A South African pastor, Joshua Mhlakela, has caused a stir on TikTok by predicting that the Rapture will take place on either September 23 or September 24, 2025. Mhlakela claims to have received a divine prophecy from Jesus Himself, stating that His return will coincide with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
The prophecy, shared by Mhlakela through YouTube and an interview with Centtwinz TV, has quickly gone viral, leading to a surge of posts under the hashtag #RaptureTok. In his vision, Mhlakela says Jesus informed him that believers will be taken up in the Rapture before the start of the Tribulation, a period of great suffering believed to last seven years according to Biblical teachings.
Although the term “Rapture” is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, it is a significant belief in Christian doctrine, with interpretations varying on whether it will occur before or after the Tribulation. The specific dates given by Mhlakela, September 23 or 24, align with Rosh Hashanah, symbolizing end-times prophecy for many Christians.
Online reactions to the prediction have been a mix of anxiety and humor, with some expressing genuine concern while others mock the forecast. Meanwhile, some individuals have even started preparing for the event, with reports of people quitting their jobs in anticipation of the supposed Rapture.
In the United States, where many of the online discussions originate, beliefs about the end times are not uncommon. Research by the Pew Research Center in 2022 found that nearly half of Christians in the US believe they are living in the end times, reflecting the prevalence of such beliefs in American society.
As the speculation and anticipation around the predicted Rapture continue to circulate online, various reactions and preparations are emerging, showcasing the diverse responses to the prophesied event.
