People believe the rapture could be coming today, and are sharing tips on how to be ‘saved.’
Social media has erupted with religious fervor as millions of users brace for what they believe could be the end of the world.
Videos tagged #Rapture have gone viral across TikTok and other platforms, with evangelical Christians warning that Jesus will return on September 23-24 for what they call the Rapture, an event during which faithful believers expect to ascend into the sky to meet Jesus Christ.
The current wave of end-times speculation began with a South African pastor named Joshua Mhlakela, who appeared on the Centtwinz Podcast in June.
During the interview, Mhlakela claimed he received a divine vision revealing that the Rapture would occur on September 23 and 24, 2025.
“The Rapture is upon us, whether you are ready or you are not ready,” Mhlakela declared, explaining that the revelation came to him in a dream where Jesus told him: “I will come to take my church.”
The pastor’s YouTube video has garnered over 560,000 views, sparking what many are calling ‘RaptureTok’ – a phenomenon where believers and skeptics alike share content about the supposed imminent end times.
The prediction has prompted dramatically different reactions across social media platforms.
Some believers are taking drastic measures to prepare for their anticipated departure from Earth, with reports of people quitting jobs, selling homes and vehicles, and creating farewell messages for those they expect to leave behind.
TikTok user @sonj779 has shared ‘Rapture trip tips’ for fellow believers, offering advice such as: “When you finally start moving up into the air, I recommend that you don’t hold on to anything.
“I definitely don’t recommend looking down… Just keep calm, take a deep breath, slowly release it and keep your face looking upwards.”
Meanwhile, other users are responding with skepticism and humor. TikTok user @jamynon sarcastically offered to take possessions from believers, saying: “I will take your car, I will take all your money. It’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make.”
One particularly popular concern among believers involves their pets, with many asking whether their dogs, cats, and other animals will be ‘raptured’ alongside them.
The Rapture refers to a belief held primarily by evangelical Christians about what will happen during the end times.
According to this theology, the Rapture is the first phase of Jesus Christ’s return to Earth, during which faithful Christians—both living and dead – will rise into the air to meet Christ. This event is believed to go unnoticed by non-believers, per Oregon Live.
Those ‘left behind’ will then endure seven years of tribulation, characterized by suffering, war, and devastation led by the Antichrist.
Following this period, Christ is expected to return in the Second Advent to defeat his enemies and establish his earthly kingdom.
The most commonly cited biblical passage supporting this belief is 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17, which speaks of believers being ‘caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.’
However, it’s important to note that the word ‘Rapture’ does not actually appear in English translations of the Bible, and not all Christians subscribe to this belief system.
Theological experts are approaching the current viral predictions with considerable skepticism.
Paul Louis Metzger, professor of theology and culture at Multnomah Biblical Seminary in Portland, explains that rapture predictions often gain traction during periods of cultural anxiety.
“Jesus’ return is a monumental hope for Christians. It becomes especially prominent in the minds of many during times of duress and cultural upheaval,” Metzger noted.
Gerry Breshears, professor of theology at Western Seminary, emphasized that such date-setting contradicts biblical teachings: “Go back and read Matthew 24:36: ‘No one knows about that day or hour.’ Then Acts 1:7: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.’”
The history of rapture predictions stretches back to the 19th century, with dozens of failed prophecies circulating over the decades.
Recent high-profile predictions claimed the Rapture would occur in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, all of which proved incorrect, per Metro.
Clinical social worker Josie McSkimming, author of ‘Leaving Christian Fundamentalism and the Reconstruction of Identity,’ notes that end-times beliefs can have real psychological impacts, especially when reinforced by current events like conflicts in the Middle East, Al Jazeera reports.
According to 2022 research by the Pew Research Center, nearly half of all Christians in the United States – approximately 47 percent – believe ‘we are living in the end times.’
This represents a significant portion of the American population, as roughly 23 to 26 percent of Americans identify as Evangelical Protestants.
Interestingly, Pew’s research found that end-times beliefs may influence how people view global issues.
Those who believe we are living in the end times were somewhat less likely to view climate change as an extremely serious problem compared to those who don’t hold such beliefs.
The phenomenon has generated a mix of genuine concern, preparation videos, and satirical content.
One widely-shared video shares emotional content featuring a woman tearfully telling her friend: “You need to repent. Now. I don’t want you to be left behind.”
Another person pens: “Guys, it isn’t too late to be saved. Repent!! Seriously.”
For those genuinely concerned about the Rapture predictions, evangelical Christians typically emphasize several key steps for salvation:
Accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior: The fundamental requirement is placing faith in Jesus Christ, believing that he died for humanity’s sins and rose from the dead.
Repent of Sins: This involves acknowledging wrongdoing, feeling genuine remorse, and turning away from sinful behavior.
Prayer and Confession: Many believers emphasize the importance of praying to God, confessing sins, and asking for forgiveness.
Live According to Christian Values: Following biblical teachings and striving to live a life that reflects Christian principles.
Regular Bible Study and Prayer: Maintaining a relationship with God through consistent spiritual practices.
Baptism: Many denominations consider baptism an important step in the salvation process, though interpretations vary.
Spread the Gospel: Sharing the Christian message with others is often seen as both a responsibility and evidence of genuine faith.
