Post by : Rameen Ariff

Global: A new claim about the Rapture has gone viral online, as a South African man predicted that Jesus will return to Earth on September 23 or 24, 2025. The announcement has sparked debate among Christians and social media users worldwide, with some taking it seriously and many others mocking it.

The Rapture is a belief held by some evangelical Christians. According to this belief, Jesus will return to Earth in the Second Coming to take true believers to heaven before a period of great tribulation. Those left behind will experience a time of turmoil and suffering, as described in the New Testament’s Book of Revelation.

The South African man, Joshua Mhlakela, says God revealed the dates to him in a vision. In a widely viewed YouTube video, he described seeing Jesus on a throne and hearing Him say, “On the 23rd and 24th, 2025, I will come to take my Church.”

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Experts say predictions about the Rapture are not new. “There are millions of Christians today who believe in modern prophecy and consume media that shares these predictions,” said Matthew Taylor, senior Christian scholar at the Institute for Islamic-Christian-Jewish Studies.

The belief in the Rapture began in the mid-19th century in Britain and spread through the English-speaking world. It became widely known through Bible conferences, evangelical media, and publications like the Scofield Reference Bible. Pop culture also reinforced the belief through films like A Thief in the Night and the popular Left Behind book series.

Historically, many predictions about the end times have failed. US preacher William Miller predicted Jesus’ return between 1843 and 1844, which led to the “Great Disappointment” when it did not happen. More recent failed predictions include Korean evangelical groups in 1992 and Harold Camping in 2011.

Scholars note that apocalyptic predictions often gain attention during turbulent times. “Apocalyptic ideas surge during or after traumatic events. Early Christians believed the end times could happen in their lifetime,” said Kim Haines-Eitzen, professor of ancient Mediterranean religions at Cornell University.

Mhlakela’s prediction has also drawn comparisons to current events. Some note that the dates coincide with the start of Judaism’s High Holy Days and follow the killing of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Social media users have used hashtags like #RaptureTok to mock the prediction, while others debate its significance.

Experts caution believers not to focus on exact dates. “When prophecies fail, modern prophets often frame it in terms of spiritual responsibility, but history shows failed predictions can lead to disappointment and division,” said Taylor.

The Rapture, while not mentioned directly in the Bible, is supported by passages in 1 Thessalonians, 1 Corinthians, and Matthew 24. Over time, the belief became part of modern evangelical Christianity, shaping how followers view the Second Coming and the end times.