'Coronavirus is a natural evil from living in a fallen world'

Flooding, such as here in Rotherham in November 2019, is a natural evil says pastor Todd Roberts

After all, doesn’t the Bible describe God judging nations or individuals? Is that what the coronavirus is?

In short, the answer is no.

However, if the coronavirus not a judgement from God, what is it? Why are we experiencing this horrible pandemic?

Pastor Todd Roberts, of Antioch Community Church, Sheffield

Generally speaking, evil and suffering come from two sources: moral evil and natural evil.

Moral evil refers to the wicked choices that people make. Our acts of violence, hatred, selfishness, and greed which always result in suffering for ourselves or others.

Natural evil refers to disasters and diseases — events for which people are not directly responsible.

It is natural evil that causes tsunamis, earthquakes, floods, as well as diseases such as cancer, birth defects, and pandemics.

The coronavirus is a natural evil. The result of living in a fallen world. But why do we experience natural evil in the first place?

Paul writes about this in Romans 8: “For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice…the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.”

Paul was saying suffering and pain wasn’t God’s original design for creation. It was the result of ‘the fall’ - where mankind chose to reject God and his ways. The Bible calls this sin, and sin contaminated everything – including nature.

So what we’re experiencing right now is the groaning and frustration of creation not functioning as intended.

So what hope is there?

Paul goes on to say that one day God will restore creation to its ‘factory settings’.

While that is a hopeful thought, it doesn’t help much with our present pain.

Lately, I’ve found one Jesus’ statements to be helpful: “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Jesus experienced what it’s like to live in this fallen world. Not only does he understand and promise to be with us in our pain, but the cross means that suffering doesn’t have the final word for us.

His death and resurrection mean we can have hope and peace in the midst of any storm.