A South African pastor, Joshua Mhlakela, has ignited a social media frenzy after predicting that the Rapture, a Christian belief regarding the end times, will occur on September 23 and 24, 2025. Speaking to Centtwinz TV, Mhlakela said, “The Rapture is upon us, whether you are ready or you are not ready.” He claimed the vision came to him in a dream during this year’s Rosh Hashanah, adding, “He told me, ‘I will come to take my church’.”

Social media response

Mhlakela’s prediction has sparked a surge of posts across platforms like TikTok, with believers preparing for the Rapture in various ways, while others mock the phenomenon. Some individuals have gone as far as quitting their jobs, selling their homes, or even parting with vehicles in anticipation of being taken up to meet Christ.

TikTok users have shared advice and humorous content under the trending tag #RaptureTok. For example, user @sonj779 posted “Rapture trip tips,” advising believers: “When you finally start moving up into the air, I recommend that you don't hold on to anything… Just keep calm, take a deep breath, slowly release it and keep your face looking upwards.”

Meanwhile, other users poke fun at believers’ preparations. TikTok user @jamynon wrote, “I will take your items. I will take your car, I will take all your money. It's a sacrifice I'm willing to make.”

What is the Rapture?

In Christian belief, the Rapture is one of two phases associated with Christ’s Second Coming. During the Rapture, true believers, both living and dead, are said to rise into the air to meet Christ, a phenomenon that will supposedly go unnoticed by non-believers. Those left behind are expected to face seven years of tribulation, followed by Christ’s return to Earth in the Second Advent, when He will defeat His enemies and establish a millennium of peace for believers.

While the term “Rapture” does not appear in English translations of the Bible, believers cite passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 (NIV) as evidence. Skeptics, however, reference verses such as Matthew 24:36: “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father,” arguing that predictions like Mhlakela’s cannot be accurate.

Rapture preparations go viral

Mhlakela’s vision has inspired what many are calling “RaptureTok,” with hundreds of videos showing believers preparing for the event. Some clean their homes for those who might be left behind, while others ponder whether they can bring pets along.

For those convinced the Rapture is imminent, material possessions are deemed unnecessary, prompting actions like leaving workplaces and liquidating assets. The belief that they will be taken to heaven, free from earthly concerns, is motivating such drastic measures.

One viral TikTok features Tilahun Desalegn, who claimed to have sold his car, saying: “Guys, I’m saying goodbye to my car. I’ve had it for five years… She’s got to go. I won’t need her in September. I’m going home, to where my father in heaven is.” Desalegn added, “I’m catching a flight to heaven in September anyway. I won’t need the car.”

Millions have watched these videos, with thousands of comments, reflecting both belief and humour in response to the prediction.