meant that the work was done – completed as God sees it; and God expects us to reckon as done what Jesus says was done. The past tenses of God’s word mean a settled, sealed and final decision of His Will. (p. 2)

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HAGIN:

Hope expects it “sometimes.”

Faith takes it now. (p. 2)

BOSWORTH:

Hope is expecting a blessing sometime in the future; but faith is taking now what God offers. (p. 2)

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HAGIN:

It is important as we seek after the mercies and benefits of God to appropriate them by faith. This means actually taking them. (p. 2)

BOSWORTH:

It is important for seekers after the mercies of God to see that appropriating faith is taking and using what God offers to us. (p. 2)

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HAGIN:

Galatians 3:13 says, “Christ HATH redeemed us from the curse of the law ….” Is “hath” past tense or future tense? It’s past tense, isn’t it?

The Word of God puts our redemption from the curse in the past tense. We receive our deliverance because it’s in the past tense. It already has been taken care of. It’s not up to God now; it’s up to you. You have the responsibility. (p. 5)

BOSWORTH:

In Galatians 3:13, we read “Christ hath (past tense) redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a cruse for us.” God has put our redemption from the curse of the law in the past tense, and we receive our deliverance when we do the same. (p. 2-3)

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HAGIN:

Look at Isaiah 53:4: “Surely he HATH BORNE our griefs and CARRIED our sorrows….” Are those verbs in the past tense? Yes.

Look at Matthew 8:17, “Himself TOOK our infirmities, and BARE our sicknesses ….” Past, present, or future tense? “Took” and “bare” are past tense. Because he took our infirmities in the past, we can claim the promise now and take it into the present – because it is ours.

For example, look at the Scripture “by whose stripes ye WERE healed (1 Peter 2:24). “Were is past tense. Therefore, if we “were” healed – bring it into the present tense – we ARE healed. (p. 6)

BOSWORTH:

In God’s Word we read “Surely He hath (past tense) borne our sicknesses and carried our pain” – “Himself took (past tense) our infirmities and bare our sicknesses” – “By Whose stripes ye were healed.”

God wants us all to appropriate the past tenses of His Word regarding His redemption of our souls and bodies from sickness and disease and go forth in obedience acting as if we believed him. When God puts a promise in the past tense, He thus authorizes and expects us to do the same. Nothing short of this is appropriating faith. (p. 3)

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HAGIN:

Mark 11:24 is a familiar passage of Scripture; especially from a fellow by the name of Kenneth E. Hagin. (He didn’t write it, contrary to what some people think!) it says, “…when ye pray, believe that ye RECEIVE them, and ye shall have them.” Notice it doesn’t say “you are going to receive them” (future tense). No, you receive them (present tense). (p. 10)

BOSWORTH:

In Mark 11:24 Jesus authorizes us and commands us to put the reception of the blessing we pray for in the past tense. He says, when we ask for what He offers, Believe that ye have received them, and ye shall have them.”  (P. 3-4)

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HAGIN:

We must continue to realize that God’s past-tense Word can only become present tense in our lives as we act upon it. God can’t do anything about it until we do.

I realize some of you won’t like me to say that, but if God already has done something about it, then His responsibility has ended and ours has begun. (p. 10-11)

BOSWORTH:

We are to continue to believe that God gave us what we asked for when we prayed, and continue to praise and thank Him for what he has given us. (p. 3-4)

But all of God’s blessings are OFFERED gifts as well as promised, and therefore need to be accepted; and the responsibility for their transfer is ours. This clears God of all responsibility for any failures. (p. 8)

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HAGIN:

Jesus Christ Himself demonstrated this when he raised Lazarus from the dead. Remember the story? Jesus’ best friend was lying dead I a cave. Jesus stood outside that tomb and, while Lazarus was still dead, said – talking to His Father – “Father, I thank thee that thou HAST heard me” (John 11:41).

The sick who are praying for healing need to say – before it ever materializes – “Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.” (p. 12)

BOSWORTH:

Jesus, at the grave of Lazarus, said, while Lazarus was still dead, “I thank Thee that Thou hast heard me.

The sick who pray for healing are to say before their healing materializes, “Father, I thank Thee that Thou hast heard me.” (p. 4-5)

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HAGIN:

So we stand there with the prayer of faith, believing we have been heard before we ever see any manifestation. (p. 13)

BOSWORTH:

The Prayer of faith is believing our prayer is heard before the answer materializes – before the answer is manifested. (p. 5)

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HAGIN:

Faith refuses to see anything contrary to what God’s Word says. (p. 16-17)

BOSWORTH:

Faith refuses to see (as reason for doubting) anything contrary to the Word of God. (p. 5)

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HAGIN:

With our natural eyes we see only temporal, materialistic things. But with the eyes of our spirit, we can begin to behold supernatural, satisfying, lasting realities of God’s spiritual, eternal kingdom. (P. 16-17)

BOSWORTH:

With our natural eyes we see only the temporal and inferior things of earth, but with the enlightened eyes of our understanding we behold the superior, satisfying and lasting realities of God’s spiritual and eternal Kingdom. (p. 5-6)

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HAGIN:

God said to Abram, “…for a father of many nations HAVE I made thee.” Do you know what Abram did? Immediately he changed his name to Abraham to mean what God said he was going to be!

Notice that God said, “I HAVE [past tense] made thee the father of many nations” (Gen. 17:5). He didn’t say he was “going to” (future tense). (p. 19)

BOSWORTH:

God said to Abraham, “A father of many nations have I made thee” (past tense), and since God put this promise in the past tense, Abraham did the same and acted his faith by taking his new name, “Abraham” which means “the father of a multitude”. (p. 6)

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HAGIN:

Suppose someone came to me and said, “Brother Hagin, I appreciate you. Here is a title deed to such-and-such a house. It’s worth $100,000. I’ll sign it over to you. It’s all yours, legally signed.”

I could put that house on the market and sell it without even having seen it. Why? Because I’ve got the title deed. I could even turn around and give the house to somebody and never see it. It’s mine. I can do with it what I will.

Faith is the evidence – or title deed – of things not yet seen. (p. 19-20)

BOSWORTH:

If someone should deed you a home that you had never seen, you actually have a home before you see it. “Faith is the evidence (title deed) of things not (yet) seen”. A deed makes a home so much yours that you can sell it without every seeing it. Faith is believing you have what God says you have and acting accordingly before you either feel or see that you have it. (p. 6-7)

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HAGIN:

But you see, these promises are not just promises; the promise has already been taken care of through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. He already has taken care of the promises. They are offered to us because they have been taken care of. That puts the responsibility on us to take these offers and use them. (p. 23)

BOSWORTH:

“Were the gifts of God for soul and body merely PROMISED gifts, we would have to wait for the Promiser to fulfill His promises, and the responsibility would be on Him. But all of God’s blessings are OFFERED gifts as well as promised, and therefore need to be accepted; and the responsibility for their transfer is ours. This clears God of all responsibility for any failures. (p. 8)

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HAGIN:

The only reason you weren’t saved the year before you were saved wasn’t God’s fault, was it? God had already purchased salvation. The responsibility was yours to accept it. (p. 25)

BOSWORTH:

The only reason you were not saved a year earlier than you were is that you did not take what God had provided and was offering to you. God was not making you wait; you were making Him wait. (p. 8)

Giving credit to whom it is due

It is both surprising and unfortunate that Hagin failed to acknowledge Bosworth's contribution. It is stunningly sad to see the extent he went to present the ideas and words as his own, with no credit being given to the actual source of his message.

Hagin should have followed the example set by T. L. Osborn who fully acknowledged the people he cited, as well as those from whom he borrowed ideas about healing. In other words, he gave credit to whom it was due. For example, when Osborn published One Hundred Divine Healing Facts (Harrison House, 1983), he included this note:

In presenting 100 Divine Healing Facts, we are indebted to the resourceful writings of F.F. Bosworth, from which several of the thoughts expressed have been gleaned.

His faith literature has brought healing within the grasp of many thousands who could not have recovered without knowing the truths which it contains.

By reading his book, Christ the Healer, you can get in just a few hours what took Rev. Bosworth thirty years of hard work in a healing ministry all over the United States and Canada to learn. I urge every Christian, pastor, teacher, and evangelist to obtain a copy of this masterpiece in faith building and read it repeatedly.

T.L. Osborn

 Hagin could have also learned from Bosworth who fully acknowledged E.W. Kenyon as his source of inspiration (and ideas) for the booklet, The Christian Confession (copies available through Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center: https://ifphc.org). On the final page of his booklet, Bosworth wrote:

Some of the thoughts expressed in the first part of this booklet were brought together by permission from the writings of Rev. E.W. Kenyon, Author of “The Father and His Family”, “The Wonderful Name of Jesus”, “In His Presence”, “Two Kinds of Love”, and other writings. Address, Kenyon Gospel Publication Society, 1901 Fourth Avenue, North, Seattle 9, Washington.

F.F. Bosworth

P.O. Box 5

Biscayne Annex

Miami, Florida

One can hope that by bringing attention to this topic, Hagin and others will come to see the importance of truth, integrity, transparency, and the Christian call to fully acknowledge the works of others by giving them the credit they deserve. As Christians, we should also remember to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. The church should be a light and set an example for others to follow.

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Resource:

The image and content for F.F. Bosworth’s booklets, The Past Tenses of God’s Word, and The Christian Confession, were obtained through the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center (https://ifphc.org), Springfield, Mo.

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about F.F. Bosworth?

Follow the Bosworth Matters blog!

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For more information:
Visit the F.F. Bosworth page here. Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow this blog or @Roscoebarnes3 on Twitter. #ChristTheHealer

F.F. Bosworth’s Endorsement of T.L. Osborn’s Most Famous Book

Letter of Support Appeared in Healing the Sick and Casting Out Devils

By Roscoe Barnes III

Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer

Copyright © 2018

#FFBosworth

#BosworthMatters

Healing the Sick and Casting Out Devils
(The Voice of Faith Ministry, 1955)

The 1955 edition of T.L. Osborn's Healing the Sick and Casting Out Devils included a strong endorsement by F.F. Bosworth and an Introductory Note that was strangely similar to the Preface in Bosworth’s Christ the Healer (1924). The endorsement, combined with the citations, acknowledgments, and paraphrases of Bosworth's writings, suggest a mutual respect between the two authors and a clear indication and example of Bosworth's influence.

First published in 1950, Osborn’s book on healing is considered a classic. Today it’s called, Healing the Sick. And so far, it has reportedly sold more than 1,000,000 copies. The book has become so popular that it’s hard to talk about Osborn without also mentioning his book.

When the 1955 edition of Healing the Sick was published, Bosworth was 78 and Osborn was only 32. Bosworth had known the young preacher since the 1940s, having served as a mentor to Osborn and other healing evangelists associated with The Voice of Healing organization.

In some ways, Osborn’s book seems to be modeled after Bosworth’s Christ the Healer (1924). Both books feature sermons, testimonies, and the teachings of other leaders who wrote about divine healing. Unlike Bosworth, however, Osborn’s book presents more of his personal testimony, which includes his ministry as a missionary and pastor, as well as his documented cases of healings in mass evangelistic meetings in the United States and other nations.

'Continuation of The book of Acts'

Bosworth's endorsement appeared on the inside section of the front cover of the colorful paper-bound book. He began by describing the book as a “book of record of messages and ministry” of Osborn. He suggested Osborn’s global ministry provided “some of the greatest Evangelistic and Divine Healing Campaigns in history.”

As a noted healing evangelist himself, Bosworth helped to validate Osborn’s writings by noting the content of the book – primarily a collection of sermons -- had “inspired thousands, all over the world” to believe God for healing. Osborn’s ministry, he wrote, had been effective in bringing salvation and healing to “literally hundreds of thousands of sufferers.”

Osborn was known for documenting thousands of cases of divine healing and he recorded them in the form of a diary. Bosworth mentioned some of the cases. He wrote: “In a single campaign which the Evangelist and his wife has conducted, as many as 125 deaf-mutes, 90 totally blind, and hundreds of other equally miraculous deliverances have resulted.”

Bosworth highlighted the importance of Osborn’s ministry by linking it to the Book of Acts: “The chapter of Notes from His Diary is no less than a twentieth century continuation of 'The book of Acts.'” Interestingly enough, he once made similar remarks about other leaders, such as Maria Woodworth-Etter.

Five volumes have been written of Mrs. Etter’s work as an evangelist, and it is doubtful if there is any record written since the “Acts of the Apostles” that is so wonderful. (From The Latter Rain Evangel of Chicago, Ill., reprinted in A Diary of Signs and Wonder, 1916).

Bosworth’s endorsement placed Osborn on a level with other Pentecostal giants, and his ministry, with help from his wife, Daisy, continued to grow in countries throughout the world. The full content of Bosworth’s endorsement is below.

Letter of endorsement by F.F. Bosworth

This book is a record of the messages and ministry of Evangelist and Mrs. T.L. Osborn, who have traveled extensively, around the world, conducting some of the greatest Evangelistic and Divine Healing Campaigns in history.

The sermons contained in this book have inspired thousands, all over the world, with faith to be healed by God’s power.

Through their simple, but sound presentation of the Gospel, the Osborns have been instrumental in the deliverance of literally hundreds of thousands of sufferers.

In a single campaign which the Evangelist and his wife has conducted, as many as 125 deaf-mutes, 90 totally blind, and hundreds of other equally miraculous deliverances have resulted. Happy and joyful conversions have numbered as many as 50,000 in one revival.

This book is presented to you direct from the great battlefield of faith.

The chapter of Notes from His Diary is no less than a twentieth century continuation of “The book of Acts.”

This book is designed to bring immediate deliverance to you, for soul and body, while reading it, therefore open your heart and read with reverence; believe God’s promises and you too will be healed.

I deem it a privilege to recommend such an unusually inspiring volume of sound Gospel truth to the world today.

Signed: F.F. Bosworth

F.F. Bosworth is the author of the 250-page new and enlarged seventh edition of “Christ the Healer,” priced at $2.50. His address is P.O. Box 678, Miami Beach 39, Florida, U.S.A.

A second endorsement by Bosworth appeared on the last page of Chapter 25 under the heading, "A note by F.F. Bosworth":

THE CONTINUAL RE-READING OF AND RE-MEDITATING ON THE TRUTHS set forth in this volume will prove a lifelong blessing to every Christian. Get thoroughly acquainted with each truth in this message by reading it and MEDITATING on it over and over again. Practice this message every day of your life and you will be able to keep God both busy and happy fulfilling His good pleasure in making all of His divine promises good on your behalf and on the behalf of others for whom you pray and to whom you teach the truths.


Signed: F.F. Bosworth


In addition to featuring Bosworth's endorsements, Osborn paraphrased some of his teachings. He also quoted Bosworth in several places, beginning with Chapter 1, "How Many Will God Heal?" He wrote:

“We can find no ground for doubting God! Evangelist Bosworth says: ‘Don’t doubt God. If you must doubt something, DOUBT YOUR DOUBTS, because they are unreliable, but never doubt God, nor His Word.’”

Aside from the practical and faith-inspiring teachings on divine healing, Healing the Sick reveals, on some level,  a possible bond between Bosworth and Osborn that was not seen in the writings of other evangelists of that era. It also displays a sense of gratitude and  generosity between the two leaders. Whereas Bosworth was lavish in his praise of Osborn's book, Osborn, it could be said, was equally generous in his acknowledgments of Bosworth and in his respect for Bosworth's ministry as a famous healing evangelist. Simply put, Osborn gave credit to whom credit was due.

Similarities in writing

While it is clear that Osborn used some of Bosworth’s teaching material with permission, it is also clear that he borrowed from the Author’s Preface in Bosworth’s Christ the Healer. Following is a number of excerpts from Bosworth’s book and Osborn’s Introductory Note in Healing the Sick and Casting Out Devils. The excerpts, which begin with the writings of Bosworth, are organized to show the similarities between the two authors.

F.F. Bosworth:

When in the year 1924 we wrote the messages for the first edition of this book, little did we dream that the truths presented were to bless such vast numbers in so many parts of the world.

T.L. Osborn:

When we published the first edition of this book, we never dreamed that the truths presented would so quickly bless such vast numbers in so many parts of the world.

Bosworth:

In this book we have tried to use the vocabulary common people understand, and a continual stream of testimonies comes to us from those soundly converted and miraculously healed through their own faith which came to them while reading and meditating on the truths of the Bible which we have tried to make plain.

Osborn:

No literary style is pretended….

We receive a continual stream of testimonies from all over the world written by those who have been joyfully converted and miraculously healed while reading the sermons contained in this book.

Amongst the thousands who have been miraculously healed by our Lord under our won ministry, only a small fraction of them have been individually prayed for. Most of them have been healed through their own faith which came to them while meditating on the bible truths we have presented from the platform of from the printed page.

Bosworth:

We have found that those who have tuned in the broadcasts of the National Radio Revival, most of whom we have never seen, by reading the healing and other literature we have published, get a much broader understanding than those who hear only an occasional message in our public meetings. Because they can be re-read and studied, we have the proof that our messages in printed form produce better results in the souls and bodies of those for whom we pray, than in some who attend our meetings and desire to be prayed for before they hear enough of the Word of God to produce faith.

Osborn:

We have found that those who carefully read and act upon the messages herein presented obtain a much broader understanding, and so a far more solid faith, than those who hear only an occasional sermon in our campaigns. Very often, those who attend our meetings and who fail to receive healing, are later miraculously healed while reading and meditating on the same Bible truths set forth in this book. Because they can be re-read and studied, it is proven repeatedly that many receive more benefit from our messages in this printed form than others receive from occasionally attending the campaigns.

Osborn’s acknowledgment

In the closing paragraphs of Osborn's Introductory Note, he fully acknowledged the people and written material he drew on for his book. The first person mentioned in both paragraphs is Bosworth. He wrote:

I am especially indebted to the writings of F.F. Bosworth, E. W. Kenyon, E.H. Ahrendth, S. Wigglesworth, C. Price, J. Scruby, and others; to the continuous word of encouragement from my dear wife, and her untiring faithfulness; then, most of all, to our dear Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, and the lives of the apostles.

The material abridged from the writings of F.F. Bosworth and E.W. Kenyon has been used by special permission.

Conclusion

Bosworth's support of Osborn may serve as a reminder that success is often found on the shoulders of giants who paved the way. His endorsement of a young preacher illustrates how older ministers can have an impact on younger generations. The fruitful and respectful relationship that he and Osborn shared is also an example of how Christian leaders can help each other by generously passing along what they have learned. Perhaps John Donne was right when he wrote:

"No man is an island,
Entire of itself,
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main."

F.F. Bosworth's praise for Healing the Sick and Casting Out Devils

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For more information:

Visit ffbosworth.strikingly.com. The Bosworth page is here. Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow this blog or @Roscoebarnes3 and @bosworth_fred on Twitter. #ChristTheHealer

F.F. Bosworth Mentioned in T.L. Osborn Biography

Book Recounts Origin of 'Mass Miracle' Concept

By Roscoe Barnes III

Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer

Copyright (c) 2018

#FFBosworth

#BosworthMatters

#BosworthMention

F.F. Bosworth is featured prominently in the book, T.L. Osborn: Pioneer of Mass Miracle Evangelism (Harrison House, 2010), a title that is part of the publisher's Legacy of Faith Collection. The topic of Bosworth and his influence on T.L. Osborn is noted in Chapter 8, which is titled, "A Pivotal Point." The book suggests that a turning point in Osborn’s ministry began with an invitation by Bosworth, who wanted him to come to Flint, Mich. in 1949 “to continue Rev. William Branham’s crusade in the large city auditorium, because Branham became exhausted and was physically unable to minister to the thousands who attended the crusade.”

The chapter notes that the meeting in Flint was a crucial moment in Osborn’s ministry. Not only did it mark the start of his “ministry across the United States,” but “it was also vitally significant in the equipping and turning” Osborn and his wife “in the direction of mass miracle evangelism worldwide.” The book explains:

T.L. and Daisy’s vision for a worldwide ministry of mass miracle evangelism, was birthed in Flint, Michigan. F.F. Bosworth was the instrument God chose to seed a biblical basis for that ministry in their hearts. The Voice of Healing Revival was already underway, primarily across North America, and was noted for mass evangelism taking place under gigantic gospel tents. Up to this point the normal practice of praying for the handicapped, sick, and diseased was through long prayer lines and praying for people individually. This, in part, explained why Rev. Branham had become exhausted and physically unable to minister to the thousands attending and had to send for T.L. and Daisy to take his place. This “pattern” or “model” limited what God was able to accomplish through individuals, because of their natural limitations of time and energy.

Bosworth offered new ideas about praying for people en masse. The book notes that while he “had not crusaded beyond the United States and Canada, he was keenly interested in helping all to be blessed.” He believed that “suffering people who waited in long prayer lines for someone’s special prayer … could embrace God’s healing promises as soon as they heard them and be healed.”

According to the book, Bosworth “often discussed” that idea with the Osborns. He also used Scripture, such as Psalm 105:37 to support his position: “He brought them forth … and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.” Bosworth explained: “If Moses had tried to individually lay his hands on those sick people, most them would have died before their turn would have come. Moses could never have ministered to all of them individually. The majority of them would have expired before he reach them.”

The topic of mass miracles or healing en masse is significant in the life history of Osborn, especially as it relates to Bosworth who served as his mentor. Because of Bosworth’s influence, Osborn would go on to become a noted pioneer of mass healing crusades and the author of the book, Healing en Masse (T.L. Osborn, 1958).

NOTE: I wrote about this topic in the article, "F.F. Bosworth in South Africa: A Historical Analysis of His Later Ministry and Healing Methodology" (Africa Journal of Pentecostal Studies, 2007-12-01). Read it here. The article also appears as a chapter in my book, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer (Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2009).

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about F.F. Bosworth?

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For more information: 
Visit ffbosworth.strikingly.com. The Bosworth page is here. Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow this blog or @Roscoebarnes3 on Twitter. #ChristTheHealer

When F.F. Bosworth Joined the Branham Party

A Look at His Contributions to The Voice of Healing and the Post-WWII Preachers with Healing Ministries

By Roscoe Barnes III

Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer

Copyright © 2018

#FFBosworth

It is commonly known that F.F. Bosworth was a mentor to many evangelists during the post-World War II healing revival in the United States. He was a staple in the salvation-healing meetings held by William Branham and Gordon Lindsay of The Voice of Healing. What is not known is the extent of his influence on the evangelists and the specific details of his contributions to the movement. This article will highlight five of the specific ways that Bosworth had an impact on the movement. Specifically, it will focus on his teachings on divine healing, his endorsement of Branham that resulted in prestige and enhanced credibility for Branham’s ministry, his business model for using healing testimonies, his concept of praying en masse, and his ideas on the use of publishing to extend one’s ministry. There are other ways in which he made a contribution, but they will be shared at a later time.

He provided a voice of authority on divine healing.

Bosworth is known for his classic, Christ the Healer, which was first published in 1924. The book continued to sell during the healing revival, reaching a new generation of readers. Excerpts from the book appeared in The Voice of Healing magazine and a number of books published by healing evangelists, such as T.L. Osborn.

In the first issue of The Voice of Healing, which was published in April 1948, Lindsay featured an article by Bosworth entitled, “Why All Are Not Healed.” In that same issue, he introduced Bosworth as an authority on divine healing. Under the heading, “Conversations with Evangelist F.F. Bosworth” (page 4), he wrote:

Most interesting while we were in Miami, were our conversations with Evangelist F.F. Bosworth, one of the nation’s greatest authorities on the ministry of Divine Healing. Multitudes of people will remember the great Bosworth healing meetings of the Twenties. Vast crowds filled the most spacious auditoriums of the nation to listen to the message of the Gospel of Healing as well as that of salvation. In one city, as many as 19,000 persons confessed Christ as their Saviour. Mighty miracles of healing took place, the fame of which were reported in newspapers of the time over the length and breadth of the land.

Bosworth inspired many with the gospel of healing, and he did so through his teaching, his books, his magazine articles, and his prayer of faith. He was a rare Christian leader whose ministry of healing spanned more than five decades. He provided a voice of authority that was built on a foundation of proven experience. Bosworth’s voice on divine healing was heard in debates during the early years of his ministry and during his time with Branham.

He provided prestige and credibility.

Bosworth was probably one of only a few men who could have brought the level of prestige that Branham needed. After all, he had spent many years as a famous evangelist who held city-wide campaigns that attracted thousands of people in cities throughout North America. His book on healing was a perennial seller. His ministry crossed denominational lines and included support from both Pentecostals and non-Pentecostals. In other words, Bosworth was revered. His endorsement of Branham’s ministry was not taken lightly or seen as a mere simple gesture of friendship.

To appreciate the significance of Bosworth’s support, one may imagine the impact of a 70-year-old Billy Graham announcing his support for a young unknown Baptist evangelist. Imagine how that evangelist would be viewed. The popularity and strength of Graham’s name could potentially make the young preacher a household name. People who might have ignored the unknown preacher would now take notice. Such was the possible scenario with Bosworth and Branham. Bosworth was legendary in the divine healing movement and his endorsement of Branham and the Voice of Healing undoubtedly carried much weight in the minds of those who followed his ministry.

In the second issue of the magazine, Lindsay presented additional information on Bosworth’s contributions as a healing evangelist in a front-page profile entitled, “Rev. and Mrs. F.F. Bosworth Work With Branham Party” (The Voice of Healing, May 1948):

Years ago as a boy the editor remembers that news of the great Bosworth healing campaigns reached the daily newspapers even in the far west. In those days enormous crowds gathered to hear the Bosworth party. The largest crowd ever gathered under one roof in Ottawa, Canada, attended their meetings and some 132,000 sought salvation. The editor has before him a folder showing the great throngs that gathered in the many cities where the Bosworth brothers labored, such as the Arcadia Hall in Detroit, the Arena, Erie, Pa., the Convention Hall at Camden, N.J. and other communities. Besides the great number of healings (Brother Bosworth has received over 2000,000 written testimonies of healing), many tens of thousands found the Lord as their Saviour in those campaigns.

In addition to having association with a respectable name in evangelism, Branham needed people to believe in his gift and in his ministry. Lindsay apparently felt an endorsement from Bosworth would help do the job. So in his profile of Bosworth, he included Bosworth’s assessment of Branham’s ministry. In the May 1948 issue, Lindsay began with a description of their first meeting: “It was in Miami, Fla., that Brother Bosworth met Brother Branham. Both men fell in love with each other, and it seemed the hand of Providence drew them together.”

Lindsay then reported:

Brother Bosworth, remarking concerning the ministry of Brother Branham, declared: “In my own ministry I witnessed all the miracles that I have seen in the Branham meetings, but never in this fashion. I have never claimed the Gift of Healing. Sometimes it took us months to get the crowds to come, and to build up faith so that the miracles would take place, but in Brother Branham’s ministry it is different. Miracles take place the first night and the crowds gather from the first. This is the difference between the Gift of Healing and the prayer of faith.”

Bosworth would go on to say other positive things about Branham’s ministry. He would also write an article about Branham’s gift titled, “Gifts of Healing Plus.” The article appeared in both The Voice of Healing and the popular book, William Branham: A Man Sent From God (1950).

He provided a model for promoting healing testimonies.

The May 1948 issue of The Voice of Healing featured a display of healing testimonies that seemed to mirror a model previously used by Bosworth. For several decades, Bosworth collected healing testimonies and eagerly shared them with his readers. He sincerely believed in them, and he apparently knew how to use them to inspire and persuade readers. In a short profile of Bosworth, which appeared with his photo on page 1 of the magazine, the editor noted: “Brother Bosworth has received over 200,000 written testimonies of healing.”

In my doctoral thesis, F.F. BOSWORTH: A Historical Analysis of the Influential Factors in His Life and Ministry (University of Pretoria, 2010), I argued Bosworth was a shrewd businessman who understood various marketing and promotional techniques. His business knowledge was clearly seen in his use of testimonies. In advertising, good testimonials are known to have persuasive power. As a businessman and as a preacher, Bosworth knew of that power. He frequently collected testimonies and used them in his literature and in his newspaper ads. He also shared them in his sermons. In his early writings, he boldly solicited testimonies from his readers.

Another significant point about the magazine’s use of testimonies is the two-page section titled, “Exploits of Faith.” Readers of Bosworth's literature will recognize the title as the name of his famous magazine that was published decades earlier. Lindsay’s use of “Exploits of Faith” was hardly a coincidence. While he may have used it to connect with readers who had followed Bosworth’s ministry, it is also possible that he wanted to pay homage to Bosworth. In any case, the use of the title is another indication of Bosworth’s influence.

He provided a concept for praying en masse.

In 1949, during evangelistic meetings in Flint, Mich., Bosworth spoke with T.L. Osborn about praying for many people at the same time. It was believed that praying for one person at a time could be physically exhausting and time-consuming when faced with a multitude of hundreds or thousands of people needing prayer for healing. Inspired by Bosworth’s insight, Osborn began practicing what he called “healing en masse.” In his book by the same name, Osborn defined the method as follows:

Mass faith and mass healing means that mass of people believe the same truths at the same time; that they all accept it and act upon it simultaneously. That is when healing en masse results.

Osborn credited Bosworth with presenting him and other evangelists with the concept of healing en masse. In the article, “How Big Is ‘Possible’? T.L. Osborn Recounts One of His Life-Changing Experience” (Faith Digest, May 1949), Osborn wrote:

For some mysterious reason, God chose Mr. Bosworth to seed us with these and many other biblical reasons for faith to help multitudes to be healed at the same time. We had no way of knowing that we would face teeming multitudes of sick people in mass crusades all over the world. God was using this dear old veteran of the healing ministry to prepare our young hearts for greater and more vast healing ministry than had ever been experienced in the history of humankind.

Additional information on praying en masse is presented in my article, “F.F. Bosworth in South Africa: A Historical Analysis of His Later Ministry and Healing Methodology” (Africa Journal of Pentecostal Studies, 2007).

He provided ideas on book publishing.

In addition to presenting the concept of praying en masse, Bosworth also encouraged preachers to publish their messages in books. Osborn noted that in an Oct. 20, 2006 letter to the Rev. Ryan M. Miller:

The question that you ask is the question being asked of me all over the world, wherever I go. That is why I have written some books. My dear friend, Rev. F.F. Bosworth, is who taught me to put what I have learned in books. I am thankful that I learned that early in life.

Conclusion

Based on the many reports in The Voice of Healing, publication of books on healing, and the testimony of Osborn and other preachers from the 1940s and 1950s, it seems that Bosworth’s contributions were significant in many ways and on many levels. What he shared with some of the young preachers in that era positively impacted their ministries for many decades and even into the 21^st century. When he joined the Branham party in the late 1940s, he contributed to a movement that resulted in thousands of people being saved and healed in the United States and other countries. His work also led to practical ministry models that have been replicated by scores of preachers, even as more generations learn of his teachings through his book, Christ the Healer.

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Visit ffbosworth.strikingly.com. Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D.,via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow this blog or @Roscoebarnes3 on Twitter. #ChristTheHealer