Rapture on September 23: A viral wave hit social media in September 2025 claiming the “Rapture” would occur on September 23–24, 2025. The story traces to a South African pastor, Joshua Mhlakela, whose sermon and interviews about a dream/vision went viral on TikTok and other platforms — spawning the #Rapture and #RaptureTok trends, memes, and real-world reactions from people who say they’ve quit jobs or sold possessions. This article unpacks the background, the theology, the viral mechanics, the facts you can verify, and practical, faith- and community-minded steps to take if you’re worried or curious.
Quick summary (the 30-second version)
- The current viral prediction comes from Pastor Joshua Mhlakela, who says he received a vision naming Sept 23–24, 2025.
- The claim exploded on TikTok under “RaptureTok”; some people have reacted seriously—others parody it.
- Mainstream Christian theology warns nobody can know the exact day or hour, and repeated historical date-setting has failed.
- Reputable news outlets and religion scholars advise caution and stress pastoral care for those distressed by viral doomsday claims.
1) Who is Joshua Mhlakela — and what did he say?
Joshua Mhlakela is a South African pastor whose June video/interview claiming a dream-vision about Jesus saying the Rapture would happen in September 2025 gained traction months later. The clip was reposted widely and became the focal point for the “RaptureTok” surge. Mhlakela’s message specifically mentioned September 23–24 (dates that also align with Jewish observances like Rosh Hashanah/Feast of Trumpets for some commentators), and that’s what sent searches and hashtags skyrocketing.
2) What is the Rapture? A short, plain-language explanation
The word rapture isn’t found in most English Bible translations — it comes from the Latin raptura (a translation of the Greek term in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 often rendered “caught up”). In popular evangelical usage the Rapture describes an event in which living believers (and in some views the resurrected dead in Christ) are suddenly taken up to meet Christ in the air, preceding or coinciding with Christ’s visible Second Coming and a period of tribulation. Important: different Christian traditions interpret these passages very differently — some see a literal, distinct “rapture,” while others view the New Testament passages as part of the one-time Second Coming described in Matthew, Mark, Luke and Revelation.
3) Why this date? (and why Rosh Hashanah appears in the discussion)
Many modern predictions attempt to link biblical prophecy to Jewish calendars, astronomical events (e.g., blood moons), or symbolic numerology. In this case, Mhlakela’s claimed vision and the proximity of Sept 23–24 to Jewish festival dates helped the video spread — some believers see prophetic connections between Jewish feast days and end-time events. Scholars and mainstream denominations caution that these connections are speculative and historically unreliable for precise date forecasting.
4) What are credible Christian leaders saying?
Pastors and denominational leaders vary: some urge preparedness in a spiritual sense (prayer, repentance, faith), others warn against date-setting and exploitative prophecy. Many evangelical and mainline leaders point to passages like Matthew 24:36 — “about that day and hour no one knows” — to argue Christians should focus on faithful living rather than public countdowns. Faith leaders in communities are also advising care for anxious people who see viral claims as real and may act on them.
5) How are people reacting — real examples
The viral trend spans the spectrum:
- Sincere reactions: Some people post testimonies of newfound urgency — quitting jobs, posting “Rapture trip tips,” or preparing spiritually. News outlets report localized instances of panic selling and job resignations tied to viral posts.
- Satire: Comedy and memes about “calling dibs” on houses or leaving keys for the “left behind” are abundant.
- Concern: Mental-health professionals and church leaders warn that viral doomsday talk can worsen anxiety and urge pastoral care and fact-checking.
6) The long history — learned lessons from past failed rapture predictions
Date-setting isn’t new. From the 19th-century Millerite movement (the “Great Disappointment” of 1844) through various 20th–21st century forecasts (including Harold Camping’s 2011 prediction), the pattern is familiar: a prophecy gets media attention, followers prepare, the date passes, and the community wrestles with aftermath — loss of trust, shaken faith, or deeper devotion. Historians encourage reading these episodes as social and religious phenomena shaped by hope, fear and community dynamics.
7) Theology 101 — why many Christians reject date-setting
- Biblical caution: Jesus’ own words — “no one knows that day or hour” (Matthew 24:36) — are broadly cited against setting dates.
- Diverse eschatologies: Christians don’t agree on how end-time events unfold (pre-tribulation vs post-tribulation rapture, amillennialism vs premillennialism, symbolic vs literal readings). That diversity makes precise predictions inherently controversial and often theologically speculative.
8) How to evaluate viral rapture claims — a short checklist
If you see another social post predicting the end of the world:
- Check the source. Is the claim traceable to a named, verifiable person? (e.g., a sermon link, official church page) — Mhlakela’s video is online; vet the original clip.
- Look to major news outlets and religious scholars. Reputable coverage puts claims in context and reports community effects (e.g., Al Jazeera, major US papers, religion desks).
- Watch for emotional manipulation. Claims that demand urgent money, property transfers, or private “preparations” are red flags.
- Ask a trusted pastor or faith leader. Local clergy can help interpret scripture and address anxiety.
9) For families and communities — practical steps (if someone is distressed)
- Listen without judgment. Fear is real even when the claim is false.
- Offer help: practical tasks, checking on elderly neighbors, or escorting a person to a trusted clergy member.
- Protect finances: advise people to pause before making major financial decisions (selling homes, quitting jobs) on the basis of viral prophecy alone. News outlets already report people selling cars and quitting work in response to the recent trend — pause and consult trusted advisors first.
- Mental health: if a person is showing severe anxiety, contact mental-health professionals or crisis lines in your area.
10) Why this keeps happening — psychology + culture
A few reasons the “Rapture” resurfaces regularly:
- Existential anxiety: in unsettled times people look for explanations and hope.
- Social media amplification: short clips, emotive storytelling, and algorithmic boosts turn local sermons into global events overnight. #RaptureTok is a textbook example.
- Religious literacy gaps: many people share provocative claims without understanding their theological context; others parody them and amplify reach.
- Identity and belonging: apocalyptic narratives can strengthen in-group identity (“we know what’s coming”) and spur urgent collective action.
11) Bottom line — what readers should hold onto
- The Sept 23–24 2025 prediction is traceable to Joshua Mhlakela’s viral video/interview, and it’s driving a lot of conversation online.
- Nothing in authoritative Christian theology or biblical scholarship supports confidently naming the exact hour of Christ’s return; historically, date-setting has failed and produced harm.
- If you’re worried or know someone who is, prioritize compassionate care, fact-checking, and sober financial/personal decision-making rather than panic.
Helpful, authoritative resources
- What is the Rapture? — Britannica (concise background and theological variations).
- Al Jazeera — Why are TikTok conservatives predicting the rapture this week? (analysis of social media dynamics and Pew context).
- Forbes — RaptureTok explainer (how the trend spread on social media).
- The Cut / The New Yorker-style coverage — cultural effects (examples of reactions and viral posts).
- Pew Research Center — belief in end times and religious statistics (context on how many Americans are receptive to end-times framing).
Sources & verified links (checked Sep 23, 2025)
Below are the reputable sources cited in this article. Each link was verified for availability on September 23, 2025.
- Al Jazeera — Why are TikTok conservatives predicting the rapture this week? (analysis of the viral trend).
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/23/why-are-tiktok-conservatives-predicting-the-rapture-this-week. (Al Jazeera) - Statesman (Austin American-Statesman) — Why do people think the Rapture is this week? How a pastor spurred the latest social media trend.
https://www.statesman.com/news/article/rapture-bible-why-christians-23-tomorrow-pastor-21060773.php. (Statesman) - Forbes — ‘RaptureTok’: Why TikTok Predicts The End Of The World On Tuesday.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/danidiplacido/2025/09/22/rapturetok-why-tiktok-predicts-the-end-of-the-world-on-tuesday/. (Forbes) - Britannica — Rapture — definition and history.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rapture-the. (Encyclopedia Britannica) - The Cut — The Rapture Is Coming, According to TikTok.
https://www.thecut.com/article/tiktok-rapture-trending.html. (The Cut) - Economic Times — World ending tomorrow? People are quitting jobs and selling cars in panic (coverage of real-world reactions).
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/world-ending-tomorrow-people-are-quitting-jobs-and-selling-cars-in-panic-joshua-mhlakela-rapture-prophecy-sparks-panic-as-world-ending-looms/articleshow/124058595.cms. (The Economic Times) - Pew Research Center — About four-in-ten U.S. adults believe humanity is ‘living in the end times’.
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2022/12/08/about-four-in-ten-u-s-adults-believe-humanity-is-living-in-the-end-times/. (Pew Research Center)
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and draws on publicly available reporting and academic resources. It is not a substitute for pastoral guidance, financial/legal advice, or professional mental-health care. If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis, contact local emergency services or a crisis hotline. Images used in this article are royalty‑free or licensed for commercial use and are provided here for illustrative purposes.