The Rapture on Tiktok: Is the World About to End?

Every few years, sensational predictions about the end of the world capture headlines. This week, it’s happening again. South African pastor Joshua Mhlakela has claimed that Jesus appeared to him in a vision, revealing that the Rapture will take place on September 23–24, 2025, coinciding with the Jewish Feast of Trumpets. His prophecy has gone viral on TikTok under the hashtag #RaptureTok, with some posting preparations for leaving earth while others mock the idea. (AP News)

But what does the Bible really teach? Is there such a thing as a “Secret Rapture”? And if not, how should Christians view such predictions?

What Is the “Secret Rapture”?

The teaching of the Secret Rapture is popular in evangelical circles. It says that before the Great Tribulation, Christ will secretly come to take away believers, sparing them from persecution and leaving the world to face judgment. The term “rapture” itself comes from the Latin word rapio (“to seize, snatch”), used in the Vulgate translation for the Greek word harpazo (“caught up”) in 1 Thessalonians 4:17.

The key words are important:

'Parousia' = the “coming” or presence of Christ

'Harpazo' = “to seize, catch away”

'Apantesis' = “to meet, to welcome”

Together, these words describe one event: Christ’s visible return, when believers rise to meet Him.

What the Bible Actually Says--

Paul writes:

“The Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17

Notice what Paul describes: a loud command, the trumpet of God, the resurrection of the dead, and the gathering of believers. Nothing about secrecy here! This is a dramatic, world-shaking event.

Jesus Himself promised:

“I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”— John 14:2–3

Why the Secret Rapture Is Unbiblical

1. No Pre-Tribulation Escape

Nowhere does the Bible say that believers will be taken away before the Great Tribulation. Only a "remnant" will be spared (Rev. 12). In fact, Jesus warned: “You will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake” (Matthew 24:9). Saints will endure persecution but remain faithful.

2. The Great Tribulation vs. God’s Wrath

Many confuse Satan’s wrath with God’s wrath. The Great Tribulation is a time of Satan’s fury against God’s people (Revelation 12:17). The “Day of the Lord” — God’s wrath — comes later, at Christ’s return (Joel 2:31; 1 Thessalonians 5:2).

3. The First Resurrection

Believers are not taken away early; they are raised at Christ’s coming. Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 15:51–52: “We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.”

4. Victory Over Death

The resurrection is the climax of history: “Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:54). That victory happens at Christ’s return, not years before in a secret event.

The Real Hope for Christians

The Bible does not tell us the day or the hour (Matthew 24:36). Predictions like “September 23” only lead to disappointment and disillusionment when they fail — as countless others have in history. (Newsweek)

What we are promised is far greater than a secret rapture. When Christ returns in glory, the saints will rise to meet Him in the air, the kingdoms of this world will become His, and He will defeat the enemies of God (Revelation 19:11–21). Together with Him, believers will reign in His Kingdom (Revelation 20:4–6).

Christians should not fear September 23 or any predicted date. Instead, we should “encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18). Our hope is not in escaping hardship but in sharing Christ’s victory.

So when you hear talk of a “secret rapture” or viral countdowns on TikTok, remember: the true return of Jesus will not be hidden. It will be loud, visible, and glorious. The question is not whether He comes tomorrow or years from now — but whether you are ready today.