Many people all over the world are filled with fear over what may happen during the current global spread of the Coronavirus. People are hoarding supplies, masks, hand sanitizer, and fear they may become infected with this dreaded virus. It is certain that we are only seeing the beginning of this global Pandemic and it may be months before it peaks and abates.
In times of crisis people often turn to the Bible for words of comfort and direction. For thousands of years we have been able to find solace in the words of God who promised to never leave or forsake those who trust in Him. Are there specific words for us today regarding the Coronavirus, and was this event predicted in the pages of the Bible? Jesus said the following regarding the Last Days just before He returns to earth:
For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilence, and earthquakes in various places. ~Matthew 24:7
Wars, famines, pestilence and earthquakes will be noticeably increasing in frequency and severity as we approach the return of the Lord.
The Book of Revelation describes the commencement of the seven year Tribulation. The first half will be a period of relative peace. The second half is marked by twenty-one judgments of God that kill two-thirds of the people of earth.
- Seven Seals
- Seven Trumpets
- Seven Bowls
In context with our current concern over Coronavirus, we see that at the opening of the fourth seal, one of the elements of this judgment is a “sword” which, in Hebrew, can also be used to describe a plague.
The Beginning Of The Great Tribulation (last 3 1/2 years) Is Marked By Pestilence and described as causing massive death on the earth where one-fourth of the population are killed by this plague.
Revelation 6:7-8
When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.
- The fourth seal: death and hell, physical and spiritual death.
- One-fourth of the population will be killed in this judgment. Who could stand?
The Greek word used in this context is particularly interesting in that the term “Kill with sword,” is the Greek word, “Rhomphaia” (hrom-fah’-yah) A Long and Wide Weapon. The meaning here is that this weapon of destruction is one that is wide reaching and long in duration. This is not descriptive of a literal sword, but used to describe a bacterial or viral plague that will kill one-fourth of earth’s population.
Coronavirus is invisible, easily transmitted by water droplets that come from fluid expelled by coughing or sneezing. It stays on surfaces for up to nine days. Persons with the virus will manifest symptoms from 5-14 days after exposure, but can carry and transmit the virus to others even while showing no symptoms whatsoever.
In less than a month, the Coronavirus (Covid-19), has reached nearly every corner of the earth and is spreading more rapidly than anyone imagined. This is certainly consistent with the meaning of Revelation chapter 6, where the form of death that overtakes the earth in the opening of the fourth seal, can be viral in nature.
I am not saying that our current experience with Coronavirus is the fourth seal of Revelation, but what we are seeing now is consistent with what John wrote 2,000 years ago. We must remember that Daniel chapter 7 describes a peace agreement between many nations concerning Israel and the Jews, is the first sign that the Tribulation has begun. We don’t know if the Peace Plan president Trump signed is that agreement described by Daniel.
Many times in the prophecies of the Bible, there is an earlier fulfillment as a warning, and a later fulfillment, as the actual full meaning of the prophetic scripture. Isaiah 61 and many others, describe events that Jesus fulfilled partially in His first coming, and events that He will fulfill at His return.
How Jesus Controlled the Earlier and Later Fulfillment of Prophecy
It is certain that a plague of the magnitude we are experiencing now is worthy of further consideration. As we monitor our current situation across the earth, I will update this post with additional information.
It is important to not panic and jump to any conclusions at this point. As students of the Bible and the prophecies it contains, we take measured and intelligent steps in determining what God is doing in the world today concerning the prophecies the Bible reveals.
There will be many who will sound alarms that we are indeed in the Tribulation Period and set dates for Jesus’ return, or other events. We should ignore these statements and keep a level head in our decisions. Whatever happens during this time is under to sovereignty and control of our Lord. He loves us all and His ultimate goal is to bring us to Himself in repentance and desire to be saved.
All of the events that are taking place now will turn out for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. If you don’t know Jesus yet as your Savior, this is a good time to make your relationship with Him complete and begin to walk with Jesus and follow Him for the rest of your life.
- We Must Have A Personal Relationship With Jesus And Make A Decision For Christ For Salvation
- Why Salvation is a Free Gift
- What God Requires For Eternal Life
- How, Why, and When Eternal Life Occurs
- There is No Salvation, Without Repentance
Categories: America Abandons God, Covid-19, Leading People to Jesus, Living For Jesus, Natural Disasters and God, Overcoming trials, Robert Clifton Robinson, Sickness and Suffering, The Condition of the Heart, True Repentance, Understanding Suffering
Robert Clifton Robinson 
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