TL;DR: A viral prophecy predicting the rapture on September 23–24, 2025, failed to materialize, leaving thousands of Christian TikTokers and social media followers disillusioned, mocked, or scrambling to explain the outcome. The prediction originated from South African believer Joshua Mhlakela, and sparked widespread attention under the hashtag #RaptureTok.
What Happened
- Joshua Mhlakela, a South African man who described himself as a “simple believer,” claimed in a YouTube interview that Jesus told him: “On the 23rd and the 24th of September 2025, I will come to take my church.”
- The prophecy, linked to Rosh Hashanah, was widely circulated on TikTok, spawning over 321,000 #RaptureTok posts and livestreams like "The Great Exodus 2025."
How People Reacted
- TikTokers posted farewell videos, survival guides for loved ones they believed would be left behind, and rapture countdowns.
- Some individuals reportedly quit jobs, sold belongings, or made emotional preparations for ascension to heaven.
- Viewers watched the skies and followed Israeli time zones, expecting a literal lift-off, while influencers speculated about Donald Trump being the Antichrist.
The Outcome
- As September 23–24 passed with no rapture, comments on viral videos turned mocking: “See you on Wednesday” became a top reply.
- Social media platforms were filled with memes, jokes, and disappointment — some users expressed faith was being “tested,” while others quietly deleted or ignored earlier posts.
Expert & Religious Reactions
- Scholars like Bart Ehrman noted that the word “rapture” does not appear in the Bible, and that the belief stems from 19th-century interpretations.
- The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and other Christian leaders condemned the date-setting as false teaching, citing Matthew 24:36: “No one knows the day or hour.”
- Experts also raised mental health concerns, comparing the letdown to historical events like the 1844 “Great Disappointment.”
Broader Impact
- Though no harm was widely reported, there were real-world consequences including financial losses and emotional stress for believers.
- Mhlakela has not commented since the failed prophecy, but online chatter predicts a new rapture date will be announced.
- The incident highlights how social media amplifies fringe religious beliefs, blending sincere faith with internet spectacle.