What Did Billy Graham Teach About the Rapture of the Church?

Whether or not Billy Graham's teachings about the Rapture of the Church have been proven to be accurate is a matter of debate. But one thing is certain: this idea has a significant presence in evangelical circles.

Billy Graham Preaching

Rapture theology, as it is called, has roots in conservative mainline Protestant denominations and in non-denominational fundamentalist Christianity. This particular interpretation of scripture involves the idea that Christ will return to earth after a period of seven years of tribulation and will then rule a thousand years. The Book of Revelation is apocalyptic literature, and it warns of a period of terrible suffering on earth, including war and natural disaster.

Rapture theology also appears in non-denominational megachurches and other charismatic churches. Some of these churches have rebranded themselves as evangelical megachurches, while others have remained non-denominational. Rapture theology is often associated with the Assemblies of God, and it is estimated that it exists in as many as six of the top 10 evangelical organizations. Rapture theology is rooted in dispensationalism, a theory that divides history into eras. Dispensationalism, in turn, is based on the idea that each era has a turning point in scripture. These turning points in scripture are tied to specific times and events. Rapture theology has become a logical conclusion of evangelicalism.

Rapture theology involves the idea that when Christ returns to earth, he will lift his followers out of the world, allowing them to avoid judgment. Rapture theology also fits with Jesus' image of a prince of peace, as well as his call to love and pray for those in the world who are suffering. It also fits with the idea that Jesus will judge the world before death.

Rapture theology was introduced into evangelicalism in the 1970s when Billy Graham began to talk about it. He cited several Scriptures to support his position. However, he later recanted his teachings.

Billy Graham was one of the most popular evangelists in the world during the first half of the twentieth century. His ministry generated untold millions of dollars. He also became one of the most public faces of evangelicalism, and he built a reputation as a leader of inclusion. He was also well-known for his personal kindness. He traveled around the world and preached to tens of millions of people, and he refused to speak to segregated audiences in the 1950s. His ministry polarized much of America, and his vision of God has been a source of much conflict.

The Left Behind Series popularized The Rapture

Rapture theology also has its roots in premillennialism. In this doctrine, the Church will be taken out of the world in preparation for a period of seven years of tribulation. In this period, the faithful will live in Jerusalem during a thousand-year period of peace. In the end, Christ will return to Earth, conquer evil, and rule the world for a thousand years.

While many evangelicals believe that Christ's return will occur after seven years of tribulation, there is still a great deal of disagreement over exactly when this will occur. Some Christians claim that the suffering described in Revelation is unlike any other trouble in human history. Other Christians argue that the Church has been persecuted throughout history, and that it will be taken out of the world before the terrible woes begin.