Mrs. Ruth Smith
May I share with you how transformative a providential view of history can be —a perspective that sees history as influenced and directed by God’s hand.
To start, let’s define our terms. Webster’s definition of history is “an account of facts, particularly of facts respecting nations or states… a narration of events in the order in which they happened, with their cause and effect.” This definition is distinctive, especially that last phrase, “with their cause and effect,” which highlights the interconnectivity of events.
Reverend Foljambe’s View of History
Reverend Foljambe, in his 1876 sermon, “The Hand of God in American History,” offered a profound view. He described history as “the biography of communities” and, in a deeper sense, as the “autobiography of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will.”
History, from this perspective, is God’s story—His purposeful timing of events, according to His will.
Different Views on History
Many approaches to history exist, including economic, cyclical, and conspiratorial views. However, we focus on the providential approach, defined by Webster as “the care and superintendence which God exercises over His creation.” This is further seen in the idea of God as “Providence,” sustaining the universe and guiding events.
Historically, some have accepted the idea of creation while denying God’s ongoing involvement—a view known as Deism. However, a providential view sees God not only as Creator but as active in sustaining and guiding history.
Biblical Examples of Providence
To explore the Biblical foundation of a providential view, let’s examine some key verses:
- Proverbs 8:15-16 – “By me kings reign, and princes decree justice… by me princes rule.”
- Daniel 2:20-21 – “He removes kings and sets up kings…”
- Daniel 5:20-21 – The story of Nebuchadnezzar, who was humbled by God until he acknowledged, “the most high God rules in the kingdom of men.”
These verses show that God is the One who holds power, who directs events. While some rulers, like Nero or Hitler, challenge this view, they serve as examples of how God’s plan may include even difficult or evil leaders, as He works His purpose through all circumstances.
The Rise and Fall of Nations
In Jeremiah 18, God compares Israel to clay in the hands of a potter, explaining that a nation’s future depends on its obedience to Him. Nations rise or fall based on their adherence to God’s commands, as seen with Israel’s repeated cycles of blessing and captivity. This pattern suggests that as nations stray from or embrace Biblical principles, they experience either blessing or judgment.
The Timeline of Christian History
To further illustrate a providential view, let’s consider the timeline of Christian history:
- Creation (4004 BC) – Using Ussher’s chronology, we start with the creation, leading up to the pivotal arrival of Christ.
- Old Testament vs. New Testament Government– In the Old Testament, government was largely external, through prophets, priests, and kings. With Christ’s coming and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, individuals were empowered for internal self-government.
- Liberty After the Cross – Through Christ, believers received more freedom, showing that true liberty comes from within, aligned with God’s laws.
Key Events in Christian History
- Wycliffe’s Translation of the Bible (1382)
John Wycliffe translated the Bible into English, emphasizing the need for Scripture to be accessible to everyone. His followers, known as Lollards, spread the word of God, despite the lack of printed materials and widespread illiteracy. - Columbus Discovers America (1492)
Columbus’ discovery opened the New World, though not the North American continent specifically. In God’s timing, America was kept for the English, who valued the Bible and would establish a Christian foundation here. - Henry VIII Breaks from the Roman Church (1509)
Henry VIII separated from the Roman Church, creating the Church of England. Though his motives were largely political, this shift enabled the spread of the Bible and led to future translations. - Tyndale’s Bible (1526)
William Tyndale translated the Bible from original languages, making it more accurate and accessible. Though persecuted, his work spread God’s Word, ultimately approved by Henry VIII after Tyndale’s death. - The Geneva Bible (1559)
With the printing press, the Geneva Bible became the Bible of the English-speaking world. It was smaller, easier to read, and divided into chapters and verses, aiding personal study. - King James Bible (1611)
Ordered by King James as a way to appease Puritans, the King James Bible would shape the future of Christian civil government. Shortly after, the Pilgrims—who were Separatists, not Puritans—left for America to practice their faith freely. - Mayflower Compact (1620)
Without a formal government, the Pilgrims created the Mayflower Compact, establishing the first voluntary, Christian-based civil government in the New World. This document laid the foundation for American self-government.
The Influence of the Bible on Church and Civil Government
Verna Hall stated, “The history of the Bible in the hands of the individual is the history of Christian civil government.” As we trace the timeline, we see the church’s structure influence civil government. When the church follows Biblical principles, so does the nation, and when the church strays, so does the state.
Today, understanding a providential view reminds us to evaluate our church government. Is our church promoting Biblical principles that can shape our civil government?
A providential view of history is a call to discern the influence of God’s hand in the past, present, and future of nations.
To learn more about a Providential View of History, Pilgrim Institute recommends: The Mighty Works of God, a Providential History series for children.
