By The Blogging Hounds
As the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) approaches on September 24, 2025, prophetic chatter has reached a fever pitch. Among the most talked-about claims is that of South African Christian Joshua Mhlakela, who says Jesus appeared to him and revealed the date(s) of the rapture as September 23–24. While these claims are dramatic, they demand sober evaluation in light of Scripture, history, and sound discernment.
Testing the Prophetic Claim
Believers are called to test the spirits (1 John 4:1) and weigh prophetic claims carefully. Joshua’s assertions are extraordinary: he claims a direct, personal revelation from Jesus. The implications are immense, but so are the risks of error. Following principles laid out in Scripture, we must consider:
- Major Doctrine – Probably Passes: Joshua affirms the Trinity and the Gospel, demonstrating solid theological grounding. This alone prevents a quick dismissal of his claims.
- Minor Doctrine – Concerns: He identifies Mohammed bin Salman as the Antichrist—a claim with little scriptural support. Additionally, he describes cannibalistic and hybrid entities during the Tribulation, which Scripture does not confirm.
- Previous Prophecy – Unknown: Joshua has no verified history of prophetic fulfillment. The coming days will reveal whether his predictions hold true.
- Corroborating Testimony – Mixed: Other South African witnesses, including Hlengiwe Mchunu and Danie Botha, report similar visions and confirmations. Thousands claim to have received visions, dreams, or symbolic confirmations tied to the same dates—but such patterns may reflect mass psychosis or confirmation bias rather than divine endorsement.
- Method of Claim – Passes: Unlike most predictions based on calculation or angelic messages, Joshua claims a direct revelation from Jesus. If genuine, this is an unusual and noteworthy method in modern prophecy.
“No Man Knows the Day or Hour”
Matthew 24:36 reminds us:
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.”
This tension complicates any prophetic date-setting. Scripture emphasizes caution: while passages like 1 Thessalonians 5:4 and Revelation 3:3 encourage watchfulness, no one outside God should presume certainty. The Feast of Trumpets is the only biblical festival whose exact start is hidden until the new moon is sighted, lending some symbolic resonance—but it is not definitive proof.
Balancing Faith and Caution
The modern Church faces two extremes:
- The awake Church, which risks confirmation bias, wants Jesus immediately and may be overly receptive to dates and visions.
- The asleep Church, which leans on normalcy bias, may dismiss prophecy entirely or cling blindly to “no one knows” as a reason to ignore the Spirit’s work.
The proper posture is balanced: faith in Christ, openness to God’s work, and careful discernment of prophetic claims. Until direct confirmation comes from Scripture or God Himself, date-setting carries a 100% historical failure rate.
Conclusion: Stay Watchful, Stay Faithful
As September 23–24 approaches, believers should:
- Pray for discernment, not hype.
- Maintain faith in Christ, regardless of prophetic claims.
- Avoid prideful dismissal or blind acceptance of visions, dreams, and confirmations.
- Consider prophetic claims critically, weighing method, doctrine, and corroboration.
- Recognize that God’s timing is sovereign and often mysterious.
Even if the rapture does not occur on these dates, the broader signs of the times remain compelling. As the Blogging Hounds observe, faith in Jesus should remain our anchor—because He is coming. Maranatha!
Enjoying Our Content? Help Keep It Going!
When you shop through one of our hand-picked affiliate links below , you’re directly supporting this blog. We’re truly grateful for your support!
Jesus doesn’t manage addiction. He ends it forever.
Dr. Ardis Store – Trusted by Thousands, Feared by Big Pharma. Start Your Health Revolution Here.
The Blogging Hounds 
Leave a comment