by Dr. Dwight David Croy
Perhaps it is the theologian in me that desires to write historical fiction. I do not want to go far away from the truth and principles in the unchanging, eternal Word of God. “The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8; 1 Peter 1:24–25). Historical fiction makes me dig into the details of Bible history and makes me smell, taste, feel, hear, and see things in detail. This kind of study helps me understand clearly and preach better the truth of God’s Word. My heart is thankful for the many people who write fiction with this kind of unwavering faith in God’s personal written Word to us. Fiction without a Christian worldview is vanity. Among my theology books, I value those written works that help flesh out how it may have been in biblical times.
My doctrine of sin (Romans 3:23) tells me we are in corruptible bodies and are in continual decline. This is very contrary to today’s worldview: we are evolving to a better future. Jesus said, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:3). This “better” place is a place of perfect righteousness. Meanwhile, He is doing it: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over” (Psalm 23:5). It is a reassuring truth that Jesus is “preparing a place” for us in the eternal. We are “ambassadors” (II Corinthians 5:20) of the person of Jesus Christ, not of a future place that we have not dwelt in yet. As biblical historical fiction writers, we try to flesh out what has happened in our world to understand our God and what may be ahead.
It gave me no pleasure to see people drink in my opinions if they seemed ignorant of Jesus Christ and the value of being saved by Him. Sound conviction for sin, especially the sin of unbelief, and a heart set on fire to be saved by Christ, with a strong yearning for a truly sanctified soul-this was what delighted me; those were the souls I considered blessed. ~ John Bunyan
As a young Christian, I read Scripture to understand the mansions, streets of gold, and lack of tears. But our future is more than that. “Preparing” was understood by David as God, who is in complete control, doing actions that would help us understand the future and eternity. Preparing is being done in a sinful and depraved world. Preparing by Jesus Christ is beyond the thinking of sinful people. This is proven as Jesus lives a perfect life, is tempted by Satan, teaches parables, does Messianic miracles, shows us the transfiguration, goes to the cross, sends the Holy Spirit, and what is ahead? I have clues, but I see through a glass darkly (I Corinthians 13:12).
God unfolds who He is in front of enemies, ignorant people, disciples who walk step by step, religious people, pastors, priests, cult leaders, government officials, the powerful, the powerless, influencers, life coaches, etc. All do not have a clue about our transcendent God, who will in His time reveal all. Perhaps a better word for Christian fiction writers is “manifold” (I Peter 4:10). We restructure the unfolding revelation of God to help people gain a better understanding of our Yahweh. If you have walked some distance with Jesus Christ, you have experienced the truth (preparing) of what I am telling you (Psalm 139:5).
Dr. Dwight David Croy, US Army Chaplain Retired, DMIN George Fox Evangelical Seminary in Spiritual Leadership and Formation, MDIV Denver Seminary with an emphasis in Christian Education, BRE Multnomah University is a Pastor, Teacher, an Author of “God’s Focus on the Fatherless;” “God’s Gracious Killer;” and “God’s Illuminating Blindness;” contributes to the body of Christ by writing, teaching, and speaking to promote Jesus Christ our one and only Savior. Learn more about Dr. Croy and his works on his website.