A South African pastor’s bold prophecy about the Rapture has ignited a storm online. With believers preparing for lift-off and sceptics mocking the trend, social media is ablaze. Could this week truly mark the end?
Rapture Rumours Go Viral After Pastor’s Prophecy
A South African pastor has triggered global intrigue — and a wave of online frenzy — after predicting that the long-anticipated Christians Rapture will occur this week.
Pastor Joshua Mhlakela, whose claims have been widely shared online, stated earlier this month that the biblical event would unfold on the 23rd and 24th of September.
“The Rapture is upon us, whether you are ready or you are not ready,” Mhlakela said in an interview with Centtwinz TV.
The pastor claims the divine revelation was delivered to him in a dream. “He told me I will come to take my church,” Mhlakela added.
Believers Prepare, Internet Reacts
Since the prophecy went public, platforms like TikTok and X have been overwhelmed with Christians Rapture discussions ranging from sincere preparations to tongue-in-cheek satire.
Some devout followers appear to be taking the prediction very seriously, reportedly quitting jobs, selling possessions, and preparing spiritually and physically for what they believe is imminent.
i’m on rapturetok now apparently and y’all they selling cars, homes and stuff thinking they gonna float to heaven
— Saf (@muzziemulti) September 21, 2025
People are donating assets bcs of the the rapture thing , guys?? can I have a Ford raptor
— ⚕️becoming Dr S⚕️ (@sakhelwe_) September 21, 2025
we should all collectively pretend like we witnessed the rapture on Tuesday & make them think they got left behind
— ak ⋆.˚✮✮˚.⋆ (@ak_themystic444) September 21, 2025
Look, if nothing else, the Rapture might make rent affordable again for those of us left behind.
— The Card (@JaggedAuthor) September 21, 2025
Look, if nothing else, the Rapture might make rent affordable again for those of us left behind.
— The Card (@JaggedAuthor) September 21, 2025
But not everyone is convinced. Many users have taken a more sceptical or even humorous stance, questioning the motives and mindset of those who believe the end is nigh.
sorry haven’t been around here much. i’ve been distracted by rapturetok pic.twitter.com/hQrVAOqfQA
— SLUG (@generalslug) September 20, 2025
Look, if nothing else, the Rapture might make rent affordable again for those of us left behind.
— The Card (@JaggedAuthor) September 21, 2025
growing up catholic and I didn’t know the rapture was like, a pressing religious concept for people, this is wild
— groupon lobotomy (@colleen_daves) September 22, 2025
What is the Christians Rapture?
The term Christians Rapture refers to a belief held by some Christian denominations about the end times a two-phase event marking Jesus Christ’s return.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Phase | Event | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The Rapture | Christ appears invisibly to believers | Christians (dead and alive) are taken up to meet Him in the air |
| 2. The Second Advent | Christ returns visibly with His church | He defeats evil and reigns for 1,000 years |
Those “left behind” after the Rapture, it’s said, will endure seven years of extreme suffering and chaos — a period known as the Tribulation.
At the end of this period, Christ returns again, this time visibly, to defeat evil and rule the Earth.
Wait… Is the Word ‘Rapture’ Even in the Bible?
Interestingly, the word “Rapture” isn’t found in any English Bible translations. But many believers say the idea is supported by various scriptures, most notably 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 (NIV).
On the other hand, critics of date-setting often reference Matthew 24:36, which warns: “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
According to these critics, anyone claiming to know the specific date of the Rapture is going against clear biblical teaching.
From Prophecy to Pop Culture Trend
The buzz around this week’s predicted Christians Rapture reflects more than just religious belief it taps into something deeper. In uncertain times, people are turning to faith, humour, or both.
But in an era where online virality can make a preacher a prophet overnight, the line between belief and buzz is blurrier than ever.
Is the Rapture really happening this weekend? Only time will tell. Until then, perhaps it’s wise to keep your feet on the ground and your head in the clouds.
Stay with UK News Blog for updates as the weekend unfolds.
