Opinion writting by Aleck Leccoo
The subject of the rapture has become one of the most talked about topics worldwide, as Christians anticipate the return of Jesus Christ. Many believers are eagerly discussing possible timelines, with some insisting that His return may be linked to this month’s Jewish feast days.
As a Christian, I too await His return. But I believe that this expectation has to align with the canon of Scripture as accepted by the church. Date-setting, while bold, carries both implications and risks if those predictions are not fulfilled. The central question now is: why are so many Christians focused on 23 September 2025?
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A large part of the speculation is rooted in the Jewish feasts, which many Christians view as prophetic pictures fulfilled in Christ. For example, Passover is seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ crucifixion as the Lamb of God (John 1:29). The Feast of Unleavened Bread is linked to His sinless body being buried. The Feast of Firstfruits is connected to His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20). And Pentecost is tied to the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2).
These spring feasts are understood to have been fulfilled exactly on their days. The fall feasts, however, are seen by many as pointing to future events. The Feast of Trumpets is associated with the rapture, drawing from verses such as 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 and 1 Corinthians 15:52, which speak of the last trumpet. Because the date of the feast depends on the sighting of the new moon, some link this uncertainty to Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:36: “No one knows the day or hour.”
The Day of Atonement is often linked to Israel’s national repentance at Christ’s second coming (Zechariah 12:10). The Feast of Tabernacles is seen as a symbol of God dwelling with His people in the millennial kingdom (Revelation 21:3). With this in mind, speculation has grown that the rapture might occur during the Feast of Trumpets, which falls on 23 September this year.
Adding to this discussion, a preacher named Brother Joshua has made a bold claim online. He said Jesus visited him and told him that He will return for His church on 23 September. Yet, in Matthew 24, Jesus Himself said that only the Father knows the day and the hour. This raises the serious question: are we going beyond what is written?
The Gospel of Mark also gives guidance. In Mark 13:33–37 (NIV), Jesus said: “Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come… Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”
Some, however, point to 1 Thessalonians 5:4 (NIV): “But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.” They interpret this to mean that Christians may indeed know the date. The debate centers on whether this refers to the exact day or simply to being spiritually aware of the season.
History, however, is filled with examples of failed predictions. In the 19th century, the Millerite movement in the United States led thousands to expect Christ’s return between 1843 and 1844. After the revised date of October 22, 1844 passed without incident, the moment became known as “The Great Disappointment.”
The Jehovah’s Witnesses also predicted Christ’s return multiple times, including in 1874, 1914, 1925, and 1975. When these predictions failed, the dates were reinterpreted symbolically.
In the 1970s, popular author Hal Lindsey suggested that Jesus’ return would likely happen by 1988, based on Israel’s founding in 1948 and a 40-year generation. But that year came and went without fulfillment.
More recently, in 2011, American broadcaster Harold Camping predicted May 21 as Judgment Day and October 21 as the end of the world. His message attracted worldwide attention. When nothing happened, Camping admitted he had been wrong.
The dangers of such predictions are clear. They give space for false teachings and can harm the faith of believers. For example, after the Millerite movement collapsed, many people walked away from Christianity altogether. Some, however, remained and eventually formed new denominations such as Adventism.
These events also confirm that anyone making a date-specific claim about Christ’s return did not truly hear from God. Anticipating His return is part of Christian hope, but setting dates that He never revealed can lead to disappointment and division.
There is no doubt that we are approaching the end of an age. But the life of a believer is not about waiting for a calendar date. It is about living daily for Christ from the moment of salvation.
The question many ask is: how can I be ready? Readiness is not about fixing our eyes on 23 September or any other date. It is about opening our hearts to Christ, reflecting Him in our daily lives, and walking in obedience. Salvation is not earned by works, but works demonstrate the reality of our salvation.
The call to every believer is to live faithfully. In Luke 12:35–40, Jesus said: “See that you are dressed for action and have your lamps lit. Be like men waiting for their master to return from the wedding feast, ready to open the door as soon as he comes and knocks. … You too must stand ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
This passage reminds Christians that the focus should not be on dates but on readiness. The emphasis is on living in expectation, being alert, and ensuring that when the Lord does come, He will find His servants faithful.
For those waiting on 23 September, history provides enough lessons. Failed predictions have left scars, confusion, and at times new sects that drifted further from the gospel. The responsibility of believers is not to calculate dates but to remain steadfast.
While the excitement around the Feast of Trumpets and biblical prophecy continues to stir global attention, the words of Jesus remain central: “Watch!” It is not the date that matters most, but the posture of the heart and the consistency of faith.
In the end, whether He comes sooner or later, Christians are called to live ready lives—not just for a single day, but for every day. That is the true preparation for His retur
