This pandemic killer virus we are currently experiencing may very well become part of life if it keeps hanging on through future seasons like the CDC is forecasting. The longer it lasts the more people will die from it, mostly those who suffer from pre-existing conditions—separating the weak and frail from the strong and healthy.
We are learning more and more about this new coronavirus strain called COVID-19. Although it seems to have been contracted from animals to humans (a rare thing to begin with), there are still many unknowns about its behavior and what it’s predicted to do to the world population. Although hope exists for conquering it, some are thinking that this strain will not be eradicated in the foreseeable future, especially if it mutates and worsens. All this is indeed troubling and confusing to the average person trying to make sense of it all.
What does the Bible Have to Say?
Many are asking if this pandemic could be one of the plagues the Bible talks about in Revelation. Revelation 9:18 states that one-third of the population will die at the very end, with several natural disasters and wars playing a part. Definitely a frightening thought, to say the least.
Those with Bible knowledge and who have developed, or are developing, a close relationship with God, however, are most likely the ones with peace to endure these troubled times. Even though many righteous ones will continue to succumb to the dreaded virus, as we’ve already seen, we can be confident that the Lord will raise them up at the last day (1 Corinthians 15: 51, 52). The Bible gives us hope with the promise that, “A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you” Psalm 91:7 NKJV.
The world view of most people, though, is distorted. Evil is called “good” and good “evil,” So, non-Christians won’t benefit from the prophetic hope that is in the Bible. Yes, we have the advantage of knowing Jesus as our Savior and that the outcome is in His control. Jesus Christ will conquer the evil forces of this sin-laden planet in the end.
Whether this pandemic is eventually eradicated, or if it leads us into the Second Advent of Jesus, Christians will come out winners. That should lighten our hearts, whenever discouragement and despair knocks on our door during this unprecedented pandemic.
By R Scott Holder and Teresa Thompson
