In these recent times of COVID-19, there have been many speculations, conspiracy theories, and many other vocal opinions on how to understand the tragedy of this pandemic. One such voice is theology, and one cannot separate theology from any given issue. As for Christians, we believe in an omnipresent God, meaning a God who is always present and by implication active in this world and its affairs and issues. Ranging from global pandemics to individual issues, God is present. Theology is then concerned about how we are to understand God in the midst of this pandemic. One may be shocked that there is a range of appropriate Christian views on the matter.
In the last couple of weeks, I have seen two concerning views taken by some Christians. Though they are not entirely wrong, or out of the realm of orthodoxy, they have concerned me nonetheless. Even if they were out of the realm of orthodoxy, I am in no position to say so without claiming my view is the only correct one, which I do not believe either. So here I merely want to present an alternative Christian view of where God is in all of this, to which I believe is more accurate and more inclusive to all of Scripture.
I must start with why I am concerned. The first view can be called Retribution Theology. Some brothers and sisters in Christ are claiming that God has sent and is the cause of COVID-19. They will bolster verses like Isaiah 46:9-11 to uphold the Sovereignty of God, that God is above all and subject to none. Retribution theology is akin to the idea of Karma; if bad happens to someone, then surely they did something bad to get there. In this view then, God is punishing the world for some reason, and the only way to get God to relinquish His Almighty Wrath is to repent and believe. Yet, it is difficult to make a Biblical case for Retribution theology, let alone try to apply it to an epidemic like today. Why? In cases like Isaiah 46, and some other favorite retribution passages in the prophets, are targeting Israel, God’s covenant people. When it comes to being a covenant people, it means to be in a relationship with God and living by particular standards. One such standard was monotheism and only worshipping God. But frequently Israel committed idolatry, and in accordance with the covenant, they deserved punishment, but it should also be noted God remained faithful to them and restored them as a nation and a people in a promised land.
Another issue I have seen, but still much less common are Christians who are putting God’s Divine Will to the test. Such as a church down in Texas that has kept its doors open, for they claim God will protect them and heal them. However, instead of showing a bold faith, they are showing blatant disregard for what both governing and health authorities are requesting. Such is reckless behavior and is a risk to their congregation and community that they are supposed to be a light to. There are better ways to currently be “gathered” and care for one’s flock. Even Jesus never put God to the test, for He was tempted to jump off the edge of a high us place because the Devil knew Jesus would be protected by angels. Jesus did not jump but refuted the Devil for such treachery.
I believe in Redemption, I believe a New Covenant has been made with the Church, and I believe God is still victoriously reigning as He always has and always will. Why does this matter and tie into COVID-19?
In this alternative view, to start, COVID-19 is not “sent” or “caused” by God to enact some kind of punishment for our wickedness. Rather, this virus is rooted and originated in evil, which is the absence/blatant rejection of God. For this, we first turn to the story of Job, who predates the Old Covenant with Moses. Job, a righteous man, is suddenly plagued by Satan, or an Adversary. Now, this Adversary could not by themself harm Job or any righteous person, hence why they approach God. God is still Sovereign over even those who oppose Him and His plan of Redemption. The Adversary needs permission, it was his idea, but God needed to allow it, or permis it. This is not punishment; this is not retribution, despite how much Job’s friends think it is, but rather a “test.” It was to test Job’s integrity, to test his righteousness, to test his faith and purpose.
This view persisted in the early church as well. A Saint by the name Athanasius wrote The Life of Saint Antony. In this book, he discusses Saint Antony’s life in spiritual warfare, that all evil, the demons, and Satan can do nothing without permission, for they have no real power. You can find such accounts in sections 41, 52, and 53 in The Life of Saint Antony, a well-circulated book in the early church.
Thus, God is Sovereign over evil; such afflictions may be allowed but not caused by God. If anything, God is testing the Church, the New Covenant people to live out the Gospel.
Retribution also does not appear to be the intent of Christ. In John 9, the disciples ask Jesus about a man who was born blind, “Why was this man born blind? Was it a result of his own sins or those of his parents?” Jesus responds, “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins. He was born blind so the power of God could be seen in him.” Jesus then restores the man’s sight, it causes controversy, and the story carries on. The point, though, Jesus refutes the idea that sin led to this man’s blindness. Instead, his blindness was utilized to reveal God’s glory through the miracle of healing. God is a redeemer, a healer, and I believe, at the end of all the world will be restored to Him and be eternally as He has always intended it to be. This is a theology of Restoration and Hope of Healing and God’s glory.
I believe this perfectly holds up the freedom of God, to not be subjected to anything or anyone’s theology. He can fully and completely act in mystery. Despite what we may think is best to lead to the restoration of the world, God has methods we cannot comprehend. Why did God allow COVID-19? I cannot begin to reason beyond that He will pull something here that leads closer to the fulfillment of His plan and for the good of those who believe in Him. Is that an unsatisfactory answer to humanity? Perhaps, but we only live in the NOW, as the Psalm 39:5 says, “My life is no longer than the width of my hand. An entire lifetime is just a moment to [God]; human existence is but a breath.” There is a larger picture at play, but that also does not mean God does not care for us, I should not have to argue that point further.
This may be a conflicting and heart-wrenching time in our lives. We may feel like the Psalmist who wrote Psalm 74, “O God, why have you rejected us forever? Why is your anger so intense against the sheep of your own pasture?” Yet in the same Psalm, it is written, “You, O God, are my king from ages past, bringing salvation to the earth.” There is Good News and Peace in these times; there will be restoration. I believe in Redemption. The Apostle Paul summarizes in Romans 5:18-19;
Yes, Adam’s one sin brought condemnation upon everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness makes all people right in God’s sight and gives them life. Because one person disobeyed God, many people became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many people will be made right in God’s sight.
We live then in a New Covenant, ushered in by the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer. What need is there for retribution or to test God, when God already paid the price for our restoration and won the battle?
By all means come to faith, repent of your sins, and live into a New Life given under the New Covenant. But repentance will not necessarily mean the end of COVID-19 nor being marked safe from the evil tricks of the Adversary. By all means pray for protection and healing for the world, nation, state, city, hospitals, families, and individuals impacted by all this, pray that God’s glory and good intentions are made known in these times to the Church and to the world. These are times to share the faith, check in on one’s neighbor, buy groceries for someone you know and love. Take the necessary cautions for sure, wash those hands, and keep 6+ feet apart, but the redeemed can sacrificially serve in these times. The redeemed, by the assurance of their faith in Christ, know where they go when life is done.
Let us, the church, who is living in a unique time to bear witness to the gospel, not fall into timidity or rashly condemning our worrisome and hopeless neighbors. We are the New Covenant people, a light high up on a hill, a people tasked with the Great Commission, to be peacemakers.
I believe in Redemption, and I believe God is at work in this to redeem and bring glory by the example of His grace and goodness. I believe that faith assures us we are in Christ, and by living part of His Kingdom means embodying Christ’s sacrificial love and service, being a light to the world of His restorative plan.
This is but an alternative Christian view of this world event; I do not claim to be an expert nor have all the answers. My only intent is to humbly submit to God in what He has revealed to me through the Holy Scriptures and all its implications for how I live my life. In this, I am confident and will be faithful.
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