The role of China in biblical end times prophecy is a topic of much discussion and speculation among Christians. The Bible does not specifically mention China, but some believe that certain prophecies could point to China’s prominence in the end times. Here is an overview of the main biblical arguments regarding China’s potential role:
The Kings of the East
In Revelation 16:12, it says “The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings from the East.” Some speculate that this could refer to China leading other Eastern nations in an end times scenario. The drying up of the Euphrates river could represent the removal of a barrier, allowing these Eastern armies to cross into the Middle East.
The 200 Million Man Army
Revelation 9:16 describes an army of 200 million mounted troops: “The number of the mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand. I heard their number.” China currently has the manpower to raise an army of this immense size. So some propose China could lead this prophesied force, perhaps along with other Eastern nations.
China’s Emergence as a World Power
In recent decades, China has rapidly emerged as a major economic and military power on the world stage. Its influence now reaches across the globe. Some view this as positioning China to play a key role in end times events. They argue China may act as a counterbalance to Western powers, or even supersede them.
The Magog Alliance
Ezekiel 38-39 describes an end times alliance led by Gog of Magog that will invade Israel. Some speculate that Magog could represent China. However, most mainstream scholars equate Magog with Russia. But China could still be part of this alliance, along with Iran and several Muslim nations.
Babylon the Great
In Revelation 17-18, Babylon the Great represents an end times city that’s materialistically wealthy but spiritually wicked and destined for destruction. Some speculate this could symbolize Shanghai, China’s glittering but godless commercial capital. However, most experts see Babylon as a revived Roman Empire ruled by the Antichrist.
The 144,000 Evangelists
Revelation 7 and 14 describe 144,000 Jewish evangelists who preach the gospel worldwide. Since they come “from every nation,” some posit that many could come from China, which may indicate an important end times role. But the 144,000 are explicitly Jewish, so these evangelists would come from the relatively small Chinese Jewish population.
While the Bible does not mention China specifically, several prophecies about the end times could allow for the interpretation that China will play a significant role. However, the passages are vague and open to debate. We cannot state definitively that China will be a major end times player based on Scripture alone. But its emergence as a global force may position China to be involved in some capacity.
The Bible warns that no one knows the day or hour when end times events will occur (Matthew 24:36). Only time will reveal how and to what extent China may participate. Christians should focus on spreading the gospel faithfully, rather than speculating. According to Scripture, God is sovereign over all nations and rulers (Daniel 2:21). So believers can trust His plan will unfold however He sees fit.
Biblical Stances Toward China and Other Nations
When assessing China’s potential role in end times prophecy, Christians should be careful to avoid fueling speculative hysteria or singling out nations for condemnation. Scripture calls us to pray for the peace of all cities and nations, including our enemies (Jeremiah 29:7; 1 Timothy 2:1-2). We are to love our neighbors as ourselves, regardless of race, ethnicity, or nationality (Luke 10:27).
Rather than viewing China solely through an end times lens, we should see the Chinese people as individuals loved by God and in need of the gospel (Acts 17:26-27). Jesus commanded us to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19), so believers should focus on reaching Chinese people with God’s love and truth.
God’s end times purposes are unfolded in His perfect timing. China’s global ascent may play into that, or may not. Either way, Christians are called to share Christ with humility, grace and hope until He returns.
Examples of Chinese Figures in the Bible
Though the Bible does not specifically mention China, there are a few individuals from the region we now know as China described in Scripture:
The Magi/Wise Men
The Magi described in Matthew 2:1-12 who came to honor Jesus were likely from China or Persia. According to tradition, one of the wise men was from China. This shows that Chinese people sought Jesus from the time of His birth.
The Eunuch from Ethiopia
In Acts 8:26-40, Philip encounters an Ethiopian eunuch reading Scripture in his chariot. Eunuchs in those days often served as court officials. He may have lived in Ethiopia but originated from China, demonstrating an early Asian seeker of biblical truth.
Nicolas from Antioch
Acts 6:5 mentions Nicolas, a convert to Christianity from Antioch who became one of the first seven deacons. Some traditions hold that Nicolas was originally from China or had business dealings there prior to coming to Antioch in Syria.
While anecdotal, these passages suggest there was a spiritual hunger for biblical truth among certain Asian peoples from the earliest days of the faith. This is seen in Chinese believers and seekers today as well.
Case Studies in Chinese End Times Thought
There is diversity among Christians in China regarding perspectives on the end times. Here are a few examples:
Watchman Nee
Watchman Nee was an influential Chinese church leader in the early 20th century. Nee saw China and other nations as part of the endtime battle between Satan’s dominion and Christ’s kingdom. But he focused less on prophecy and more on victorious Christian living amid hardship.
The Three-Self Church
Many registered Three-Self churches in China avoid end times topics entirely. They steer clear of controversial subjects under government oversight. Instead they emphasize moral living, theological basics and spiritual devotion.
Underground Churches
Some unregistered “house churches” in China actively study end times prophecy. Seeing the world embroiled in sin, wars and natural disasters, they view Christ’s return as imminent. This energizes evangelism efforts despite persecution.
Chinese Missionaries
As China has sent thousands of missionaries abroad in recent years, these men and women have brought diverse eschatological views with them. But their primary focus is planting churches and converting souls rather than speculation about endtime geopolitics.
This range of perspectives shows that Chinese Christians embrace a variety of stances when it comes to end times matters and the nation’s role. Yet across these views, there is consistent passion for advancing the gospel and God’s kingdom priorities.
Historical Background on Christianity in China
Examining how Christianity has developed in China provides helpful context for assessing the nation’s role in biblical prophecy.
The Nestorians
The Nestorian form of Christianity first reached China around 635 AD during the Tang Dynasty. The Nestorians translated scriptures into Chinese and built places of worship, evidence of an early Asian church presence.
The Catholics
In the 13th century, the first Catholic missionaries reached China under Marco Polo. Catholicism made modest inroads for a time, though never exceeded an estimated 1 million adherents.
The Jesuits
Jesuit missionaries like Matteo Ricci arrived in China in the late 16th century. Adaptive to Chinese culture, Jesuit converts numbered in the hundreds of thousands until Rites Controversies led to their expulsion.
Protestant Missionaries
Following the First Opium War in 1842, Protestant missionaries began entering China in earnest. This includes famed figures like James Hudson Taylor, founder of China Inland Mission.
Chinese Government Persecution
After the Communist Revolution in 1949, China expelled missionaries and repressed organized religion. Churches went underground while public state-run churches were monitored.
Modern Revival
Since the 1980s, Christianity has seen explosive growth in China, with an estimated 67 million to 100 million Chinese Christians today. House churches proliferate along with state-sanctioned Three-Self congregations.
This historical overview provides important context. Christianity in China has endured cycles of fruitfulness, decline, repression and revival over centuries, reflecting the complex role of religion under changing rulers. This backdrop factors into assessments of China’s role in Christian end times events.
Potential End Times Roles for China Based on Biblical Principles
Rather than relying solely on speculation, we can evaluate potential end times roles for China in light of biblical principles:
A Major Force in the World
China’s status as a prominent global power could position it prominently in end times events. Scripture warns that nations will be in turmoil prior to Christ’s return (Matthew 24:7). As a key world player, China will exert influence amid this unrest.
A Trading Partner of Many Nations
China has become a vital trade hub connecting the global economy. Revelation 18 depicts end times economic interdependence led by Babylon. As a major commercial nexus, China may enable this materialistic system.
A Gateway for the Gospel
With ongoing church growth and overtures of openness, China could become a launchpad for spreading the gospel globally before Christ returns. Biblically, the end will come only after worldwide evangelism occurs (Matthew 24:14).
An Influx of Deception
Matthew 24 warns of end times false prophets and messiahs deceiving many. China’s spiritual openness amid rampant materialism could make it vulnerable to mass deception. Antichrists may exploit its spiritual seeking to lead believers astray.
A Refuge in Tribulation
Revelation predicts a great tribulation coming on the earth. China’s relative isolation from geopolitics due to its atheistic government could potentially allow it to escape some of the global turmoil or even provide refuge.
Rather than speculation, interpreting China’s role in light of biblical truths allows for diverse possibilities. The key is that God remains sovereign over all earthly kingdoms.
Key Bible Passages About China and the End Times
Here are some key Bible verses that provide perspective on China’s potential place in end times events:
1. Revelation 7:9-10
“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'”
This reminds us that God will redeem people from every nation, including China. So its role is secondary to global gospel impact.
2. Matthew 24:36
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.”
This verse instructs that no one can know the details surrounding Christ’s return, cautioning us against dogmatism about China or other nations.
3. Acts 1:7-8
“He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’”
Rather than speculate, we are called to spread the gospel to the world, including a rapidly evangelizing China.
These key passages call us to humility about the end times while also spurring global evangelistic efforts. This is the spirit with which we must approach China’s potential eschatological position.
How Should Christians Approach China’s Role in the End Times?
When assessing this important topic, the following perspectives are wise for believers to embrace:
Avoid Sensational Speculation
Details about end times events belong to God alone. We should avoid careless conjecture about China or any nation based on controversial interpretations. Our focus should be sharing the gospel.
Remain Open to Multiple Scenarios
Rather than fixating on one possible end times scenario, we should acknowledge China could play various roles, from ally to adversary to bystander. Only God knows the future.
Balance Caution With Vigilance
While avoiding alarmism, adopting a studied, prayerful, and discerning stance toward China’s ambitions is prudent. Its policies could impact religious freedom, economics, and other spheres.
Reflect God’s Global Vision
China is just one nation among many in God’s redemptive plan. Seeking to understand and reach Chinese people is wise, but our outlook should remain worldwide in scope.
Focus on Evangelism and Discipleship
Speculating about China’s role in Armageddon distracts from the urgent work of spreading the gospel there and equipping Chinese believers in their faith, as Scripture instructs.
In summary, Christians are called to global, gospel-centric vision and prudent insight balanced with humility regarding details about end times events. China deserves thoughtful biblical assessment rather than being seen only through an eschatological lens.
Conclusion
The Bible does not definitively reveal China’s end times position. But in God’s providence, China has emerged as an influential player on the world stage that could align with several end times scenarios. Rather than engaging in speculation, Christians should pray for Chinese people to find salvation in Jesus. While we cannot know how prophecy will unfold, our priority should be proclaiming the gospel until Christ returns.