The modern "rapture" concept originated from the early 19th century with John Nelson Darby, a dispensationalist theologian. It gained widespread popularity through the Scofield Reference Bible (1909) and further through books like Hal Lindsey's The Late Great Planet Earth (1970). The idea is based on apocalyptic interpretations of Christian scripture, especially the Book of Revelation and Thessalonians, describing believers being caught up to heaven before a period of tribulation on Earth.
More recently, specific rapture date rumors emerge periodically, with the 2025 rumour reportedly starting from a South African pastor, Joshua Mhlakela, who posted a prediction on YouTube claiming the rapture would occur around September 23/24, tied to the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah or the Feast of Trumpets. This recent surge in rapture talk also spread widely on social media platforms like TikTok.
Summary:
- The doctrinal origin: Early 19th century, John Nelson Darby.
- Popularization: Early 20th century study Bibles and late 20th-century books.
- Recent date-specific rumor: Sparked by Joshua Mhlakela in 2025 around Rosh Hashanah.