The Danger of Date-Setting
- Krista Bontrager, DMin
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Why the Rapture Predictions for September 23-24 Miss the Mark
Recently, my husband pointed out a wave of social media videos claiming that the Lord has revealed through dreams that the rapture will occur on September 23-24, coinciding with the Jewish holiday, the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah). As someone who has walked with Christ for many years, I feel compelled to address these claims, especially for those who are newer to the faith or may lack solid discipleship. My goal is to offer clarity and encouragement, grounded in Scripture, to help you navigate these sensational predictions.
The Problem with False Teachers
The Bible warns us about false teachers who spread misleading ideas for personal gain. In 2 Peter 2:1-3, the apostle Peter writes:
But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
These words are as relevant today as they were in Peter’s time. Many of these false teachers use platforms like YouTube and social media to share sensational claims, knowing that predictions about the rapture or end times generate clicks—and clicks translate to revenue. The best response? To put Paul's instruction in Romans 16:17 into modern terms, ignore and unfollow those who promote such divisive teachings.
Why Date-Setting Is Unbiblical
Scripture is clear that setting specific dates for Christ’s return is not a biblically sound practice. Jesus Himself addressed this in Matthew 24:36-39:
But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
This passage emphasizes the unpredictability of Christ’s return. Some claim that Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:36 are a Jewish idiom referring to the Feast of Trumpets, a holiday associated with judgment. However, this is a minority view, supported by a few lesser known voices (see my conversation with Grok). Even if we entertain this idea, the broader context of Jesus’ teaching highlights the element of surprise, not a specific date or festival. Reading a reference to the Feast of Trumpets into this text requires speculation beyond what Scripture explicitly says. If this connection were critical to understanding the passage, God would have made it clearer.
In addition, the historic practice of the church has consistently avoided date-setting. When we pin Christ’s return to a specific day, we risk misrepresenting God’s Word and setting ourselves up for disappointment.
Why This Matters
Why am I addressing this issue? Because the church is called to value truth. Jesus declares in John 14:6, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” Truth is not just an abstract concept—it’s part of God’s very nature. As His disciples, we are called to reflect that truth in all we do. When false predictions about the rapture fail to materialize, they bring disgrace to the faith and cause confusion among believers and skeptics alike.
A Call to Discernment
To those who are newer in their faith or seeking guidance, I encourage you to test every claim against Scripture (1 Thess. 5:20-22). Again, the best way deal with someone is setting dates for Christ’s return, mark and avoid them. Stay grounded in the Bible, seek wise counsel from mature believers, and avoid getting swept up in sensationalism. Let’s honor God by pursuing truth and living faithfully, trusting that He will return at the perfect time—known only to the Father.