On the Wrong Side of History

A certain idiomatic expression has seen a lot of usage in recent years. When society considers a person’s stance or viewpoint to be behind the times or out of date, they are described as being, “on the wrong side of history.” Similarly, attacks are levied with words such as, “history will judge…” This phrasing has been employed frequently on issues such as sexual orientation, homosexual marriage, and transgenderism (to name only a few). It has been used by politicians and activists to paint their opponents as being out of touch with modern thinking. This fearsome label can only be avoided by public figures who are willing to demonstrate sufficient progressivism.

 

The meaning of this phrase seems to point toward a time where there will exist total uniformity of thought. It arrogantly asserts that although multiple viewpoints exist in the present, in the future there will be only one position. And that history, when it eventually reports on our present, will denounce the foolishness of all dissenting opinions (so abandon them now). Simply stated, the argument is, “one day everyone will see it my way.” Realize we have better resources at our disposal than relying on a majority which does not yet and may never exist. It is impossible for mankind to speak with absolute certainty concerning the future unless we declare those things which our God has revealed to us.

When Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, he described Jesus as the highly exalted one that has been given the name above every name— “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Php. 2:9-11). 

 

When Peter wrote to Christians concerning judgment to come, he noted the sad state of the sinner— “For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now ‘if the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?’” (1 Pet. 4:17-18).

 

When Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica, he revealed the coming punishment for those who do not obey the gospel— “when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thess. 1:7-8).

 

Despite mankind’s differing views on Jesus and His doctrine now, we can know for certain that once Christ returns there will be total uniformity of thought. All will know He is Lord, but for many it will be sadly too late. It could rightly be said that the person today who refuses to submit to Christ’s authority is on the wrong side of history. May we always strive to be aligned with God!