A prediction made by a South African pastor, Joshua Mhlakela, is causing a stir on TikTok as he claims that the Rapture will take place on either Tuesday, September 23 or Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Mhlakela asserts that this revelation was given to him through a divine prophecy, shared on YouTube and in an interview with Centtwinz TV.
According to Mhlakela, Jesus appeared to him in a vision and disclosed the specific date of His return, coinciding with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. The pastor emphasized the urgency of the impending event, stating that Jesus had clearly conveyed His imminent return on the mentioned dates.
Following the dissemination of this prophecy, social media has been abuzz with the hashtag #RaptureTok, with many users expressing a mix of anxiety and skepticism. In Mhlakela’s vision, Jesus purportedly indicated that believers would be taken up to be with Him during the Rapture, an event central to Christian theology where faithful followers are rescued from the anticipated Tribulation, a period of severe hardships lasting seven years as per Biblical teachings.
While interpretations of the Rapture vary among Christians, Mhlakela’s prediction aligns with the belief that this event will occur during Rosh Hashanah, also known as the Feast of Trumpets, symbolizing an eschatological significance for many believers. The uncertainty surrounding the outcome has prompted diverse reactions online, ranging from genuine concern to humorous commentary and speculation, such as queries about the fate of pets during the purported event.
As anticipation builds, individuals are reportedly taking various actions in preparation for the speculated Rapture, including quitting jobs and seeking spiritual readiness. Notably, social media influencers like Sonja (@sonj779) have leveraged the situation for entertainment, offering light-hearted advice and tips for their followers regarding the impending event.
In the United States, where a significant number of these discussions originate, beliefs surrounding end-times prophecies are not uncommon. Research from the Pew Research Center indicates that nearly half of American Christians, approximately 47 percent, believe that they are currently living in the end times.