Every so often, someone comes forward claiming to know when Jesus will return. Recently, a new prediction has been making waves a South African prophet claimed that he had a vision where Jesus told him He would return between September 23 and 24, 2025.
As someone who takes both Bible prophecy and spiritual discernment seriously, I decided to look deeper.
My goal isn’t to mock or dismiss anyone’s excitement for the return of Christ it’s to bring clarity based on what Scripture actually says.
Where the September 2025 Rapture Prediction Comes From
This idea started circulating after a South African prophet publicly declared that Jesus would return between September 23 and 24 of 2025.
That’s right a specific date for the rapture was proclaimed. As I looked into this, I realized that this wasn’t the first time someone tried to predict the exact timing of the end times.
It sounded bold and dramatic, but I immediately knew where to turn for answers not social media, not modern-day prophets, but the Word of God.
What the Bible Actually Says About the Rapture Date
Let’s open up to Matthew 24, the most detailed teaching Jesus ever gave about the end times. When the disciples asked Him directly about His return, He gave this clear and powerful statement:
“But of that day and hour no one know not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” – Matthew 24:36
This verse is everything.
“There, that’s your answer. The Father alone. Period.”
Jesus gives us 46 verses in Matthew 24 about the signs of the times, the rise of false prophets, and the importance of staying alert.
But He never once told us to circle a date. That’s why I can confidently say: no one knows the day or hour of the rapture not even a prophet claiming to have heard from Jesus.
Why So Many Rapture Predictions Fail
This isn’t the first time someone tried to predict the rapture:
Harold Camping said it would be May 21, 2011. When that failed, he pushed it to October. That failed too.
Edgar Whisenant’s “88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988” sold millions of copies—and was completely wrong.
The Y2K scare, the Mayan calendar, and even blood moon tetrads have all stirred up similar frenzy.
Each of these predictions followed the same pattern: a confident voice, Bible verses taken out of context, excitement, and then disappointment. That’s why I don’t let a date on the calendar shake my faith or my focus.
What About the Feasts and Jewish Calendar?
Some teachers try to link the rapture with the Feast of Trumpets, often in September. I’ve heard the arguments, it’s the only feast associated with a trumpet, a sudden appearance, and the idea of “no one knowing the exact hour” due to the new moon.
Interesting, yes. But convincing? Not really.
Each of these feasts continues to reflect God’s redemptive plan, but no feast day gives anyone license to predict Christ’s return. The moment we think we’ve figured it out, we’ve ignored Scripture.
Symbolism doesn’t override Scripture. Jesus said no one knows the hour. That should be enough.
The Danger of Elevating Prophets Above Scripture
Too often, I see people putting their faith in modern prophets rather than in the actual words of Jesus. That’s dangerous.
Please read your Bible. Your pastor or in-house prophet does not have more spiritual sight than Jesus.
When someone claims divine revelation that contradicts Jesus Himself, we should be alarmed—not inspired.
The Bible has to be our foundation, especially when emotions are high and the topic is as important as the Second Coming of Christ.
ow Should Christians Respond to the Rapture Hype?
Instead of asking, “Will the rapture happen in September 2025?”, we should be asking, “Am I living ready for Jesus to return at any moment?”
Jesus didn’t say, “Guess the date.” He said:
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” – Matthew 24:42
So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” – Matthew 24:44
This isn’t about getting your bags packed on a certain day. It’s about spiritual vigilance every single day.
A Biblical Checklist for Readiness
If you’re wondering how to truly prepare for the rapture—whether it’s tomorrow or ten years from now—here’s what Scripture teaches:
- Purify your life – “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself” (1 John 3:3).
- Be faithful daily – “Blessed is the servant whom his master finds doing so when He comes” (Matthew 24:46).
- Evangelize consistently – “Preach the word, be ready in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2).
- Live in community and love – “By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you love one another” (John 13:35).
- Study Scripture, not just prophecy videos – “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16).
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Dates Distract You
I’m not saying Jesus won’t come back in September 2025. I’m saying we don’t know, and anyone who claims otherwise is stepping outside what the Bible allows.
We don’t need speculation, we need Scripture. We don’t need fear we need faith. Let’s stop following viral timelines and start following Jesus more closely than ever.
Because whenever He comes, I want to be ready. And I want you to be ready too.