Views of History

The evolutionary view of history requires us to assume that the present and the modern is necessarily superior to the past. This view assumes that we are moving away from the primitive, the old fashion and the outdated ways of yesterday and forging new frontiers toward a glorious future. Since it has no real notion of where it's headed, this model has little respect for history and yet views itself as always superior to what has gone before.


The biblical view of history is radically different. It sets before us a superior beginning for man—born in Paradise—in knowledge, righteousness and holiness, with dominion over the creatures. Sin interrupted and corrupted this mature order and sent it headlong into decline. Ever since, history has been the unfolding of God's plan to redeem His fallen creatures and their fallen world. Therefore, the Bible teaches us that we can learn much from what has gone before us: how God's mighty acts have always overcome the pitiful acts of sinful men―even the evil acts of powerful men and nations―in order to accomplish the victory of His redemptive work.


There is a hybrid view of history that is prevalent in the modern church. Like the evolutionary view it disdains the past as irrelevant while adopting the biblical view of a corrupt and fallen world. However, it has no concept of victory. The forces of evil will ultimately prevail in this world. It has little respect for the past and therefore, it has no vision for the future. It cannot see beyond the moment.


What the world believes is constantly changing. What Christians believe is never changing. Therefore, the world discards the past, while biblical Christianity embraces it. When we believe God, it changes everything. The demons believe and they tremble. When we believe—when we have genuine faith in God—then no obstacle is too great; we overcome; we already have the victory. "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever" (Rev. 11:15).