For decades, people have tried to pinpoint the exact day of the rapture, and every time, they have failed to do so. From 1948 to 1967, 1988 and beyond, not a single prediction has ever come to pass. Evangelist Perry Stone recently addressed the latest wave of speculation, this time pointing to September 2025, and he cautioned believers not to fall into the trap of date-setting, but instead to stay grounded in what Scripture actually teaches.
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“There has always been time frames throughout modern history in which people have set dates for what they believe to be the rapture,” Stone said. “I remember in 1948 people talked about it because of the restoration of Israel. In 1967 they discussed it again because of Jerusalem being reunited. … And then there was the big one, from 1948 to 1988, which was 40 years. But He didn’t come in 1988.”
Why the Fall Feasts Draw Attention
Much of the excitement around rapture predictions centers on the Jewish fall feasts—especially the Feast of Trumpets, also called Rosh Hashanah.
“Rosh Hashanah is a two-day period … based on the appearance of the silver sliver of the moon,” he explained. “Nobody knew the actual day or the hour it was going to happen until three witnesses saw the silver sliver of the moon.”
This detail, Stone noted, is why some connect it to Jesus’ words that “no one knows the day or the hour.” The Feast of Trumpets also involves the blowing of 100 trumpets, which many tie to Paul’s words about “the last trump” in 1 Corinthians 15 and 1 Thessalonians 4.
“To say that it’s going to happen in a fall period could be absolutely correct,” Stone said. “However, why are they selecting this time period?”
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The Theories Behind 2025
Stone said those pointing to September 2025 cite three main reasons: the Jewish shemitah cycle, a calculation involving 2,550 prophetic “days” as years, and Daniel’s 70th week supposedly beginning that fall. But he pushed back hard.
“All of this is speculation and this is people’s interpretation,” he said. “A lot of this is fed by internet blogs and YouTube channels … they put these real sensational things up trying to get you to watch.”
What the Bible Actually Says
Stone reminded his audience that Jesus was clear: “It is absolutely a fact that Jesus said nobody will know the day and the hour of [His] return,” he said. “Can you know the times and seasons? Yes. You will know the general idea based on the signs of the time … but the Scripture makes it clear that no man knows the day or the hour.”
Stone believes two prophetic conditions must still unfold before the tribulation begins: the gospel being preached worldwide (Matt. 24:14) and the global outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Joel 2). While both are beginning, neither has reached full completion.
“These two things must happen before the tribulation begins,” he explained. “Is it happening? It’s beginning to happen, yes. But we are not in the fullness yet.”
The Danger of Setting Dates
The danger in date-setting, Stone warned, is twofold: it destroys credibility when predictions fail, and it fuels the arguments of scoffers.
“Once again, it gives the mockers and the scoffers an opportunity to say, ‘You people are just crazy,’” he said. “It hurts the credibility of prophetic teachers when it doesn’t happen when they’ve predicted it.”
Stone encouraged believers to remain prepared regardless of the timing: “If He comes this September, I’m ready. If He comes five years from now, I’m still living, I’m ready. … Be therefore also ready, for such an hour you think not, the Son of Man cometh.”
Stay Watchful, Not Fearful
Stone offers all of us a reminder that Jesus will not return when everyone is looking for Him, but rather when it is least expected.
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“He’s not coming when everybody’s looking for Him,” Stone said. “He’s coming when they’re least expecting it. That’s all through the New Testament.”
So in the meantime we must watch for the signs, but not get caught up in dates. Keep doing what Jesus commanded: fulfilling the Great Commission and building the Kingdom of God.
James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
