Q/A Friday: Is COVID-19 a Form of God’s Judgment?

The answer to this question is, “Yes AND we can’t know for sure.” Let me explain.

Everything wrong that happens in this world is a result of the fall of man (Genesis 3). Our world is a broken world filled with sin, natural disaster and sickness.

Earthquakes and tsunamis occur as a result of man’s choice to sin; they are a form of judgment.

Pandemics and epidemics occur as a result of man’s choice to sin; they are a form of judgment.

In short, if man hadn’t sinned, we wouldn’t have the coronavirus. But because man sinned, we now must deal with the outcome of quarantines, stay-at-home orders and COVID-19 testing. That is the “yes” part of this question.

Here is the “we can’t know for sure” part of this question. In the Bible, God has a pattern of previewing upcoming judgments and telling His people why and how He would judge. For example, the judgment of the Babylonian captivity came as a result of Israel’s breaking of the Sabbath year 7x and their continual idolatry.

God is not making those kinds of announcements any longer. If we asked 10 pastors or theologians to tell us why God is judging our world with the coronavirus, you might get 10 different opinions. Most opinions would be based on subjective criteria of what they deem important to take notice of.

When a tornado hits a town and kills dozens, we must be careful in assuming that God is judging that town for a specific reason – like it’s immorality or godlessness. Often, when natural disasters or pandemics occur, non-Christians are not the only ones who are suffering. Christians suffer too. Christians living in these areas are not always “part of the perceived problem” or reason some suggest that God is judging.

Now, with all of this in mind, I would say the outcome should be the same when something like coronavirus occurs. Lamenting and grieving are still godly responses. Hoping and trusting are still godly responses.

And friends, whether God is judging or not, our mission is the same. Our goals and aims as the church remain intact.

“⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:7-8).

If you have a question you would like to submit to our blog to be answered in the future, please email it to charlesheck@cox.net or post your question in the comments section.