Why People Thought the World Was Going to End Yesterday
On September 23 and 24, 2025, millions of people around the world scrolled through TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram wondering if they were witnessing humanity’s final hours. The source of the frenzy was a viral prophecy by South African pastor Joshua Mhlakela, who claimed that Jesus Christ had revealed to him the exact date of the Rapture—a cornerstone belief in evangelical Christianity in which believers are taken to heaven before a period of global tribulation.
The prediction, which coincided with the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, swept across social media under the hashtag #RaptureTok, sparking both fear and ridicule. While the world continued on without incident, the buildup to the supposed doomsday highlighted just how quickly apocalyptic theories can spread in the digital age.
The Prophecy That Went Viral
Mhlakela first shared his vision in an interview with Centtwinz TV and later on YouTube, stating that Jesus had personally told him: “The Rapture is upon us. Whether you are ready or not, the rapture in 14 days from now is going to take place.” He added, “I’m a billion percent sure. I began to hear literally in my ear the sound of the trumpet.”
According to Mhlakela, the timing of the Rapture would align with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which some prophecy enthusiasts associate with biblical references to the “last trumpet.” While mainstream theologians dismiss setting a date for such events, the prophecy struck a chord among evangelical circles online. Some even pointed to Revelation 12 and astrological alignments in the constellations Virgo and Leo as supposed proof that prophecy was being fulfilled.
Public Reactions: From Panic to Parody
On TikTok, anticipation grew under the trending hashtag, with creators posting preparation tips, prayers, and personal testimonies. One viral video by TikTok creator Sonja (@sonj779) titled “Rapture Trip Tips” jokingly encouraged viewers to buy new underwear so their “last impression” wouldn’t be an old pair.
But not all responses were lighthearted. According to Newsweek, some believers reportedly sold possessions and abandoned personal plans in the days leading up to the prediction, convinced that the end was near. Others turned to prayer livestreams, sharing anxious messages about whether they and their families would be “taken up” when the trumpet sounded.
At the same time, mainstream pastors and religious scholars criticized the frenzy. Theologians pointed out that while the Rapture is rooted in interpretations of passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, the Bible explicitly warns that “no one knows the day or the hour” (Matthew 24:36).
A Familiar Pattern of Doomsday Dates
This is far from the first apocalyptic prediction to capture public attention. In 2011, American radio host Harold Camping famously predicted multiple Rapture dates, each of which came and went without incident. More recently, online communities have tied potential doomsday scenarios to blood moons, eclipses, and Mayan calendar interpretations.
Despite repeated failures, such predictions continue to spread—fueled in part by social media platforms that reward dramatic, fear-based content with viral reach. Hashtags like #EndTimes and #Prophecy racked up millions of views over the weekend, illustrating how online algorithms amplify sensational claims.
Why People Believe
For many Christians, the idea of the Rapture offers both hope and urgency. It provides a framework in which world events—wars, natural disasters, or political unrest—are not random but signs of an approaching spiritual climax. For others, however, the fixation on end-of-days predictions represents a dangerous distraction from faith itself.
Sociologists note that apocalyptic beliefs often surge during times of uncertainty. As Philip Goff, professor of religious studies at Indiana University, told the Associated Press in a previous interview about failed prophecies: “When people feel destabilized, they turn to cosmic explanations. Predicting the end of the world provides a sense of order to chaos.”
September 23 Came and Went
When the clock struck midnight at the end of Rosh Hashanah, the skies remained quiet and ordinary life resumed. For skeptics, it was proof once again that prophetic date-setting is misguided. For some believers, however, Mhlakela’s prophecy still carried spiritual weight, reinforcing their conviction to live faithfully even if the timing was wrong.
Whether treated as comedy, cautionary tale, or conviction, the September 23 prophecy underscores the enduring power of apocalyptic thinking—and the role of social media in turning fringe predictions into global conversations.
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