Real Biblical signs of the Rapture revealed by faith leaders after doomsday false alarm

Doomsday chatter tied to a Sept. 23, 2025 prophecy fizzled, leaving faith leaders to reiterate a simple warning: do not try to date biblical events.

A viral push on social media and coverage in outlets such as Daily Mail amplified a claim that the Rapture or end-times events would unfold on the Jewish Feast of Trumpets. Yet, faith leaders and practicing Christians contacted for the piece said the idea of predicting a precise day runs counter to biblical instruction and to the wide range of interpretations of eschatology. The core message from those consulted: Scripture cautions believers not to set dates for the return of Jesus.

The Daily Mail spoke with a range of pastors and lay Christians who described how the belief that September 23 would mark the end of days spread online. Steve Kang, a Buddhist monk-turned-evangelical pastor, summarized a central biblical counterpoint: 'The Bible says no one knows the day or the hour, only the Father. Not even Jesus knows!' Kang, who has spoken publicly about personal spiritual experiences, added that the end of the world, if it comes, will occur only when the gospel has been preached to all nations, stressing the ongoing work of missions across thousands of languages where translations are still incomplete. Kang’s comments reflect a broader critique among many faith leaders that date-setting distracts from faith lived out in daily action and in the dissemination of the gospel across cultures.

Among Christians associated with Grace Church in New Jersey, conversations centered on signs that some believers have argued would precede a Doomsday scenario. Parishioners pointed to visions of a united world government with a single name, a universal language and currency, and the construction of a Third Temple in Jerusalem. These elements are often cited in intra-Christian debates about the timeline of end-times events and the identity of a coming world leader described in Revelation.

Pastor Joshua Mhlakela, described as a South African preacher, made headlines with a controversial claim that the Rapture would begin on Sept. 23, 2025, aligning his predictions with the Jewish Feast of Trumpets, or Rosh Hashanah. He told followers that Jesus had appeared to him in a divine vision and indicated a return on that date. The claim drew widespread attention online, prompting some adherents to take drastic steps such as selling homes or liquidating possessions in anticipation of a sudden departure from Earth. While such predictions have circulated repeatedly in recent years, Mhlakela’s stance mirrors a broader pattern in which individual leaders connect biblical signs to contemporary geopolitical or astronomical cues.

Of note, some faith voices push back on the idea that a date can be calibrated from scripture or celestial events. Vladimir Savchuk, a pastor, author and popular online preacher, publicly urged caution and rejected specific date claims. In a video addressed to his large audience, he cited 2 Thessalonians 2:3, which states that Jesus will not return until the Antichrist is revealed—a condition he argued has not occurred. 'If someone sets the date, they are directly contradicting Jesus’s word,' Savchuk said, underscoring the scriptural prohibition on fixed predictions and the visible uncertainty that remains until biblical events unfold on God’s timetable.

The Sept. 23 claims are part of a broader tapestry of end-times theories that have persisted for centuries. Eschatology—the study of last things—has long divided Christians into different camps, some emphasizing sequential prophecies tied to political powers, religious institutions, or astronomical signs, while others focus on the spiritual readiness of believers. In this moment, the focus among many faith communities is less about predicting a date and more about staying faithful to mission work, prayer, and charitable action as they interpret biblical warnings in a rapidly changing world.

Historical references to doomsday claims show the persistence of end-times narratives across cultures and eras. Some predictions have relied on centuries-old writings, such as the so-called Prophecy of the Popes attributed to Saint Malachy and various long-shot forecasts that have gained traction online. Others have invoked scientific or pseudo-scientific reasoning, such as a 1960s prediction by Heinz von Foerster about resource pressures and a MIT study in 2017 about potential future extinctions. Analysts note that these historical episodes reflect a recurring pattern: dates linked to catastrophic events tend to capture public attention, then recede when expectations fail to materialize.

Religious leaders contacted for this report emphasized two overarching points. First, the Bible cautions against setting dates for the end times or for the Rapture, a belief held by some that true believers will be taken up to heaven before a period of Tribulation. Second, while signs and events are interpreted in many ways, the faithful are urged to focus on spiritual readiness, ethical living, and the global mission of sharing the gospel rather than chasing a precise timetable. As the conversation around September 23 fades from headlines, faith communities continue to underscore the importance of discernment, humility, and responsible interpretation of sacred texts in the face of sensational claims.