WWHYD?
What Would You Have Done?
April, 2024
What would you have done (WWYHD) is a question sometimes inspired by media about historical events. Do we watch Schindler's List and vow we'd have resisted the Nazis if we were German? Or imagine our heroic battle charge when viewing Saving Private Ryan? Maybe we scoff at the casual racism in Hidden Figures, sure that we'd have been different if born into that same culture. Even with scenarios like The Crucible, Glory, or Lincoln, we usually assume we'd act like the "good people." Bad guys think like the people of their era, while heroes think like the writer…and the audience.
Every culture critiques prior generations. They do this with the benefit of hindsight and safe detachment from those dilemmas. Future generations will judge the way we've handled our time. They'll pat themselves on the back, convinced they would have held their perspective even if born back in time. That may be the case for some. Perhaps they'd have stood out from their peers. But most people take on the same ethical views as everyone around them. And when they don't, most lack the guts to speak up, even when the stakes are low.
More impactful is when we apply the same thought experiment to The Passion of the Christ, The Chosen, Risen, or similar works. More to the point, what would you have done (WWYHD) if confronted with Jesus during His earthly ministry? We can never claim a firm answer. In C. S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia series, the lion Aslan is Jesus Christ in a different universe. Whenever asked, Aslan always replies that no one gets to know what "would have happened." I sympathize with the characters asking those questions. The thought is challenging for me, as well.
Three points to keep in mind. First, despite the temptation to sneer at others, we're capable of any sin (1 Corinthians 10:13). That includes unbelief. Second, no one is immune to the influence of our native culture (Exodus 34:6–7). People in biblical accounts weren't looking at those events like modern theologians, but as people of their era. Third, God knew us before we were even conceived (Jeremiah 1:5) and chose to place us here and now. At the very least, He's blessed us by providing extensive history for our benefit.
Paul notes that all Christians are equal in that we're all saved from our own sin (Ephesians 2:1–5). The details of our sin might be different (1 Corinthians 6:9–11) but they were enough to mark us as sinners (Romans 3:10¬–12, 23). Until we're glorified with Christ in eternity (1 John 3:2), we'll be subject to sins and mistakes (1 John 1:10). It's entirely possible that we'd have reacted differently to God's call in different circumstances (Luke 10:13). Part of God's providence and mercy comes in what He's chosen for our life experiences (Titus 1:1–3). "There, but by the grace of God, go I" isn't a literal Bible quote, but it's a very biblical idea (1 Corinthians 15:10).
There's a complicated relationship between God's sovereignty, our free will, and salvation. For me, those ideas come together in exactly this question: what would I have done if I were there? Would I have rejected Christ? Wouldn't that still have been my choice to make? Would I have believed no matter where or when I was born? What does it mean that God chose to place me where I have such an abundance of evidence? Does that mean I wouldn't have come to faith without all that? What does that mean about how "faithful" I really am (Mark 9:24)?
My conclusion is terrifying and comforting all at once. Jesus used the "what if" idea to rebuke resistant people (Matthew 11:21–22). If it took my life's experiences to drag me into saving faith, I can only imagine what "would have" happened in some other time. What if God didn't extend grace and providence by placing me here and now (Romans 9:21–24)? It's horrifying to think, but I likely would have done exactly what most people did: write Jesus off as a troublemaking magician. My current belief is sincere—I have no doubt that the gospel is true—but I don't have omnipotent control over my biases or perspectives. I find it unlikely that I would have taken that leap as a first-century Israelite who knew nothing of what was to come.
But it's also comforting to realize that God did place me here and now: after the resurrection and all the advancements in knowledge which confirm Scripture. He knew I'd accept Him as Savior with the evidence and experiences I have. That's part of how He sympathizes and cares for our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15–16). Abraham had virtually no history to cling to at all. Peter was with Jesus, in person, almost every day for three years, seeing miracles first-hand. So was Judas—an abundance of proof won't get through a stubborn spirit. David had Abraham, Joshua, and his ever-eventful life. Paul had all of that plus a dramatic spiritual encounter and many miracles. Everyone who comes to faith has the same Savior (Ephesians 4:4–7). God certainly loved and chose them all. But it's humbling to think of the difference in the depth of trust different believers need to express.
Ultimately, God knows what we'd choose in any situation. Part of His predestination and election is choosing when, where, and how we will live (Ephesians 1:4). Only God could ever know what would have happened; thankfully, He can and does know such things, as part of His plan for our lives (Romans 8:28). We can be thankful for everything God does behind the scenes to bring us to saving faith.
So, there is nothing at stake in asking WWYHD. Whatever might have happened did not happen. You are here, now. But here, now, you either believe in Christ or have the chance to believe. The question with eternal importance, then, is not "what would you have done?" It's what have you done, or what will you do with the gospel?
-- Editor
