Christians quit jobs and sell cars after pastor claims Jesus told him Rapture happens ‘September 23rd and 24th’

A viral social media trend called “RaptureTok” has taken over TikTok after a South African pastor predicted that the Rapture will happen on September 23rd and 24th, 2025. Some Christians have quit their jobs and sold their belongings in preparation for what they believe will be the end times.

The prediction comes from Pastor Joshua Mhlakela, who shared his vision on the I’ve Been Through The Most podcast in June 2025. His claims have spread across social media platforms, creating a mix of genuine preparation and internet memes.

Mhlakela says he saw Jesus in a vision during which he heard the words, “I am coming soon.” According to the pastor, Jesus then told him directly that he would return to Earth on September 23rd and 24th, 2025. The dates match with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which begins at sundown on September 22nd this year.

Christians prepare for what they believe is the final judgment

The prediction has led to real-world actions from believers. Some TikTok users have posted videos showing them selling their cars and giving away their possessions. One user named Gehl claimed she gave away “all my earthly possessions to the heathens” and transferred the deed to her house. An Uber driver reported that Christian passengers handed him nearly $2,000 in cash after leaving church, saying they would pray for him before they leave Earth.

Many believers are also sharing practical advice for the Rapture. “When you finally start moving up into the air, I recommend that you don’t hold on to anything,” advised one TikTok user. “I definitely don’t recommend looking down.” Others have expressed concerns about their pets, with many praying that their dogs and cats will be taken to heaven with them.

The trend has created thousands of videos on TikTok, with the hashtag #RaptureTok gaining rapid popularity. The content ranges from serious spiritual preparation to satirical parodies. Some users joke about getting to “Level 50 on Pokemon Go” before the Rapture, while others offer deadpan advice on what to pack for the journey to heaven. This follows a pattern seen in other viral TikTok trends that spread rapidly across the platform, often mixing sincere participation with humorous takes.

Christian leaders and mainstream denominations have not endorsed Mhlakela’s prophecy. Previous Rapture predictions have failed to come true, including those made by American radio host Harold Camping, who predicted the world would end on May 21, 2011, and later on October 21, 2011. Camping’s followers also sold their homes and quit jobs before those dates passed without incident. A 14-year-old Russian girl reportedly died by suicide in 2011 after believing she would be left behind during Camping’s predicted Rapture. Like many social media trends that can have serious real-world consequences, experts have warned about the psychological impact of such predictions, particularly on vulnerable audiences who might struggle to distinguish between dangerous TikTok content and harmless entertainment.