A South African pastor named Joshua Mhlakela has made headlines after claiming that the Rapture, the moment when believers in Christ will be taken to heaven, will happen on September 23–24, 2025. This prediction has gone viral on TikTok and other social media platforms, causing a wave of reactions, debates, and even fear among some people.
But is this prophecy true? Is the end of the world really coming tomorrow? Let’s break down what the claim is, what the Bible says, how others are reacting, and whether there is any solid evidence to support it.
What the Pastor Is Claiming
Pastor Joshua Mhlakela says he received a message from Jesus through a vision. He claims Jesus told him the exact date of the Rapture, September 23 and 24, 2025, which also happens to fall on the Jewish holiday called Rosh Hashanah, also known as the Feast of Trumpets.
In his video, Pastor Mhlakela says:
“The rapture is upon us, whether you are ready or not … I saw Jesus sitting on his throne … He said to me on the 23rd and 24th of September 2025, ‘I will come back to the Earth.’”
You can read more about his claim in this Daily Dot article. The message has taken off on TikTok under the hashtag #RaptureTok, where people are sharing “rapture checklists,” life advice, and even saying goodbye to their followers.
How Social Media Is Reacting
The prophecy has sparked a wave of reactions on social media. Some users are joking about the end of the world, while others are seriously preparing for it. A few have said they plan to quit their jobs, stop paying bills, or change their lives in big ways.
As covered by MySanAntonio, some people are genuinely afraid and confused about whether they should take this prediction seriously. This isn’t the first time social media has helped spread a doomsday prophecy. In fact, many similar predictions have gone viral over the years, only to be proven wrong later.
What the Bible Says About Knowing the End
Many Christians are questioning this prophecy because of what the Bible clearly says about the return of Jesus. In Matthew 24:36, Jesus himself says:
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
This verse is often used to remind people that we cannot know the exact day or time when Jesus will return. That’s why many believers are cautious when someone claims to know the date. The Bible does talk about signs of the end times, wars, disasters, and moral decline, but it never gives an exact date. You can explore more about this in this Statesman report.
The Connection to Rosh Hashanah
Pastor Mhlakela’s prophecy lines up with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, also known as the Feast of Trumpets. Some Christians believe this holiday has a spiritual link to the Rapture because of the trumpet sounds mentioned in the Bible.
However, many Christian scholars warn that using Jewish festivals to predict the end times can be misleading. While Rosh Hashanah is meaningful, the Bible still does not say Jesus will return on that specific day. Some prophecies have used astronomical events or star alignments to support their ideas, like the one mentioned in The Christian Posta, but these events often turn out to be coincidental or misinterpreted.
What Christian Leaders Are Saying
Not all Christians accept this prophecy. In fact, many pastors and theologians are warning people to be careful. Pastor Ed Stetzer, a well-known church leader, said the September 23 prediction is “an embarrassment to Christians.” He believes these kinds of claims hurt the faith and make Christianity look foolish to outsiders. You can read more of his thoughts here.
Many church leaders agree that date-setting is not biblical and often leads to disappointment, confusion, or fear. They say Christians should always be ready, but not panic or chase after every new prediction.
A Look at Past Failed Predictions
This is not the first time someone has predicted the Rapture. Here are a few past examples:
In 2011, a preacher named Harold Camping predicted the world would end on May 21. It didn’t. In 2017, some believed a “sign in the stars” on September 23 meant the Rapture would happen. Again, nothing happened. Many others over the last 100 years have tried and failed. News.com.au even covered how some people are mocking the latest prediction because it sounds so much like the ones before it. Each time, believers were disappointed and critics were quick to laugh.
Final Thoughts
So, is the Rapture happening tomorrow, September 23, 2025? Probably not. While Pastor Joshua Mhlakela believes it, there’s no solid evidence, and it goes against the clear teaching of Scripture that no one knows the time. Christian leaders have warned against following these predictions, and history shows that such claims have always failed.
If you’re a Christian, the Bible encourages you to stay ready, live with purpose, and trust in God’s timing not in man-made dates. If you’re just curious, don’t let fear or hype guide your choices. Ask questions, do your own research, and keep your peace.
