Rumblings about the rapture coming this week are taking over the internet because of South African pastor Joshua Mhlakela, who claimed he saw visions of Jesus returning on Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year.
“The rapture is upon us, whether you are ready or not,” Mhlakela said in an interview with CettwinzTV. “I saw Jesus sitting on his throne, and I could hear him very loud and clear saying, ‘I am coming soon.’”
People have often tried to predict the end of the world, with all the predictions failing to take place, but Mhlakela was undeterred, claiming Jesus will make his grand return “on the 23rd and 24th of September 2025.”
The internet has offered mixed reactions to the claim with the trend “RaptureTok” emerging with people offering tips, sharing jokes, telling personal stories of people appearing to quit their jobs, among other things, in preparation for judgment day. Tens of thousands of TikTok videos mention “rapture” this week.
Here’s what to know:
What is the rapture?
The rapture is a time when some Christians believe Jesus Christ will return to Earth for a second time and gather up those who believe to join him in heaven.
When is the rapture supposedly happening?
According to Mhlakela, it will take place Sept. 23-24.
What is RaptureTok?
As the latest biblical prophecy ricocheted around the ’net, it created the phenomenon “RaptureTok.” TikTok users posted videos, testimonials, and — inevitably — parodies.
There are more than 295,000 posts on TikTok mentioning “rapture.”
What is Rosh Hashanah?
Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days, leading up to Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement.
Rosh Hashana, translated from Hebrew means “head” of the year.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Is the rapture happening this week? Tens of thousands on TikTok create ‘RaptureTok’ videos
Reporting by Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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