The Bible speaks of many signs that will appear in the last days, and among them are widespread diseases and plagues. These are not only physical warnings but also spiritual calls to repentance and readiness. God desires His people to be watchful, prayerful, and steadfast, even as the world faces trials and tribulations. The following sections explore different biblical themes related to disease in the last days, offering both warnings and hope from Scripture.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Natural Immunity
Diseases as Signs of the End Times
Throughout the Bible, especially in the teachings of Jesus and prophetic books, disease is mentioned as one of the indicators of the end times. These afflictions serve as signs to awaken the world to God’s truth. While the world may panic in fear, the believer is reminded to remain firm in faith and understand that such events are part of God’s sovereign plan leading to the return of Christ.
Luke 21:11
“There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.”
Matthew 24:7
“Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world.”
Revelation 6:8
“I looked up and saw a horse whose color was pale green. Its rider was named Death, and his companion was the Grave. These two were given authority over one-fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword and famine and disease and wild animals.”
Ezekiel 14:21
“Now this is what the Sovereign Lord says: How terrible it will be when all four of these dreadful punishments fall upon Jerusalem—war, famine, wild animals, and disease—destroying all her people and animals.”
2 Chronicles 7:13
“At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you.”
Diseases as a Call to Repentance
In Scripture, diseases are sometimes used as a means to bring people back to God. When people stray from righteousness, God allows hardships to wake them up spiritually. Plagues can be a call to examine our hearts, turn from sin, and return to the Lord. His goal is not destruction but redemption. He lovingly calls His children to repent so they can be healed spiritually and physically.
2 Chronicles 7:14
“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”
Joel 2:12-13
“That is why the Lord says, ‘Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.'”
Jeremiah 3:22
“My wayward children,” says the Lord, “come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts.””
Hosea 6:1
“Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces; now he will heal us. He has injured us; now he will bandage our wounds.”
Revelation 9:20
“But the people who did not die in these plagues still refused to repent of their evil deeds and turn to God.”
The Faithful Are Not Without Hope
Even in the face of disease and disaster, God gives hope to His people. He promises healing, peace, and eternal life to those who remain faithful. The righteous may experience suffering, but they are never abandoned. God uses even sickness to work out His greater plan and bring His children closer to Him. In every season, God remains our healer and protector.
Psalm 91:6-7
“Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.”
Isaiah 41:10
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.”
James 5:15
“Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.”
Jeremiah 30:17
“I will give you back your health and heal your wounds,” says the Lord.”
Exodus 15:26
“If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his sight… then I will not make you suffer any of the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the Lord who heals you.”
Judgment Upon the Unrepentant
The Bible reveals that diseases and plagues can be part of God’s judgment upon those who continually rebel against Him. These are not random events, but divine responses to wickedness and pride. Even in His justice, God gives ample time and warning for repentance. When people reject His mercy and persist in sin, they bring judgment upon themselves. These warnings are meant to stir fear of the Lord and obedience to His Word.
Leviticus 26:21
“If you remain hostile toward me and refuse to obey me, I will multiply your afflictions seven times over, as your sins deserve.”
Deuteronomy 28:22
“The Lord will strike you with wasting diseases, fever, and inflammation, with scorching heat and drought, and with blight and mildew.”
Revelation 16:2
“So the first angel left the Temple and poured out his bowl on the earth, and horrible, malignant sores broke out on everyone who had the mark of the beast.”
Amos 4:10
“I sent plagues on you like the plagues I sent on Egypt long ago… But still you would not return to me,” says the Lord.”
Isaiah 1:5-6
“Why do you continue to invite punishment?… Your head is injured, and your heart is sick. You are battered from head to foot—covered with bruises, welts, and infected wounds.”
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Plagues in Prophecy
The prophetic books of the Bible, especially Daniel and Revelation, speak of plagues that will come during the last days. These are not just physical ailments but spiritual wake-up calls. Prophecy reveals both God’s power and His plan, encouraging believers to stay alert, pure, and devoted. As we see these things happening, we are not to fear but to look up, knowing our redemption draws near.
Daniel 12:1
“There will be a time of anguish greater than any since nations first came into existence. But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued.”
Revelation 11:6
“They have power to shut the sky so that no rain will fall… and they have the power to turn the rivers and oceans into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague.”
Revelation 15:1
“Then I saw in heaven another marvelous event of great significance. Seven angels were holding the seven last plagues, which would bring God’s wrath to completion.”
Revelation 18:8
“Therefore, these plagues will overtake her in a single day—death and mourning and famine. She will be completely consumed by fire, for the Lord God who judges her is mighty.”
Zechariah 14:12
“And the Lord will send a plague on all the nations that fought against Jerusalem. Their people will become like walking corpses.”
Jesus Is Our Ultimate Healer
In the midst of disease, fear, and turmoil, Jesus remains our hope and healer. He has the power to cleanse, restore, and give eternal life. His sacrifice on the cross made way for our ultimate healing—both spiritual and physical. In the last days, when plagues and pestilence rise, we look to Him as our refuge and strength. He alone holds the keys to life and death, and He invites all to come to Him for rest and renewal.
Matthew 8:17
“This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said, ‘He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases.'”
1 Peter 2:24
“He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.”
Psalm 103:3
“He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.”
Jeremiah 17:14
“O Lord, if you heal me, I will be truly healed; if you save me, I will be truly saved. My praises are for you alone!”
Malachi 4:2
“But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings.”
God’s Protection Amid Widespread Disease
Even in times of pestilence and plague, God offers His divine protection to those who trust in Him. While the world may be overtaken by fear, believers are called to dwell in the shelter of the Most High. God promises that His faithful ones will not be overcome by the dangers that surround them. Though diseases may come, they will not destroy the soul of the one who abides in Him. This final section reminds us that God’s presence is our peace, our covering, and our shield through every storm.
Psalm 91:3
“For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.”
Proverbs 18:10
“The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.”
Exodus 12:13
“But the blood on your doorposts will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you.”
Isaiah 26:20
“Go home, my people, and lock your doors! Hide yourselves for a little while until the Lord’s anger has passed.”
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”