Rumors have recently gone viral online that the rapture will take place on September 23. Videos across TikTok and YouTube claim dreams, visions, and even mathematical formulas confirm the return of Christ during this year’s Feast of Trumpets. Some are so convinced that they are selling possessions and preparing for that day as the final moment.
Warnings Against Date-Setting
Revivalist Isaiah Saldivar addressed the frenzy in a recent video, reminding believers that Scripture plainly rejects the idea that anyone can know the exact time. “No YouTuber, no TikToker, no people predicting,” he said. Quoting Matthew 24:36, he added, “Of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only.”
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Failed predictions, Saldivar noted, have been with the church for centuries, from early Catholic mystics to modern false prophecies such as Harold Camping’s infamous May 21, 2011 rapture claim. “Failed predictions are not a new thing,” he explained.
How to Live in the Meantime
Rather than obsess over signs or viral countdowns, the Bible calls Christians to live holy and faithful lives while waiting for Christ’s return. Saldivar pointed to 2 Peter 3:14, which urges believers to “make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in His sight.”
He added, “We are not called to go sell our possessions ‘cause He’s coming. We are not called to panic. We are called to live peaceful, holy, blameless lives while we wait for His return.”
The Biblical Focus
Jesus Himself warned in Matthew 24:4, “Take heed that no one deceives you.” Rather than fear or fall for speculation, Christians are called to readiness: to watch, to stay sober and to live each day as though it could be the last.
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Saldivar concurred, saying, “Live like it’s your last day… because you never know when your last day will be.”
James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
