A preacher from South Africa, Joshua Mhlakela, has caused a stir on TikTok by predicting that the Rapture will take place either on Tuesday, September 23 or Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Mhlakela claims to have received a divine prophecy from Jesus Himself during a vision, stating that His return will coincide with the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah.
Claiming to have heard Jesus’ clear message that He is coming soon, Mhlakela boldly stated that on the specified dates in 2025, Jesus will return to Earth. This prophecy has quickly gained traction online, leading to a surge in posts under the trending hashtag #RaptureTok.
In Mhlakela’s vision, he emphasizes that Jesus will come to gather His church, referencing the Christian concept of the Rapture where believers are taken up to meet Christ at His Second Coming. The Rapture is a significant belief in Christian doctrine, signifying the ascent of faithful followers to heaven to avoid the predicted Tribulation period lasting seven years as described in the Bible.
While opinions on the timing and nature of the Rapture vary among Christians, the specific dates given by Mhlakela align with Rosh Hashanah, also known as the Feast of Trumpets, a symbolic holiday for many Christians related to end-times prophecy.
Online reactions to the prediction have been a mix of anxiety and humor, with some expressing genuine concern while others mock the forecast. Speculations about the fate of pets during the Rapture have also emerged, with a Christian influencer suggesting that pets may join their owners in the event.
As the anticipation builds, individuals are reportedly making life decisions, including quitting jobs, in preparation for the anticipated event. In the midst of this, TikTok users have found light-hearted ways to engage with the topic, like Sonja’s popular “Rapture Trip Tips” series that offers humorous advice for the impending event.
In the United States, where many of these discussions originate, beliefs about the end times are not uncommon, with a significant percentage of Christians expressing the view that they are currently living in the end times, according to research by the Pew Research Center.