The prediction of an impending Rapture by a South African individual has stirred widespread attention, suggesting the event could occur on either Tuesday or Wednesday. This assertion has sparked varied reactions, with some considering it as a significant event signaling the end times, while others have ridiculed it across social media platforms.
Matthew Taylor, a senior scholar at the Institute for Islamic-Christian-Jewish Studies, highlighted the prevalence of belief in modern prophecies among millions of Christians worldwide. The concept of the Rapture, a core belief among evangelical Christians, entails the idea of Jesus returning to Earth to transport faithful believers to heaven before a period of intense tribulation leading to the world’s end.
The term “Rapture” is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible but is supported by passages from various scriptures such as 1 Thessalonians, 1 Corinthians, and Matthew 24. This belief emerged in the mid-19th century in the English-speaking world, adding a secretive aspect to the widely accepted notion of the Second Coming.
Recently, Joshua Mhlakela, a self-described believer without a specific religious title, claimed to have received a divine revelation foreseeing the Rapture occurring on September 23rd and 24th, 2025. This prophecy has sparked debates and gained traction on social media platforms, with some questioning the timing coinciding with significant events like the High Holy Days of Judaism and ongoing conflicts in various regions.
Past predictions of the Rapture, including the failed prophecy by Harold Camping in 2011, underscore the historical trend of individuals forecasting Jesus’ return and the world’s end. Despite occasional inaccuracies in these predictions, the belief in an imminent Rapture persists among certain Christian groups, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of such events.
The history of failed prophecies, such as the Great Disappointment associated with William Miller’s predictions in the 19th century, has led to the formation of distinct religious movements like the Seventh-day Adventist Church. While failed predictions can discredit individuals, proponents of such beliefs often attribute discrepancies to spiritual factors rather than acknowledging the fallibility of their predictions.
