The Rise of a New Prophecy
A South African self-styled ‘messenger’ named Joshua Mhlakela has sparked global conversations after claiming that the biblical rapture will occur on Tuesday or Wednesday this week, specifically September 23-24. His prediction first came to light during an interview on the YouTube channel CettwinzTV, where he shared a divine vision he claims to have received.
Mhlakela described seeing Jesus sitting on His throne and hearing the words: “I am coming soon. I will come back to the Earth.” He emphasized that the rapture—a Christian belief involving the return of Jesus Christ to take believers, both living and dead, out of the world to meet Him in the ether—is imminent.
“It is upon us. If you are not ready for it; it is ready for you. When the time comes, it’s either you are prepared for it or not,” said Mhlakela, urging people to be ready for the event.
The dates of his prediction align with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which some Christians associate with end-times prophecies and the Feast of Trumpets. Supporters argue that this timing offers ‘biblical confirmation’ of Mhlakela’s claim.
Social Media Frenzy
The prophecy has gained significant traction across platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook, with hashtags such as #Rapture2025 and #RaptureTok attracting millions of views. Users have shared countdowns, livestream prayers, and videos encouraging repentance. In a satirical post, South African musician Alpha Royce took to TikTok to claim she had given away all her earthly possessions.
“To the heathens I know, you’ll not be coming with us, the chosen ones. I have already transferred the deed to my house… I just need to give this car away. None of this material stuff is going to matter on Tuesday, when I get raptured,” she said.
She urged viewers to repent and be part of the prophet’s message. However, for others, the rapture is not a joke. Some social media users have sold their vehicles and other possessions, while others have been diagnosed, albeit without credentials, with religious psychosis.
Understanding Religious Psychosis
Religious psychosis is not an official diagnostic term in psychiatry, but it is often used informally to describe a psychotic episode where the content of delusions or hallucinations is religious in nature. A popular influencer, PeterisPeter, commented on the phenomenon, saying, “A concept that was built in the 1800s is causing people to sell their cars and prepare for this thing that is not going to happen. And when it doesn’t happen, the amount of people that are going to turn their words around.”
Historical Context of the Rapture Doctrine
The modern belief in a sudden rapture of Christians before a period of global tribulation can be traced back to 19th-century Britain. Anglo-Irish preacher John Nelson Darby developed the doctrine during the 1830s. He founded the Plymouth Brethren movement and argued that history unfolds in distinct ‘dispensations’ and that believers would be ‘caught up’ to heaven before a final era of suffering described in the Book of Revelation.
Darby’s ideas crossed the Atlantic and gained wide influence in the United States through prophecy conferences. He believed that 144,000 would be raptured. In a letter dated March 5, 1852, he wrote, “I believe that the 144,000 of Revelation 7 are the twelve tribes as a whole … although they will not be in heaven.”
This historical context highlights how the idea of the rapture has evolved over time, influencing various religious movements and interpretations. As Mhlakela’s prediction continues to spread online, it raises important questions about the intersection of faith, media, and public perception.