Divine Retribution In China? (Matthew 24:6-8)

In the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck China, not only were lives lost but spirits were shaken as well. As one news source reported, the latest event has been seen by many to be the result of “divine retribution” for the social and political calamities that have plagued China in the past months. Along with this view many have resorted to superstitious ideas to explain the reason for their misfortunes.

It is unfortunate that this is the first picture of God people get in the aftermath of such a tragic event. The idea of an angry God bent on destruction has done much disservice to the God of Scripture. Here are some Biblical reasons to consider whether to determine if this case in China was indeed divine retribution or not.

Although the Bible does give account of God’s judgments they are always given with ample warning. God never brings sudden and swift destruction unless He first sends His messengers and mediators to reveal the reasons for judgment. Sodom and Gomorrah had their mediator through Abraham, Babylon was given a message from Daniel, Nineveh had its prophet Jonah, Israel had its countless prophets and judges, and in our day God has His Bible believing messengers as well. So the first thing to consider is whether a warning was given by a godly messenger.

God’s judgments are pronounced on matters of worship rendered. In the Old Testament as well as in the New Testament God pronounces judgment on those who have failed to render worship to Him as the Creator God. The judgments that came upon Israel and Babylon, for example, were a result of having departed from a system of worship that acknowledged God as the Creator and Sustainer of mankind. Both Israel and Babylon at one time had leaders in place that recognized a God whose dominion was over theirs and were subject to His ways (Daniel 4: 37). It was only when they departed from that knowledge that God declared His judgment (Daniel 5:18-28). Second thing to consider is whether what happened in China was over a matter of worship.

Earthquakes, wars, famines, have all been predicted in the Scriptures as “the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:8). Jesus encourages us to not be troubled for all these things must come to pass (Matthew 24:6). If Jesus, who taught that the kingdom of heaven is like a net that gathers together both the good and bad until an appointed time (judgment) (Matthew 13:47-50), is saying to not be troubled for these things are not the end, then we should know that what happened is China is sorrowful, not a result of God’s judgment.

Never was divine retribution a result of social and political calamity nor was it ever unannounced. God is aware of the struggles that plague human society and bears with those struggles until they are destructive to the relationship between Him and His created beings. What transpired in China should grieve our hearts along with those who are suffering loss. God’s final judgment has not yet taken place. This is not the time to be talking of divine retribution. God wants his people to comfort those who are experiencing tragedy and wants them to know that He cares.