A South African pastor's apocalyptic prophecy has sparked widespread panic—and ridicule—across social media, as some Christian believers brace for the Rapture to take place today .

The viral claim by Joshua Mhlakela, who says Jesus personally revealed the date of his return in a divine vision, has led some followers to sell possessions and prepare for what they believe is the end of days.

Why It Matters

The Rapture is a belief held by many evangelical Christians in which Jesus returns to take true believers to Heaven before a period of tribulation on Earth.

The term "rapture" does not appear in the Bible, but the concept is largely based on interpretations of passages such as 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-52.

Some Christians believe the Rapture will occur befor

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