As the writer of Ecclesiastes observed, “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). History has a way of repeating itself—especially when it comes to predictions about the end of the world.
I recall in 1988, when Edgar C. Whisenant, a former NASA engineer, published a booklet titled 88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988. The booklet sold millions of copies, convinced countless believers, and even led some to rearrange their lives in expectation of the appointed date. Yet when September came and went without Christ’s return, the excitement gave way to disappointment and disillusionment. The lesson was unmistakable: human predictions cannot bear the weight of eternal hope.
Decades later, that same impulse has resurfaced on social media under the viral banner of “RaptureTok.” Countless TikTok users are sharing visions, offering end-times advice, and even debating whether pets will be raptured—all sparked by a South African pastor’s claim that Jesus will return September 23–24, 2025. Some followers are quitting jobs, selling possessions, and frantically warning others not to be “left behind.” The pattern is ancient: seeking certainty in dates and forecasts rather than resting in Christ’s unshakable promise.
Christian Hope Is Anchored in Christ, Not Predictions
Our hope (confident expectation) rests not on predictions, but on Christ Himself and His Word. While we eagerly anticipate His return and the eternal kingdom—a new heaven and new earth where there will be no more sickness, sorrow, death, or evil (Revelation 21)—our faith is built on Scripture, not speculation. Yes, it is thrilling to anticipate the Lord’s return and the eternal kingdom described in Revelation.
The Bible gives us guidance for living faithfully now, not for calculating calendars. These decisions affect our daily lives—how we work, spend, or invest—so we will live faithfully while awaiting His coming.
As followers of Christ, we are called to stand on the accuracy and sufficiency of God’s Word, which “teaches, reproves, corrects, and trains in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). We cannot allow anyone to usurp God’s authority by claiming a prophetic word that goes beyond what He has revealed.
Jesus Warned That No One Would Know the Time of His Return
Jesus spoke clearly about His return: “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36). The words of Jesus in Matthew 24 clearly define the difference between recognizing “signs of the times” and knowing “the day and the hour.”
Jesus compared His return to the days of Noah when “people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.” His instruction was direct: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come…you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Matthew 24:38-44).
Even after His resurrection, when the disciples asked if He would restore the kingdom to Israel, Jesus replied, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority” (Acts 1:7). The message is consistent throughout Scripture: speculation about timing is futile, but preparation through faithful living is essential. The important fact is certain: Jesus will return and take His children home.
Christ's Return Is Guaranteed
Before His ascension, Jesus gave His followers a certain hope: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:1-3). This promise remains the cornerstone of Christianity.
Paul the Apostle beautifully describes this blessed hope in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” The words “caught up” come from the Latin rapturo, and the Greek harpazō, the basis for our word rapture.
Paul also warned the Thessalonian church—and us today—against being “alarmed” by claims that the day has already come (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3). God’s timing may seem delayed, not because He forgets His promise, but because “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Our hope rests on His promise, not human timetables.
The Danger of False Predictions
Scripture provides clear warnings about false prophets and teachers. God gave Israel a crucial test in Deuteronomy 18:22: “If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken.” Those who prophesy falsely face God’s judgment, as He declared through Jeremiah: “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them, appointed them, or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries, and the delusions of their own minds.”
Peter warned that “there will be false teachers among you” who “will exploit you with fabricated stories” (2 Peter 2:1-3). The danger is real and ongoing—many speak from imagination rather than from what God has already revealed in Scripture. Recognizing false prophets requires daily engagement with God’s Word and discernment.
Readiness Over Speculation
Jesus called His followers to vigilance, not calculation. Our role is not to chase dates or decode dreams, but to live faithfully while growing in trust and perseverance. Panic-driven responses, like quitting jobs or selling possessions, reveal a misunderstanding of biblical readiness.
True preparation for Christ's return does not involve dramatic gestures or life-altering decisions based on human timelines. Instead, it requires the steady work of deepening our faith, studying God’s Word, and living in daily obedience to His commands. Paul understood this when he contrasted panic-driven responses with trusting God’s promises and sovereignty— scripturally grounded living (2 Corinthians 5:7). While algorithms and social media trends shift with every passing moment, our faith remains unshakeable only when built upon the solid rock of God's eternal and trustworthy Word.
4 Ways to Build Biblical Discernment
How can we strengthen our ability to distinguish truth from deception? Scripture provides clear guidelines:
1. Test Everything Against Scripture
The Bereans “examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:11). Every prophecy, vision, or teaching must align with God’s revealed Word. When someone suggests a special revelation that contradicts Scripture, reject it.
2. Look for Biblical Fruit
Jesus warned, “By their fruit you will know them” (Matthew 7:20). Does the teaching promote humility, love, and obedience to God? Or does it create fear, division, and dependence on the teacher? True prophecy points people to Jesus, not to dates or the prophet.
3. Seek Wise Counsel
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed” Proverbs 15:22). Connect with mature believers who know Scripture well. Avoid making decisions solely on viral videos or individual “revelations.”
4. Practice Daily Discernment
Regular Bible study, prayer, and fellowship sharpen our spiritual senses. Like physical muscles, discernment grows stronger with consistent exercise.
3 Ways to Live Ready for Jesus to Return
How then should we live as we await Christ's return? Peter provides the answer: "Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming" (2 Peter 3:11-12).
1. Faithful Living
Holiness is not earned through our own efforts but granted through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who paid the penalty for all our sins. Daily engagement with Scripture equips us in holiness as it helps us recognize false prophets, trust God’s promises, and make decisions that honor Him (2 Timothy 3:16). This means consistent Bible reading, prayer, and obedience to Christ's commands—not dramatic lifestyle changes based on date predictions.
2. Gospel Proclamation
Jesus commanded us to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). While we await His return, we have work to do. Every day of delay becomes an opportunity to share the gospel with someone who needs to hear it. Rather than selling possessions in panic, let’s invest in eternal souls.
3. Steadfast Hope
Our hope (confident expectation) is not in calculations or calendars but in Christ’s character and promises. “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). This confidence sustains us through uncertainty, persecution, and the routine challenges of daily life. More than wishful thinking, it is believing the One who conquered death and will one day make all things new.
While we eagerly anticipate the glorious future described in Revelation 21—a new heaven and new earth where there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain—our hope rests not on human predictions but on Christ Himself and His unchanging Word. We are called to stand firm and live faithfully in the present.
@jubileedawns Can’t wait for September 24th 😂 #rapture #exvangelical #religioustrauma #deconstruction #leftbehind ♬ original sound - Jubilee Dawn
4 Next Steps to Take in Your Faith Today
Predictions will fail, but God’s Word stands forever—forever! (Isaiah 40:8, Psalm 119:89). Instead of being swept away by every new prophecy or viral trend, let us anchor our hope in the certainty of Christ’s character and promises.
1. This week, commit to reading at least one chapter of the New Testament daily. Start with 1 Thessalonians to understand what Paul taught about Christ’s return.
2. This month, find a mature believer or Bible study group where you can grow in discernment together. Proverbs 27:17 tells us “Iron sharpens iron.”
3. This year, memorize key passages about Christ’s return (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, 2 Peter 3:8-9, Matthew 24:36). Let God’s Word become your source of truth and shape your understanding, not social media algorithms.
4. Every day, ask yourself, “How can I serve the Lord today?” Whether He returns tomorrow or in a thousand years, faithful obedience is never wasted.
The most important fact is not when Jesus will return, but that He will return to take His children home. Until then, we are to be students of Scripture, growing in discernment and wisdom, living each day in readiness for His return—whenever that glorious day may come. We echo the final prayer of the New Testament, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/ Jonas Leupe
