The Rapture didn't happen. But the internet had fun thinking it would.

Y2K, 2012, the doomsday clock, and now, the Rapture.

Theories about the end of the world have permeated for decades. But this week, internet pundits seemed to believe the Rapture, an event that some evangelical Christians believe would basically mark the end of human history, would be taking place.

Earlier this year, a South African man theorized that the Rapture would take place on Sept. 23 or 24. The speculation spread online, leading some Christians to begin planning for the event, while others satirized about ascending into the sky.

"It's time to get your homes in order. Prepare your family to go home to Heaven," Christian content creator @kingdomwealth_christina wrote in a TikTok video on Sept. 18.

What is the Rapture?

While the Rapture is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, some Christians interpret verses from the New Testament as describing the event that encompasses Jesus' return to Earth, where he will suddenly take his followers to heaven. However, theories about the end of the world, such as the Rapture, are not agreed upon by all Christians, according to Ethnos360 Bible Institute, a Christian college.

Why did people think the Rapture was happening?

The belief that the Rapture would take place on Sept. 23 or 24 seemingly originated from a podcast interview that was published in June.

In it, Joshua Mhlakela, a South African Christian, said Jesus spoke to him in a dream.

"He says to me, on the 23rd and the 24th of September, 2025, I will come to take my church," Mhlakela said.

The video has racked up more than 600,000 views to date.

On social media, some planned for the Rapture while others joked about it

Whether or not the Rapture was a sure thing depended on what side of the internet you were on Sept. 23.

Some Christian content creators planned for the end of the world.

"My last video. See you in the clouds my brothers and sisters," user @romans.ten.9through11 captioned a TikTok video in which they said they "feel like my story is over."

Another user under the name Melissa Johnston shared a video in which they shared the ways they were planning for items that would be "left behind," including medicine, bills and passwords.

One person shared a tearful clip in which they broke down over what they believed would be their final days with their children.

On the less serious side of things, some people made playful videos about loved ones they thought wouldn't be included in the Rapture.

"Preparing my husband for the Rapture on Tuesday because there is no way he is going anywhere," one person said in a TikTok where they went over basic household tasks.

Others – seemingly those who are non-religious or simply impenetrable by internet theories – quipped at the possibility.

"So as you guys know the Rapture is coming tomorrow, and if you're anxious about it like me, I'm gonna let you in on a little secret," user @spicytuna16 said in a TikTok. "All you need to do is Venmo, CashApp or Zelle me your entire life savings."

Another user shared their "rules for the Rapture," including their plan to live stream while ascending to heaven.

This story has been updated with additional information.

Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at [email protected].