South African preacher Joshua Mhlakela has made a new prediction that the Rapture will occur between October 12 and 13, 2026. This comes after his earlier prediction that the event would take place in September 2025 failed to materialize. Mhlakela's previous claim had attracted widespread attention, with some followers reportedly quitting their jobs and selling their homes and cars in anticipation of the event. The predicted date passed without the Rapture occurring, leading to criticism and skepticism.
Mhlakela had previously predicted that the Rapture would occur between September 23 and 24, 2025. However, the date passed without incident, and Mhlakela reportedly attributed the delay to God's desire to give people more time to repent. He has now issued a new prediction, citing an error in his previous calculation of the biblical Feast of Trumpets. According to Mhlakela, the Feast of Trumpets had been observed a month earlier than he believed it should have been.
Mhlakela also claimed that a vision involving two full moons convinced him that there had been an error in the biblical calendar used for his earlier prediction. This new claim has generated reactions online, with some social media users recalling his failed 2025 prediction and questioning the latest date. Many have expressed skepticism and criticism of Mhlakela's attempts to establish a specific date for the Rapture.
Christian leaders and commentators have also criticized Mhlakela's predictions, citing Matthew 24:36, which states that no one knows the day or hour of Jesus Christ's return. Despite the criticism surrounding his previous prediction, Mhlakela maintains that his latest interpretation points to October 12-13, 2026, as the period when the Rapture will occur. His predictions have sparked a significant amount of debate and discussion online.
The news of Mhlakela's new prediction has sparked mixed reactions from the public. While some people believe that the Rapture is imminent and that Mhlakela's prediction is credible, others have expressed skepticism and criticism. The controversy surrounding Mhlakela's predictions highlights the ongoing debate about the nature of prophecy and the role of preachers in interpreting biblical scripture.
Mhlakela's predictions have also raised questions about the role of faith and skepticism in interpreting biblical prophecy. While some people believe that Mhlakela's predictions are a genuine attempt to interpret biblical scripture, others have expressed concerns about the potential consequences of making specific predictions about the Rapture. The controversy surrounding Mhlakela's predictions is likely to continue in the coming months.
The impact of Mhlakela's predictions on his followers and the wider public remains to be seen. While some people have expressed skepticism and criticism, others have reportedly taken steps to prepare for the predicted Rapture. The controversy surrounding Mhlakela's predictions serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate and discussion about biblical prophecy and the role of preachers in interpreting scripture.
Key points
- South African preacher Joshua Mhlakela predicts Rapture to occur between October 12-13, 2026.
- Mhlakela's previous prediction for September 2025 failed to materialize.
- Christian leaders criticize attempts to establish a specific date for the Rapture.