why do people think the rapture is happening today

People think the rapture is happening today mainly because of a widely circulated prediction by a South African pastor, Joshua Mhlakela, who claimed to have received a divine revelation that Jesus would return to take true believers to heaven on September 23 or 24, coinciding with the Jewish festival of Rosh Hashanah. This prediction has gained significant traction on social media platforms like TikTok, especially among evangelical Christians, fueling both belief and skepticism. The concept of the rapture itself is the belief that at some future moment, faithful Christians will be suddenly taken up from earth to meet Jesus in the air, leaving others behind to face tribulation. The specific timing of the rapture is not explicitly detailed in the Bible, but some evangelical groups interpret passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 as support for this event. The pastor’s claim, combined with coinciding religious dates and astrological signs, has led some people to anticipate the event imminently. However, mainstream Christian traditions caution against trying to predict the exact timing, as Jesus said no one knows that day or hour. In addition, the prediction surge coincided with wider cultural influences, such as reactions on TikTok and associations with notable events in the evangelical community, which amplified public attention and belief in this date for the rapture. While many remain skeptical or dismiss the prediction, it has nonetheless caused some to make preparations or reflect on their faith.