What is the Rapture? Dr. Tony Evans’ Comprehensive Explanation of the Rapture

Dr. Tony Evans, a renowned theologian, pastor, and author, offers a detailed and compelling explanation of the Rapture, which he considers to be the next major event on God’s prophetic calendar. His teachings on this subject are both intriguing and informative, providing a comprehensive understanding of this eschatological concept.

## Biblical Foundation

Evans grounds his understanding of the Rapture firmly in Scripture, primarily drawing from several key passages:

**”In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”** (John 14:2-3, KJV)

**”For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”** (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, KJV)

**”Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”** (1 Corinthians 15:51-52, KJV)

**”And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.”** (1 Thessalonians 1:10, KJV)

## Definition and Nature of the Rapture

Dr. Evans explains that the term “rapture” comes from the Latin word “rapturo,” which means “to seize, snatch, or grab.” Although the word “rapture” itself doesn’t appear in the English Bible, the concept is derived from the Greek word “harpazo” used in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, which is translated as “caught up” in English.

## Characteristics of the Rapture

Evans outlines several key characteristics of the Rapture:

### 1. Suddenness

### 2. Two-Stage Return of Christ

### 3. Order of Events

### 4. Bodily Transformation

### 5. Removal of the Church

## Theological Context

Dr. Evans’ view of the Rapture aligns with a pre-tribulation rapture perspective, which is common among dispensationalist theologians.

## Implications and Applications

Dr. Evans emphasizes that the doctrine of the Rapture has several important implications for Christian life:

### 1. Imminence

**”Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”** (Matthew 24:42, KJV)

### 2. Comfort

**”Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”** (1 Thessalonians 4:18, KJV)

### 3. Evangelistic Urgency

### 4. Holy Living

**”Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”** (1 John 3:2-3, KJV)

5. Proper Perspective

## Controversies and Debates

While Dr. Evans presents a compelling case for the pre-tribulation Rapture, it’s important to note that this view is not universally accepted among Christian theologians.

## Consider This:

Dr. Tony Evans presents the Rapture as a sudden, transformative event that should profoundly impact how Christians live their daily lives. While acknowledging that its timing is unknown, he emphasizes its imminence and the need for believers to be prepared, comforted, and motivated by this prophetic promise.