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 my own.

I don't assign very many five-star ratings, but i did in this case because not only is this book well written, but Mr. Hitchcock presents himself as a writer and student of the Bible, not an alarmist. Anyone who is interested in the end times would enjoy this book.

While I learned a good bit from the author’s perspective (evangelical Christian) this is not a title I would find useful with the groups I teach. Not a critique of his beliefs but just not a work I can use in my settings.

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."

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.

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.

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.