#RaptureTok and the Second Coming

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When’s the last time you gave any thought to the end of the world? 

When’s the last time you seriously considered the Second Coming of Jesus to this earth? 

It’s not a topic many folks talk about much anymore.. but maybe you’ve had some thought about it only too recently, considering all that’s happening in the news and around the world. 

All the conflict between Hamas and Israel..  

All the global catastrophes and natural disasters.. 

Did you hear about the Rapture that didn’t happen a couple of weeks ago? 

Maybe you missed it. 

Joshua Mhlakela

The news, I mean. 

In case you missed it, TikTok (the video-sharing social media cultural-maelstrom) was on fire a few weeks ago after a claim from a South African pastor, Joshua Mhlakela, predicted that our Lord Jesus Christ would be returning on September 23-24, 2025, and a whole section of subscribers and people from all over the world began making preparations. Reports from all over social media (many unsubstantiated) claimed people quit their jobs, sold their vehicles, left instructions for their loved ones, wrapped their pets in tin foil (!), and there were even reports of at least one mom who was so convinced the rapture was coming that she surrendered her child to Child Protective Services.  

(We have no way of verifying any of these reports, but a simple Google search on “RaptureTok” will open the door to the rabbit hole.) 

Can you believe it? 

This sounds silly at first blush, and there are lots of reasons to ignore this kind of nonsense, but even in the din of this commotion, there’s a whisper of truth above the noise. Jesus has much to say in the New Testament about His return to earth, and even the Apostles lived as though it could happen in their generation. I hear the voice of the Spirit through His Word reminding us that Jesus’ Second Coming is eminent, and we cannot afford to be caught unaware. 

Do you wanna start a spiritual conversation with your kids or teens about the Rapture, the Second Coming, or the end of the world? Here are some questions to ask while you’re in the car or sitting at supper. 

1. What would you do if you knew the world was gonna end this coming Saturday? How would you spend your time? 

2. How do you think the world will come to its end? What’ll it be like, do you think? Do you think it’ll happen in your lifetime? 

3. What hope do we as Christians have when we think about the end? What have you heard or read from Scripture that talks about the Last Days? 

 Also this..  

Are you afraid they’re gonna ask you about the AntiChrist, or the dragon from Revelation, and the Beast from the pit? Fair enough. 

Those are honest questions from Scripture, and lots of people have debated the answers, but don’t let those interpretive details distract you from what’s important. When it comes to talking about this topic with our children and teens, the best answer is to stick with what we know, and what’s clear from the text. Here are some key ideas and Scripture references to help you keep their focus in the right place—on Jesus and His Word.  

1. Jesus promised He would return to redeem His chosen people from the world. 

   1. John 14:2–3 – “I go to prepare a place for you... I will come again and will take you to myself.” 

   2. Matthew 24:30–31 – The Son of Man will come on the clouds with power and glory and gather His elect. 

   3. 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 – The Lord will descend from heaven and the believers will be caught up to meet Him.  

2. Jesus acknowledged that no one knows the day and hour when He would return, only the Father in heaven. 

   1. Matthew 24:36 – “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” 

   2. Acts 1:7 – “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know.”  

3. Jesus emphasized there would come a day when we will be called to account for our lives—whether we’ve accepted His free gift of salvation and what we’ve done with the gifts and resources He’s given us. 

   1. Matthew 25:14–30 – The Parable of the Talents (accountability for what God has entrusted). 

   2. Matthew 25:31–46 – The Sheep and the Goats (judgment based on response to Christ). 

   3. Romans 14:10–12 – “Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”  

4. Jesus reminded the disciples to stay ready and watchful for His return. 

   1. Matthew 24:42–44 – “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” 

   2. Mark 13:33–37 – “Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” 

   3. Luke 12:35–40 – The faithful servants are those found ready when the Master returns.