A prediction made by a South African pastor has caused a stir on TikTok, claiming that the Rapture will take place on either Tuesday, September 23, or Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Joshua Mhlakela, the preacher behind the claim, shared this “divine prophecy” on YouTube and in an interview with Centtwinz TV.
Mhlakela alleges that Jesus appeared to him in a vision, disclosing the specific date of His return, coinciding with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. The pastor adamantly stated, “The rapture is imminent, regardless of your readiness. I personally witnessed Jesus on His throne, clearly stating, ‘I am coming soon.'”
The prophecy has swiftly spread online, leading to a surge of posts under the hashtag #RaptureTok. In his vision, Mhlakela asserts that Jesus informed him, “I will come to take my church,” alluding to the Christian belief in the Rapture, where believers are taken up to be with Christ at His Second Coming.
The Rapture is a fundamental aspect of Christian doctrine, where faithful followers ascend to heaven to avoid the anticipated seven-year Tribulation period filled with severe hardships, as outlined in the Bible. This tumultuous time is believed to culminate in Jesus establishing a tranquil kingdom for Christians upon His return.
Despite the term “Rapture” not being explicitly mentioned in the Bible, many Christians reference scriptures such as 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 to support this belief. Various interpretations exist, with some anticipating a “pre-tribulation” Rapture before turmoil and others expecting a “post-tribulation” occurrence.
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association outlines the Rapture occurring in two phases: first, believers are taken up to meet Christ in the clouds, followed by His 1,000-year reign on Earth. The specified dates of September 23 or 24 align with Rosh Hashanah, also known as the Feast of Trumpets, a symbolic holiday in many Christians’ end-times prophecy.
Reactions online have been a blend of anxiety and humor, with individuals expressing genuine apprehension or openly ridiculing the prediction. Notably, discussions have arisen, questioning whether pets will be part of the Rapture, sparking both serious contemplation and lighthearted banter.
Furthermore, individuals have reportedly begun quitting their jobs in anticipation of being lifted into the sky alongside their Christian neighbors. Meanwhile, TikTok content creator Sonja (@sonj779) has garnered attention with her comedic “Rapture Trip Tips” series, offering quirky advice to her audience.
In the United States, where many of these videos originate, beliefs in end-times scenarios are not uncommon. Research by the Pew Research Center in 2022 revealed that nearly half of all Christians in the US, approximately 47 percent, believe that they are currently living in the end times.