A South African pastor has ignited intense debate online after publicly declaring that Jesus will return to Earth later this month based on what he describes as a divine vision.

New York Post reported that Pastor Joshua Mhlakela claimed in a viral interview that Jesus told him He will return on September 23 and 24, 2025—a message the pastor says he received during a vivid spiritual encounter.

In an interview with CettwinzTV, Mhlakela recounted seeing Jesus seated on a throne and hearing a direct instruction that the return would take place during a specific two-day period in late September. The interview, uploaded to YouTube, quickly went viral within Christian online communities.

Rapture Prophecy Gains Traction Online

The pastor’s vision has drawn significant attention for its timing, as the predicted return date aligns with the Feast of Trumpets and Rosh Hashanah—Jewish holidays some Christians already view as symbolically connected to biblical prophecy. This has led many online to see Mhlakela’s message as more than a coincidence.

Mhlakela shared, “I saw Jesus sitting on his throne, and I could hear him very loud and clear saying, ‘I am coming soon.’” He later added that Christ told him directly, “I will come back to the Earth” on September 23 and 24, 2025.

Responses to the interview were swift and varied. Some commenters shared personal experiences that echoed Mhlakela’s account, with several describing dreams and visions that featured themes of the Rapture or divine messages urging them to prepare spiritually.

Personal Testimonies Add to the Buzz

One commenter said, “My 10-year-old daughter dreamt of the rupture recently,” while another claimed, “God told me to watch this,” suggesting they believe Mhlakela's message was divinely affirmed. Videos like this, they said, usually don’t capture their attention—but this time felt different.

The video’s comment section has become a forum for prophecy believers and spiritual seekers, with users sharing stories of visions and calling others to spiritual introspection. One viewer warned, “It’s better to be on the safe side than sorry. Rather than argue, let’s stay watchful... only God knows the hour.”

Christian doctrine commonly refers to the Rapture as the beginning of end-time events. According to biblical interpretations, believers are taken to heaven ahead of a seven-year tribulation period, after which Jesus returns to establish His kingdom.

Celestial Signs Fuel Apocalyptic Speculation

Adding to the prophecy's momentum, many have cited the blood moon that appeared on September 7 and 8, 2025, where the moon took on a deep red hue—a phenomenon some link to the Book of Joel’s vision of the “Day of the Lord.”

The scripture in Joel 2:28-31 reads: “The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.” This passage has been cited alongside Mhlakela's vision as a potential prophetic alignment.

Some also referenced 1 Thessalonians 4:16, a biblical verse describing the rising of believers into heaven, often interpreted as a reference to the Rapture. However, the verse does not disclose when the event will occur, leaving speculation open.

Historical Eclipse Theory Resurfaces Amid Frenzy

Separately, renewed interest in a long theorized lunar eclipse during the crucifixion of Jesus has captivated online forums. The theory, championed by Oxford researchers Colin Humphreys and W. Graeme Waddington, suggests a red moon was visible on April 3, 33 A.D.—the date of Jesus’ death.

This eclipse theory gained viral popularity on TikTok in Spring 2025 and is often tied to Matthew 27:45, which recounts that “darkness came over all the land” during Christ’s death on the cross. Some viewers see this earlier celestial link as adding credibility to current sky signs.

Whether Mhlakela’s message gains further validation or is viewed as one of many past prophecies remains to be seen. Users across various platforms continue revisiting biblical prophecies, monitoring both scripture and the sky in anticipation of what may come.

Spiritual Readiness Echoed Across Communities

Despite the dramatic claim, many believers echo the belief rooted in biblical teaching that “no one knows the day or the hour” of Jesus’ return. Still, Mhlakela encouraged viewers not to wait: “The rapture is upon us, whether you are ready or not.”

Comments include strong calls for preparation, with one user writing, “I choose to be ready spiritually because nobody knows the date or the time.” These sentiments reflect a growing emphasis on vigilance rather than debate.

At the intersection of prophecy, celestial events, and spiritual interpretation, the video’s influence continues to grow. As September 23 approaches, curiosity remains high among those who believe, those who doubt, and those still seeking answers.