Rapture Will Happen October 12-13 — Pastor Makes Fresh Prediction After Previous Failure

South African pastor Joshua Mhlakela, who previously attracted widespread attention after predicting that the Rapture would occur in September 2025, has made another prediction, claiming that the event will take place between October 12 and 13, 2026.

Mhlakela had previously predicted that the Rapture would occur on September 23, 2025, during the Jewish Feast of Trumpets. The prediction, however, did not materialise on the stated date.

According to reports, some of his followers had reportedly sold properties, left their jobs and made preparations for what they believed would be their ascent to heaven.

On September 23, 2025, followers gathered in anticipation, praying and looking towards the sky, but the predicted event did not occur.

Following the failed prediction, Mhlakela reportedly said the delay was part of God’s plan to provide more time for people to repent rather than acknowledging that the prediction itself had been incorrect.

He has now offered a new explanation for his previous calculation, claiming that the Jewish Feast of Trumpets had been placed approximately one month earlier than its actual date.

Mhlakela said his latest calculation was based on his interpretation of the biblical calendar. He reportedly pointed to additional visions, including one involving two full moons, which he believes indicated that the biblical calendar had been miscalculated by a month.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Mhlakela now maintains that the Rapture will occur between October 12 and 13, 2026.

His latest claim has already attracted criticism from other Christians, including pastor and author Vladimir Savchuk, who argued that attempts to assign a specific date to the return of Jesus Christ contradict biblical teachings.

Savchuk reportedly noted that Scripture does not provide believers with a specific date for Christ’s return and argued that certain events, including the revelation of the Antichrist, must precede it according to his interpretation of biblical prophecy.

Mhlakela’s latest prediction has consequently reignited discussions among Christians and religious observers about attempts to determine the timing of the Rapture.

The Rapture is a theological belief held by some Christians that believers will be taken up to meet Jesus Christ before a period of severe suffering commonly referred to as the Tribulation.

The new prediction has also raised questions about the consequences of making specific end-time predictions, particularly following the failure of Mhlakela’s earlier 2025 forecast.