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Corona Crisis: Plagues, Pandemics, and the Coming Apocalypse
In Corona Crisis, professor Mark Hitchcock shares how the current coronavirus outbreak is related to the vivid, end-time biblical prophecies about plagues, pestilences, and pandemics.
With all the fear and chaos that is spreading through our nation and the world, what does it mean? Is the pandemic a sign of the end times?
Professor and Bible teacher Mark Hitchcock explains that the coronavirus is not the fulfillment of the events that will occur during the tribulation period, but a foreshadowing of what lies ahead. Corona Crisis puts the current situation in perspective in relation to previous plagues humans have already survived, like the Spanish flu, while giving an overview of the major signs of the end times.
Discussing how the rise of globalism contributes to the spread of plagues, Hitchcock explains how in our global environment, events can happen suddenly that send shock waves around the world.
Corona Crisis provides scripturally based answers to questions
Are current events part of a larger drama scripted long ago?Does the Bible predict the rise of pestilence and plagues in the end times?Is the coronavirus prophesied in the Bible, and is it the judgment of God?How bad will it get, and where is the current crisis headed?Are we living in the end times?For anyone looking for answers in this uncertain time, this book will reinforce God's promises in your life. Find encouragement and comfort through this biblical explanation of the frightening current events unfolding today.
With all the fear and chaos that is spreading through our nation and the world, what does it mean? Is the pandemic a sign of the end times?
Professor and Bible teacher Mark Hitchcock explains that the coronavirus is not the fulfillment of the events that will occur during the tribulation period, but a foreshadowing of what lies ahead. Corona Crisis puts the current situation in perspective in relation to previous plagues humans have already survived, like the Spanish flu, while giving an overview of the major signs of the end times.
Discussing how the rise of globalism contributes to the spread of plagues, Hitchcock explains how in our global environment, events can happen suddenly that send shock waves around the world.
Corona Crisis provides scripturally based answers to questions
Are current events part of a larger drama scripted long ago?Does the Bible predict the rise of pestilence and plagues in the end times?Is the coronavirus prophesied in the Bible, and is it the judgment of God?How bad will it get, and where is the current crisis headed?Are we living in the end times?For anyone looking for answers in this uncertain time, this book will reinforce God's promises in your life. Find encouragement and comfort through this biblical explanation of the frightening current events unfolding today.
171 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2020
55 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Mark Hitchcock
116 books116 followersMark Hitchcock was born and raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He attended Oklahoma State University and graduated from law school in 1984. After working for a judge at the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals for four years, Mark was led to attend Dallas Theological Seminary, graduating in 1991. Since that time, he has served as senior pastor of Faith Bible Church in Edmond, Oklahoma. He completed his PhD at Dallas Theological Seminary in 2005 and serves as an associate professor of Bible exposition at DTS. He has authored over thirty books related to end-time Bible prophecy that have sold over one million copies. His books have been translated into over ten languages. Mark is a frequent speaker at churches and prophecy conferences both in the United States and internationally. Mark and his wife, Cheryl, live in Edmond, Oklahoma. They have two sons, Justin (married to Natalee) and Samuel, and two grandchildren..
You can also connect with Mark on Facebook
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 23, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic can be viewed through many interpretive lenses. In Corona Crisis, Mark Hitchcock views it through the lens of eschatology, that branch of Christian theology concerned with end-times events. Specifically, he views it through the lens of dispensational premillennialism.
Dispensational premillennialism holds a pessimistic view of history. The course of world history will become increasingly difficult before Jesus Christ raptures believers into Heaven, signaling the start of the seven-year Great Tribulation. In the first half of that tribulation, the Antichrist will unite the world under a global government and religion, promising peace. However, in the second half, that peace will turn into tyranny as the Antichrist persecutes with ferocious intensity those who have come to faith in Christ during that period. At the end of the Great Tribulation, Jesus Christ will visibly return to Earth (the Second Coming), establish his kingdom, and reign for 1,000 years (the Millennium).
The persistent temptation of dispensational premillennialism is date-setting. By this I mean the tendency of some dispensationalists to interpret current events as the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. The most notorious (and roundly mocked) recent example of this is Edgar C. Whisenant’s book, 88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988. The book caused a stir when it was published, but the date Whisenant identified came and went and believers were still here.
Corona Crisis is blessedly free of that kind of date-setting and eschatological speculation. In fact, Hitchcock specifically denies that the COVID-19 pandemic is a sign of the imminent Great Tribulation. Instead, he writes, “most of what we see today is not the direct fulfillment of end-time prophecy but rather a foreshadow of what will come after God’s people have been raptured to heaven” (28). He reiterates this point later in the book: “The coronavirus is not a fulfillment but a frightening foreshadow, a foretaste, of what lies ahead” (102). How does he know this? “The rapture has not occurred (the bride of Christ is still here)” (102–103).
Hitchcock’s anti-speculative bent was welcome to me. While he clearly believes Christians need to know how to read the “signs of the times” (Matthew 16:1–3), he places four parameters around that belief
“First, we must shun a sensationalistic approach to current events and world headlines” (19).
* “Second, current events, headlines, and world news must be assessed in light of the Bible, not the other way around” (19).
* “A third important principle for signs of the times is to remember that they relate directly to Jesus’ second coming back to earth, not the rapture” (21).
* “One final parameter for signs of the times is that most of what we see today is not the direct fulfillment of end-time prophecy but rather a foreshadow of what will come after God’s people have been raptured to heaven” (28).
Given Hitchcock’s anti-speculative bent, the question that obviously arises is whether end-times prophecy is a helpful interpretive lens for viewing the COVID-19 pandemic. If dispensational premillennialism cannot differentiate whether this pandemic (or any other) is a sign of the times, what value does it have in interpreting the times? Hitchcock seems to answer this question when he writes, “I believe coronavirus is part of the stage setting for the end times.” (30). How so? It is “revealing the interconnectedness of the modern world as well as accelerating it.” Moreover, “COVID-19 is also speeding the rise of globalism. The pandemic intersects with the drive toward a one-world economy and government that will fall under the rule of a global strongman, the final Antichrist” (30–31).
Part of the difficulty with this kind of analysis is that it pushes in only one direction. Yes, there are globalizing trends in current history. There are also localizing trends, however. The push and pull of centralization and decentralization seems to be a constant of history, as empires rise, are resisted, and fall. Given this history, why should we assume that the present moment is the foreshadowing moment, rather than just another iteration of a longstanding cyclical pattern? Those who read events through the lens of biblical prophecy need to keep in mind that we have a bias for the normativity of the contemporaneous that may distort our views of both the past and future.
In saying this, I’m not making a comment about the correctness of dispensational premillennialism as an eschatological viewpoint. (Eschatology is a matter of dispute among evangelicals, and I don’t want to weigh in on that here.) I’m simply highlighting the difficulty of using such an eschatological viewpoint as a way of analyzing current events. Even Hitchcock concedes that until the rapture happens, we can only interpret the current pandemic as a foreshadowing of something worse to come, but we have no idea of the timeframe of the advent of that something worse.
Hitchcock ends Corona Crisis helpfully, and less controversially, with four biblical strategies: 1) maintain perspective, 2) take practical steps, 3) keep praying, and 4) proclaim the gospel (107–123). These four points evince a noncontroversial, unifying, evangelistic point of view. I’ll leave the last word to Hitchcock, a word that I heartily endorse: “Times of upheaval provide unique opportunities to hold out the gospel” (122).
Book Reviewed
Mark Hitchcock, Corona Crisis: Plagues, Pandemics, and the Coming Apocalypse (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2020).
P.S. If you liked this review, please click “Helpful” on my Amazon review page
Dispensational premillennialism holds a pessimistic view of history. The course of world history will become increasingly difficult before Jesus Christ raptures believers into Heaven, signaling the start of the seven-year Great Tribulation. In the first half of that tribulation, the Antichrist will unite the world under a global government and religion, promising peace. However, in the second half, that peace will turn into tyranny as the Antichrist persecutes with ferocious intensity those who have come to faith in Christ during that period. At the end of the Great Tribulation, Jesus Christ will visibly return to Earth (the Second Coming), establish his kingdom, and reign for 1,000 years (the Millennium).
The persistent temptation of dispensational premillennialism is date-setting. By this I mean the tendency of some dispensationalists to interpret current events as the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. The most notorious (and roundly mocked) recent example of this is Edgar C. Whisenant’s book, 88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988. The book caused a stir when it was published, but the date Whisenant identified came and went and believers were still here.
Corona Crisis is blessedly free of that kind of date-setting and eschatological speculation. In fact, Hitchcock specifically denies that the COVID-19 pandemic is a sign of the imminent Great Tribulation. Instead, he writes, “most of what we see today is not the direct fulfillment of end-time prophecy but rather a foreshadow of what will come after God’s people have been raptured to heaven” (28). He reiterates this point later in the book: “The coronavirus is not a fulfillment but a frightening foreshadow, a foretaste, of what lies ahead” (102). How does he know this? “The rapture has not occurred (the bride of Christ is still here)” (102–103).
Hitchcock’s anti-speculative bent was welcome to me. While he clearly believes Christians need to know how to read the “signs of the times” (Matthew 16:1–3), he places four parameters around that belief
“First, we must shun a sensationalistic approach to current events and world headlines” (19).
* “Second, current events, headlines, and world news must be assessed in light of the Bible, not the other way around” (19).
* “A third important principle for signs of the times is to remember that they relate directly to Jesus’ second coming back to earth, not the rapture” (21).
* “One final parameter for signs of the times is that most of what we see today is not the direct fulfillment of end-time prophecy but rather a foreshadow of what will come after God’s people have been raptured to heaven” (28).
Given Hitchcock’s anti-speculative bent, the question that obviously arises is whether end-times prophecy is a helpful interpretive lens for viewing the COVID-19 pandemic. If dispensational premillennialism cannot differentiate whether this pandemic (or any other) is a sign of the times, what value does it have in interpreting the times? Hitchcock seems to answer this question when he writes, “I believe coronavirus is part of the stage setting for the end times.” (30). How so? It is “revealing the interconnectedness of the modern world as well as accelerating it.” Moreover, “COVID-19 is also speeding the rise of globalism. The pandemic intersects with the drive toward a one-world economy and government that will fall under the rule of a global strongman, the final Antichrist” (30–31).
Part of the difficulty with this kind of analysis is that it pushes in only one direction. Yes, there are globalizing trends in current history. There are also localizing trends, however. The push and pull of centralization and decentralization seems to be a constant of history, as empires rise, are resisted, and fall. Given this history, why should we assume that the present moment is the foreshadowing moment, rather than just another iteration of a longstanding cyclical pattern? Those who read events through the lens of biblical prophecy need to keep in mind that we have a bias for the normativity of the contemporaneous that may distort our views of both the past and future.
In saying this, I’m not making a comment about the correctness of dispensational premillennialism as an eschatological viewpoint. (Eschatology is a matter of dispute among evangelicals, and I don’t want to weigh in on that here.) I’m simply highlighting the difficulty of using such an eschatological viewpoint as a way of analyzing current events. Even Hitchcock concedes that until the rapture happens, we can only interpret the current pandemic as a foreshadowing of something worse to come, but we have no idea of the timeframe of the advent of that something worse.
Hitchcock ends Corona Crisis helpfully, and less controversially, with four biblical strategies: 1) maintain perspective, 2) take practical steps, 3) keep praying, and 4) proclaim the gospel (107–123). These four points evince a noncontroversial, unifying, evangelistic point of view. I’ll leave the last word to Hitchcock, a word that I heartily endorse: “Times of upheaval provide unique opportunities to hold out the gospel” (122).
Book Reviewed
Mark Hitchcock, Corona Crisis: Plagues, Pandemics, and the Coming Apocalypse (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2020).
P.S. If you liked this review, please click “Helpful” on my Amazon review page
May 25, 2021
I guess it could be worse. but when you put forward pre-trib premillenial eschatology as the solution to Coronavirus obsession is wrong you've just exchanged one error for another
July 7, 2020
First sentence: On February 29, 2020, my wife, Cheryl, and I left our home in Edmond, Oklahoma, for a thirteen-day trip to Israel. We could never have imagined how drastically the world would change by the time we returned.
Is the Corona Virus (COVID 19) a sign of the end times? Is the end near? These questions (and more) are answered by Mark Hitchcock in his newest book.
He does several things in his book. (I list in no particular order).
He addresses the end times, theories about the second coming, signs of the times, the return of Christ, the coming judgement.
He addresses plagues and pandemics throughout history AND specifically the current crisis of Corona.
He addresses a greater crisis facing the world: SIN. Sin has an infection rate of 100%. He writes, "There’s another subject that most people avoid like the plague. It’s probably even more unpopular than a virus. What is it? Sin. Humans don’t like thinking about sin. Especially their own. I don’t, and you don’t. Spending too much time focused on sin can be downright depressing. Who wants to examine faults, failures, and flaws? We’d rather think of ourselves in a more positive light. Sin has never been a popular topic, and that couldn’t be more true today. Even many churches steer clear of ever mentioning the “S” word for fear of offending someone."
His approach is hesitation and caution when assuming that Corona is a huge, blaring sign of the end times. He writes, "we must shun a sensationalistic approach to current events and world headlines. Any time there’s a crisis or natural disaster such as COVID-19, a chorus of voices immediately begin to announce the advent of the Antichrist and imminent arrival of the Apocalypse. Wild speculation often spreads faster than the virus. Some prophecy teachers cry wolf about every event, no matter how insignificant, so often that thinking people turn off the noise and don’t listen to them anymore. For sensationalists, every earthquake, war, terrorist attack, disease, crime spree, famine, hurricane, or tsunami is a flashing neon sign pointing to the end. The problem with this kind of news headline exegesis is that if everything is a sign, then nothing is a sign. We can’t manufacture every current event into a sign of the times."
Is the Corona Virus (COVID 19) a sign of the end times? Is the end near? These questions (and more) are answered by Mark Hitchcock in his newest book.
He does several things in his book. (I list in no particular order).
He addresses the end times, theories about the second coming, signs of the times, the return of Christ, the coming judgement.
He addresses plagues and pandemics throughout history AND specifically the current crisis of Corona.
He addresses a greater crisis facing the world: SIN. Sin has an infection rate of 100%. He writes, "There’s another subject that most people avoid like the plague. It’s probably even more unpopular than a virus. What is it? Sin. Humans don’t like thinking about sin. Especially their own. I don’t, and you don’t. Spending too much time focused on sin can be downright depressing. Who wants to examine faults, failures, and flaws? We’d rather think of ourselves in a more positive light. Sin has never been a popular topic, and that couldn’t be more true today. Even many churches steer clear of ever mentioning the “S” word for fear of offending someone."
His approach is hesitation and caution when assuming that Corona is a huge, blaring sign of the end times. He writes, "we must shun a sensationalistic approach to current events and world headlines. Any time there’s a crisis or natural disaster such as COVID-19, a chorus of voices immediately begin to announce the advent of the Antichrist and imminent arrival of the Apocalypse. Wild speculation often spreads faster than the virus. Some prophecy teachers cry wolf about every event, no matter how insignificant, so often that thinking people turn off the noise and don’t listen to them anymore. For sensationalists, every earthquake, war, terrorist attack, disease, crime spree, famine, hurricane, or tsunami is a flashing neon sign pointing to the end. The problem with this kind of news headline exegesis is that if everything is a sign, then nothing is a sign. We can’t manufacture every current event into a sign of the times."
June 28, 2020
With all the fear and chaos that is pervading our nation and the world, a book that changes our focus is a breath of fresh air. This book does just that. It encourages the reader to takes his eyes off current events and look towards the glorious future.
Perhaps you’ve heard speculation about whether COVID 19 was predicted in Revelation and Matthew? Should we also be worried that this is the end of the World? Should we be excited because this is a sign of Christ's return? What does it mean for a Christian? How should we live in view of Coronavirus?
First, Hitchcock shows us how the plague fits into the Biblical scheme. To do that he takes us carefully through what the Bible reveals about the last day and compares it to what is happening today. He concludes that this is merely a foreshadowing of what is to come. Then he also explains a little bit of history so that we can put our own times in its proper place. Mixed throughout those sections, he also explains the biblical view of death, suffering, and the ultimate glory awaiting the believer.
Then there was a bit that gave me something to think about. He has an interesting interpretation of Revelation 6:8. He thinks that the wild beasts that kill so many people actually do it by spreading diseases. That was new to me, and I’m not sure that I agree. To me, that method of death would be considered just as 'death' and not as death by beast. It would require a more in-depth explanation before I would think it means anything other than that beasts will kill people, but it is interesting to think about.
It ends by encouraging us to remember that we have the only eternal cure for death. With eternity in view, it asks us to consider our actions during this time and their consequences on those around us.
I found it encouraging, grounding, and refreshing. If you are in need of some cheer during these hard days, please let me recommend this book.
I received this book as a free ARC through NetGalley and Thomas Nelson--W Publishing. No favorable review was required. It was my pleasure to provide my honest opinions.
Perhaps you’ve heard speculation about whether COVID 19 was predicted in Revelation and Matthew? Should we also be worried that this is the end of the World? Should we be excited because this is a sign of Christ's return? What does it mean for a Christian? How should we live in view of Coronavirus?
First, Hitchcock shows us how the plague fits into the Biblical scheme. To do that he takes us carefully through what the Bible reveals about the last day and compares it to what is happening today. He concludes that this is merely a foreshadowing of what is to come. Then he also explains a little bit of history so that we can put our own times in its proper place. Mixed throughout those sections, he also explains the biblical view of death, suffering, and the ultimate glory awaiting the believer.
Then there was a bit that gave me something to think about. He has an interesting interpretation of Revelation 6:8. He thinks that the wild beasts that kill so many people actually do it by spreading diseases. That was new to me, and I’m not sure that I agree. To me, that method of death would be considered just as 'death' and not as death by beast. It would require a more in-depth explanation before I would think it means anything other than that beasts will kill people, but it is interesting to think about.
It ends by encouraging us to remember that we have the only eternal cure for death. With eternity in view, it asks us to consider our actions during this time and their consequences on those around us.
I found it encouraging, grounding, and refreshing. If you are in need of some cheer during these hard days, please let me recommend this book.
I received this book as a free ARC through NetGalley and Thomas Nelson--W Publishing. No favorable review was required. It was my pleasure to provide my honest opinions.
June 9, 2020
Mark Hitchcock’s newest book Corona Crisis is a very timely read, well-researched from a clinical, historical viewpoint and a Christian one as well. Covid-19 is reshaping interactions between all humans in every relationship in way most of us have never anticipated. In such a short span of time the entire world has been affected in long-term devastating ways. Overburdened healthcare workers are not able to go home for fear of infecting their own families. Businesses shut down overnight with little or no unemployment benefits for workers, food pantries running out of supplies to help; when do the dominoes stop falling? Through careful overview, Hitchcock gives hope and direction with honesty from God’s word. The book is an excellent read for anyone looking for answers in this uncertain time, beginning with a history of pandemics and comparisons of what the human race has already survived.
August 31, 2020
Ever wonder if the COVID 19 is one of the plagues/pestilence of the last days that Jesus spoke of? This neat little book will answer many questions about where Coronavirus (and the constant drumbeat that the media has sounded) fits in prophecy. This writer is a Baptist pastor and college professor. He believes in a pre-trib rapture, so his timeline is skewed accordingly. Still a valuable read for Christians who believe in one final rapture at the end of the seven year period--and especially for non-Christians or cultural Christians who don't know much about the faith they claim as their own. In many ways, I pray Pastor Hitchcock is right about the pre-trib rapture--no one would want to go through the hell on earth that is coming, but whatever happens, I know I'm walking beside Jesus. Psalm 91 gives me a lot of comfort and this book will reinforce the promises of God in your life. Recommend it wholeheartedly.
January 1, 2021
pg 71 "a pregnant woman does not experience labor pains until very near or shortly before delivery time."..... ?????????????????????????????????????
Okay on that note. this is what I call "a blind read". I requested this solely based on the title. I enjoy doing that time to time because I dont want to be spoiled by the summary. I want to read a book based just on the title and see how it goes. Sometimes, I have had the best read at the moment. Other times not so much. This is one of those I can take it or leave it because it is Religion/Christian Theology about Covid19. It talks about different points brought up in the bible including the four horsemen of the apocalypse. I would recommend this as a read to people who might want another perspective on theological view points and viruses and sins from a religious stand point. This is a unique book. DO NOT over think this book while reading it. Just read it from another point of view.
Okay on that note. this is what I call "a blind read". I requested this solely based on the title. I enjoy doing that time to time because I dont want to be spoiled by the summary. I want to read a book based just on the title and see how it goes. Sometimes, I have had the best read at the moment. Other times not so much. This is one of those I can take it or leave it because it is Religion/Christian Theology about Covid19. It talks about different points brought up in the bible including the four horsemen of the apocalypse. I would recommend this as a read to people who might want another perspective on theological view points and viruses and sins from a religious stand point. This is a unique book. DO NOT over think this book while reading it. Just read it from another point of view.
August 6, 2020
You never know what you are getting into when a book has the world apocalypse on the front. But this was honestly, a very even keeled and well balanced look at what is going on now and the end times.
The author does a great job of not putting fear in the reader and just presenting facts as he knows them. The Word is heavily relied on and he turned to many other pastors for their perspective too.
If you are looking for a bit more insight into the pandemic we are currently in you might find this an interesting read, I did.
A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are
The author does a great job of not putting fear in the reader and just presenting facts as he knows them. The Word is heavily relied on and he turned to many other pastors for their perspective too.
If you are looking for a bit more insight into the pandemic we are currently in you might find this an interesting read, I did.
A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are
July 6, 2020
I was given a copy of this bookto review
I had expected to see the book to show how GOD sent covid19 in relation to Revolations. Instaed, the author shows how covid is a weaker verison of what has spoke of in the bible.
The book explains how the plagues in the bible will act in the same manner as covid and that covid is a waring of what is to come. The book was esy to read and understandwhat the author had explained.
I had expected to see the book to show how GOD sent covid19 in relation to Revolations. Instaed, the author shows how covid is a weaker verison of what has spoke of in the bible.
The book explains how the plagues in the bible will act in the same manner as covid and that covid is a waring of what is to come. The book was esy to read and understandwhat the author had explained.
May 26, 2021
This was not what I was expecting when I bought it. The first one-third of the book is good. The author explains the different end times theories and makes a good case for why the coronavirus is not definitively a judgment from God as an end times judgment like we think. The last two-thirds of the book was pretty slow moving, a lot of repetition from the previous pages. It's not a book I would pick up and read again.
January 19, 2022
I don't think this is a bad book. Not this is the reason I gave it only two stars. It is only that I actually expected something completely different from the book. It kept me curious, though, despite the fact that it is written in a differen key than I was hoping to find.
June 15, 2020
Nothing earth-shattering....just a reminder that this virus is a foreshadow of things to come, not the actual plague listed in Revelations.
June 27, 2021
A fantastic book!
I really enjoyed this book. He talks a lot of common sense. Directly related to the Bible. Puts the whole situation into perspective.
I really enjoyed this book. He talks a lot of common sense. Directly related to the Bible. Puts the whole situation into perspective.
January 19, 2023
This was an excellent book. Fairly short as well.
December 30, 2020
This book takes a biblical look at the coronavirus pandemic. Some wonder if it's a sign of the end times. This author takes us on an exploration of this topic.
March 16, 2021
Interesting book. Learned a few things. Kept me engaged.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews