Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Christians and coronavirus vaccine: How vital is Christian conduct when it comes to reacting to the Coronavirus Pandemic? The world has been grappling with the Coronavirus pandemic for several years. The weariness of wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and enduring COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns is palpable. However, it’s important to remember that we are not fighting the virus alone, for God is with us. Our shared Christian conduct is crucial in our collective effort to overcome this virus. So, the question remains: Should Christians accept or refuse the COVID-19 vaccine?
Coronavirus fatigue has led to reckless behaviors and a peak in COVID-19 cases. However, just because we want the virus to go away does not mean it will simply disappear. Roughly 36 percent of all Protestants say they will not get the coronavirus vaccine. But why do so many Christians refuse the vaccine? Does the Bible encourage Christians to avoid the vaccine? Some say getting the vaccine would be a display of wavering faith. But the most prevalent reason many Christians refuse to get a COVID-19 vaccine is purely political. Many Christians say accepting a coronavirus vaccine would identify them with the Democratic Party.
Christian
What is a Christian? To begin with, Christians are not people who refuse the coronavirus vaccine. People do not become Christians by joining a church or performing a ritual service. Christianity begins in the heart. Christians are made up of both Jews and Gentiles. Combining the two has resulted in the creation of a new living organization known as the church. The church is not a building; it is the body of Christ. This unity in our beliefs is what binds us together as Christians. Christians believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It teaches that Jesus is the Only Begotten Son of God, born of a virgin.
A Christian believes that Jesus is the sacrificial Lamb of God, born to die in our place to suffer the penalty for our sins. Christians believe Christ was scourged for our healing. He was crucified for our iniquities. He shed His blood for the forgiveness of our sins. Christians believe Jesus rose from the grave on the third day with all power. And while we believe that God healed us by having Jesus scourged, as it relates to the coronavirus vaccine, most Christians do not oppose the vaccine.
Conduct of Believers
The Bible, our guiding light, instructs us in 1 Peter 4:10 that our primary duty as Christians is to serve each other. It is replete with verses that link Christian conduct with Christ. For instance, Matthew 5:16 urges us to let our light shine before others so that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. Refusing the coronavirus vaccine is not a requirement of Christian conduct, as the Bible does not explicitly address the topic of Christians and coronavirus. However, it is a right that anyone, including a Christian, can exercise.
Does the Bible say anything about Christians and the Coronavirus?
The Bible addresses many of life’s issues. I believe the Bible addresses the issue of whether Christians should get a Coronavirus vaccine. However, it requires a listening heart and obedience. First, Christians should not just be hearers but doers of the Word of God (James 1:22). Hearing is not the same as doing. As the apostle James informs us, we deceive ourselves if we think we are spiritual by only hearing the Word. The Bible also says:
“Every person must obey the leaders of the land, for their power is from God. All power comes from God. Anyone who does not regard the leaders of the land is working against what God has done. God punishes unrighteousness.
“Those who do right do not have to be afraid of the leaders. Those who do wrong are afraid of them. Do you want to be free from fear of them? Then do what is right, and people will respect you. Leaders are God’s servants who help you. If you do wrong, you should be afraid. They have the power to punish as they work for God. They do what God wants done to those who do wrong.
“You must obey the leaders of the land, not only to keep from God’s anger, but so your own heart will have peace. It is right for you to pay taxes because the leaders of the land are servants of God who care for these things. Pay taxes to whom taxes are to be paid. Be afraid of those you should fear. Respect those you should respect.”
Romans 13:1-7 NLV
Could refusing the coronavirus vaccine be tempting God?
“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name, they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mark 16:17-18).
Faith is not about what you can prove but what God can believe. While nothing is impossible for God, no believer should tempt God to prove their faith. God promises to protect us from harm, provided it is not intentional. If, by accident, a poisonous snake bites a Christian or a Christian accidentally consumes something that should kill them, God will protect that person.
Do not tempt God to prove your faith to an unbelieving world.
When the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil, the Bible says the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands, they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God’ (Matthew 4:5-7).” So, when the devil comes to tempt you in a conversation about Christians and the Coronavirus vaccine, don’t challenge your faith by using it as an excuse. Add to it by receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. After all, Christianity is about righteous living, not proving a point.
