Wait, Why Does TikTok Think The Rapture Is Happening? #RaptureTok, Explained

If you’ve been on social media, particularly on TikTok, this week, you may have seen references made to an upcoming rapture or the end of the world as we know it. Some internet users have taken to their platforms to share their preparation plans, while most have been making memes and jokes about the rumored religious event. 

What is the rapture?

The rapture is a belief held by certain Christian denominations, often Evangelical. It predicts that Jesus Christ will come down from heaven and lift believers up with him as judgment sweeps the earth.

Some who believe in the rapture see it as the second coming of Christ, while others consider it as an event that will reunite Jesus with his followers in heaven. According to the belief, nonbelievers will be left on earth and will face seven years of God’s wrath. It is the prediction of the end of life as we know it, according to BuzzFeed.

Why is the rapture trending on TikTok?

South African pastor Joshua Mhlakela spoke about his prediction for the rapture in an appearance on a Sept. 9 episode of the CentTwinz TV podcast.

“The Rapture is upon us,” he said. “Whether you are ready, or you are not ready, the Rapture, in 14 days from now, is going to take place.”

Mhlakela added that he is “a billion percent sure” after Christ told him this information in a dream.

Mhlakela said the prediction would occur on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which takes place from Sept. 23-24.

Beliefs of the rapture and other end-of-the-world events have circulated for centuries. History is filled with failed predictions of the rapture. Isaac Newton famously calculated that the end would arrive in 2060, according to Forbes. Other past predictions have included the end of the world according to the Mayan calendar on Dec. 21, 2012, and a worldwide computer bug on Jan. 1, 2000. 

Some more conservative Christians are sharing their plans for the event. On TikTok, some users are posting under the #Rapture and #Rapturetok hashtags about their preparation, which includes quitting their jobs and selling their cars in some instances. Mostly, though, social media is using the trend as a meme and by making jokes.