Fears over the biblical event known as the Rapture have gone viral online, with some Christians claiming it should have happened on 23 September 2025.
Videos on TikTok and YouTube under the hashtag “RaptureTok” have gained hundreds of thousands of views, with users sharing visions, Bible verses and even practical advice about being “lifted into the sky.”
The date has been linked by some to the Jewish Feast of Trumpets and constellations they believe fulfil Revelation 12.
South African preacher Joshua Mhlakela claimed Jesus appeared to him in a vision saying the Rapture would begin during the feast.
Some followers said they prepared for the Rapture by giving away possessions or closing accounts.
But Christian leaders and scholars continue to urge caution, pointing out that Jesus warned against date-setting.
Messianic rabbi Jonathan Cahn dismissed the 23rd September predictions, noting that similar star alignments in the past did not lead to any biblical fulfilment. “It has occurred several times in the last thousand years and nothing happened that we know of,” he said.
Theologian and author Rev Dr Ian Paul told Premier Christian News that the Holy Bible "doesn't teach the Rapture" but the "best way to be ready" for the end times is to "live faithfully, follow the teachings of Jesus, read the scriptures for ourselves and day in and day out share the good news of who Jesus is for us and what he's done for us through his death and resurrection."
Dr Paul refuteed claims that anyone can predict when Jesus will return, saying: "If we turn to Matthew 24… Jesus says explicitly that no one knows the day or the hour, not the angels, not even the Son, meaning himself.
"So if not even Jesus himself can know the day or the hour, how can anyone else claim to?"
Some Christians are reportedly still preparing for the Rapture to happen at some point this week.