Photo: Moment RF
A South African pastor has prophesied that the Rapture will unfold on Tuesday (September 23), sparking buzz on social media.
Pastor Joshua Mhlakela claimed that Jesus personally revealed to him in a divine vision that the Rapture, the moment when faithful Christians will be taken up to heaven, would unfold on Tuesday or Wednesday (September 24), aligning with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
“The Rapture is upon us. Whether you are ready or you are not ready, the rapture in 14 days from now is going to take place,” Mhlakela said. “There’s a storm brewing right now, and it’s dark. No human being on this earth is ready for what is coming. I’m a billion percent sure. I began to hear literally in my ear the sound of the trumpet.”
The Rapture is a belief held by many evangelical Christians that Jesus will return to gather his followers before or after a period of global tribulation. While the word "rapture" does not appear in the Bible, the idea is rooted in interpretations of passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51–52.
Mhlakela’s prophecy gained momentum after being shared across social media, stirring panic, debate, and viral memes with survival tips and sarcastic countdowns. Some believers are selling possessions, withdrawing from social activities, and spiritually preparing for what they believe is the end of days. Several users have tied Mhlakela's prophecy to astrological signs involving the Virgo and Leo constellations, citing imagery from Revelation 12 as further confirmation of the approaching apocalypse.
Others have responded to the prediction with humor. One TikTok user, Sonja (@sonj779), shared “Rapture Trip Tips,” telling viewers, “Make sure you buy new underwear so your last impression isn’t an old pair.”
The prediction has also drawn criticism from religious scholars and pastors, who argue that setting a date for the Rapture contradicts clear biblical warnings. “No one knows the day or the hour,” many have quoted from Matthew 24:36.
See more reactions to Mhlakela's prophecy below.
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