“Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.”
-Matthew 27:22-24
The Voice of Democracy
In Matthew Chapter 27, we see the trial of the Lord Jesus Christ. Pilate was the government official presiding over the trial. The people demanded Jesus be crucified, but Pilate knew of no offense worthy of that punishment. He goes on to refer to Jesus as “this just person” in verse 24. It is clear the government found the accused to be innocent, but the Lord Himself was sent to death by crucifixion. Why? Because the voice of democracy said so… Pilate had the crucifixion carried out for one reason only – the people demanded it. He even publicly “Washed his hands” of the shedding of innocent blood that was about to occur.
A Democracy or a Republic?
Frequently, people refer to “Our democracy”, or describe something as “Good for democracy”, or “Bad for democracy”. They speak as if our form of government is a democracy. Is our form of government a democracy? It is not! Did our founders like democracy? They did not! Our founders gave us a Republic – not a Democracy – and there is a big difference!
“Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide.” – John Adams
A “Mobocracy”
Benjamin Rush, a key Founding Father and signer of the Declaration of Independence, went so far as to say:
“A simple democracy is one of the greatest of evils. A democracy is a mobocracy.”
Benjamin Rush, Signer of the Declaration of Independence
A “Mobocracy” is precisely what we saw at work in Matthew 27. It was an angry mob forcing its will upon the situation. In an excellent article on Wallbuilders.com entitled, “Republic v. Democracy”, the author considers the differences between democracy, and the republic we actually were given by our founders. He points out, the “difference rests in the source of authority”. In a democracy, the majority decide what is right. If the majority says a man deserves to die, then that majority holds the authority – regardless of right vs wrong.
A Republic
In a Republic, there is a law, and everyone – including leaders – are held accountable to the law. The law is based upon principles of right and wrong that are larger than any of us – like those found in the Scripture. In our article, “Foundational Principles of the United States, What are they?”, we show how rights given from God (example: Life) are protected in the principles of His Word (example: in the 10 Commandments, “Thou shalt not kill”). This is a big reason why you tend to find the 10 Commandments engraved in our historic public buildings – because God’s law is the foundation of our civil laws. In a republic, authority is limited by the law. I have heard it said a democracy is 3 wolves and 1 sheep voting on what’s for dinner, but in a republic, killing sheep is against the law, and the sheep are armed!
“All [laws], however, may be arranged in two different classes. 1) Divine. 2) Human…. But it should always be remembered that this law, natural or revealed, made for men or for nations, flows from the same Divine source: it is the law of God…. Human law must rest its authority ultimately upon the authority of that law which is Divine”
James Wilson, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Signer of the Constitution, Supreme Court Justice
We want to have a nation with a right vs wrong founded on the principles of God’s Word, and laws made accordingly by our Legislature. We cannot survive as a democracy. We cannot do without the proper source of authority from the Bible. As John Witherspoon noted,
“Pure democracy cannot subsist long nor be carried far into the departments of state – it is very subject to caprice and the madness of popular rage.”
– John Witherspoon, Signer of the Declaration of Independence
What Does the U.S. Constitution Say?
Significantly, the Constitution of the United States defines our form of government. It does not describe a democracy. It never has. Article IV, Section 4 of the Constitution requires, “The United States shall guarantee to every state in this Union a Republican Form of Government…”
The next time you hear someone like a politician or a news reporter refer to our form of government as a democracy, you now know that is someone who either does not understand what our founders defined for this country, or maybe does not know what the Constitution requires. If those in office, who are sworn to support our Constitution, do not know what form of government our Constitution defines, then it might be time to think about a new person for that position! The more we allow these folks to move us (or even move public opinion) in the direction of democracy, the more susceptible we are to the destruction our founders told us results from democracy.
Democracy in Action
An angry mob influenced Pilate to send our Lord to the cross despite his obvious innocence. Jesus allowed that situation because that was God’s plan for our redemption, but, it clearly demonstrates the danger of letting an angry mob define what is right for our country. Our Founders hated democracy. Our Constitution guarantees us a Republic as our form of government. May we as Americans stand up for what is right according to the authority of the Word of God and insist our laws reflect that legitimate authority. May we correct those who incorrectly refer to our nation as a democracy. May we never be a democracy.
PragerU has this to say about a democracy or a republic.
The Difference Between a Democracy and a Republic
A good explanation of the difference. I tire of hearing elected officials calling our country a democracy.
Thank you for your comment! Yes, I completely agree. But, it is a convenient way to quickly identify officials who do not know the document they swore to support and should therefore be replaced in office… 🙂
Yes, we definitely want to remain a republic based on laws and moral principles. This helps to ensure things are done fairly and not based on what’s decided by a majority whether right or wrong. After reading this I’m convinced most people today using the word “democracy” don’t really know what it means.
I agree many do not know! I think there are also some who do know, but would rather us be a democracy because the will of the mob is easier for them to shape or change than the law! Thank you for your comment!
Thank you Jason! I was a little unclear of the differences. Didn’t realize we want to live under a Republic and not a Democracy. Makes sense now why the left/regime is always worried about losing Democracy. Mobocracy is a much more suitable term for them. 😁
Yep – our nation was built upon principles – not mobs! Thank you for your comment!
thanks for another explanation and sharing the PragerU video- very helpful. Now I can explain it to others more clearly
You’re very welcome – Thank you for the comment!
Jason this was a great article. And I have been lately posting and telling people that keep saying that we are LOOSING OUR DEMOCRACY. That America was not founded as a Democracy but as a Republic. And that America was founded as a Republic that is run ” of the people, by the people and for the people”. And also that America was founded on the rule of law as well. And sorry to say these days it seems that our government is no longer run by the rule of law. But by whichever party is in power. And that it also run on what that party wants and not what the laws of the land says. Good examples of this is Biden and his admin. They have refused to secure the Southern Border. And are not only letting illegals into the country but they are also helping them get to where they want to go in the country. And giving them federal aid which by law they are not suppose to get because they are not in the country legally. Yet Biden and the democrats want to give them whatever federal aid they need. And that is not how a Republic works or runs.
Yes sir – we are a Republic and not a Democracy – thank you for spreading the word of that truth! Thank you for the comment!
Thank you Jason for posting this. It gave a clear and easy explanation of the difference between our Republic and Democracy. Something I can share easily with those who still are not “in the know”.
I am glad it is helpful. Thank you for sharing that truth with others and thank you for your comment!
May the citizens of the United States repent of their discourse with God. May we learn to appreciate what our forefathers, lacking air conditioning and household water(bathrooms), overcame as they debated for weeks to formulate a government that is honoring to our Divine Creator. James Wilson appropriately said, “Human law must rest its authority ultimately upon the authority of that law which is Divine. May our government leadership comprehend the errors of their ways, and return us to One Nation under God!
Amen sir…amen! Thank you for your comment!
Mobocracy is brilliant. It appears we have one running rampant in America right now. Your explanation was great and helped me gather a more concise way of explaining our Repubic. I cringe every time I hear someone use the term democracy. Shame on our elected officials for not understanding the Constitution and how our great country was founded and developed. Thanks Jason.
Absolutely! I hope the info is helpful. Thank you for your comment!
Jason – It’s so helpful to know the difference between democracy and republic. It appears many are ignorant of the differences. I’m glad I’m no longer one of them 🙂 . The example of mob rule in the crucifixion of Christ is an excellent example of why we don’t want a pure democracy. I also enjoyed the PragerU video!
Thank you! Yes, the Matthew 27 example is heart-breaking, but it does illustrate the problem when we substitute right & wrong for the will of the people. Thank you for your comment!
Media and politicians lie with confidence, lie often and repeat the lie, “greatest threat to democracy”. They do this to lull the public into believing we are a democracy, and they are the harbors of democracy. Therefore, if you vote against their choice, you are against America and are the enemy.
Marxist tactic of warfare
Learn the tools used to subvert your rights, freedoms and liberty.
Insist on a nation of laws not of men. One nation under God!
Yes, Maam, they do lie over and over again – for the purposes of fitting their wicked narrative. If we were a democracy, then all they need is public opinion and they can completely redefine right and wrong and anything else. But, if our founders formed the nation under God with specific limits and roles, then they are bound by their oath to our great Constitution! Thank you for your comment!
“In questions of power, then, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the constitution.” – Thomas Jefferson
This is well done & re enforces we don’t even want to come close to democracy. Pet peeve: I hear a candidate state they want to save our democracy, it’s an automatic No vote for them. When was the last time they said the Pledge of Alligence!
Amen! I agree! How can they take an oath to a document that says a republic and then talk about saving democracy? I don’t vote for them either! Thank you for the comment!
Very well stated. We have much education that needs to be done. America, the beautiful, is in the midst .of ignorant American mobs of anger, or fear as we have lost True Amercian History. Replaced with falsehoods. Too many only know what is recited to them. We need to put TRUE Amercian history back in schools. Time to take back the public square and educate TRUTH. We are a resilient country, for “In God We Trust”.
Yes Maam, amen! Let’s put true history back in schools! I’m in! Thank you for your comment!
I believe we can not survive as a democracy as you said, and we definitely need the proper source of authority from the Bible.
Amen! Yes, there are many in our country today that are imagining authority for all sorts of things, but they cannot do that. In our Republic, the government is limited to defined boundaries. We have to keep them in those boundaries!
Very well explained! There is so much our government still needs to learn. There is so many false thoughts going into the minds of Americans and the government that none of us can bound to follow and protect our constitution! Thank you for the information!
Yes Maam! And the thing that is so troubling about that is I believe the false things are being intentionally sewn into the minds of Americans to weaken the form of government our founders gave us. Thank you for your comment!
Excellent, thank you!
Thank you for reading and for your encouraging comment!
Jason you’re amazing! Writing these blogs first of all and then keeping track of postings and responding! It’s no wonder why you are such a great teacher! I appreciate all the supply you carry to us.
What I liked about this blog most is the Biblical reverence about Pilot and the government that places Jesus where HE is today and how WE the people have what we have today.
So thankful! Easter is well on its way and this is the perfect timing post for reverential awe. Look at Gods timing for my having you and RaShell’s example in coaching!
Truly I am inspired in writing capability and polishing up for more!
Thank you so much for your kind words. RaShell and I enjoy what we’re doing, so it is a joy. Thank you for your participation in the classes and your involvement on the blog. May we all remember our proper form of government and its proper design, and may we all hold our officials to it! Thanks again for your comment!
Great article! This is one of my biggest pet peeves (calling our system a democracy). I think it is an intentional use of language that was started so people would start believing it. In the communication field, this is called “mere exposure theory”; the idea that exposing a message over and over again to people will result in them believing it. I try to correct everyone I come across that says we are a democracy. The example of Matthew 27 is excellent. Thank you for sharing.
Yes – I tend to agree with you… it would also follow that if WE WERE a democracy, then everything (including their definitions of right and wrong) would be determined by public opinion and therefore, all their wicked ideas could be justified if they could convince enough people. Thank you for your comment!
I am grateful for a Republic based on reason rather than a democracy based on on passion. Benjamin Franklin said we had a Republic, if we can keep it. That is what we fought for during the 2024 campaign. We voted for a return to a sure solid foundation based in large part on the Bible.
But the mob keeps yelling louder and resorts to name calling to deny the legitimacy of our new Administration.
We are being held to the “democratic” votes in committees and on the floors of Congress. I thank God for givingTrump’s nominees the votes they need to take office. So that our Republic can restore sanity, righteousness and justice in our land.
Thank you for your comment! Yes, we do have elements of democracy, in that we have votes in several forms in our government – usually taken of our Representatives, but they are all sworn to support the Constitution, and bound to obey the law. The law supersedes and should define what they are even able to vote on, or where they can/cannot legislate. The outrage – at least as reported by the media – against the new Administration seems to forget the many ways the previous administration abused our form of government against American citizens. Thank you for your comment!
What we are seeing out of the Democratic Party Leadership right now is an excellent picture of how our Nation could be lost if we were a Democracy rather than a Republic. They are raging against the Trump Agenda with anger and silly songs in the streets. Those of us who supported a moral America-first agenda expressed our outrage about how our Nation was being run in the last questionably legitimate administration at the ballot box by re-electing DJT. Those who are supporting the Woke Agenda, went to the streets in violence during Trump’s first term (BLM, Antifa riots) and the Democrats are literally calling for “fights” in the streets again in order to stop DJT from implementing the agenda upon which he was elected. Thank God, He intervened by giving us the chance to elect a man like Trump who is willing to fight for our Republican form of government. Democracy ultimately destroys a nation when taken into the realm of absolute majority rule–it’s in the fallen nature of men to let their earthly desires overcome civil discourse leading to Mobocracy.
Thanks for posting these entertaining, yet very educational blogs!
Yes, there is no excuse for encouraging violence and like the horrible violence we saw back during the riots. Amen, we have to get back to the foundational principles upon which this nation was built, like the rule of law, which is characteristic of the Republic that is defined in our Constitution. Thank you so much to you and Mary Beth for all your participation in the class, and for your excellent comments!
Dear Jason and RaShell,
This is a beautiful and clear distinction in describing the difference between a democracy and republic, AND why we do not have a democracy. Unfortunately, not many Americans know this. I need to talk more about it with my peers. The scripture you use an a powerful example is excellent and especially relevant because today is Holy Thursday when it was hours away from taking place over 200 years ago. The Founding Fathers were unspeakably wise…biblically wise. At the foundation, they knew that man was a sinner with a heart of selfishness and evil. As the wind would would blow, they knew people would make decisions, important decisions, based on the tide of the culture, the sudden whim of man, whatever their spouses and kids requested that day, primarily changing emotions and feelings. The additional danger is that many were complacent in learning the facts…they didn’t seem to care to do their homework and gather vital information in order to vote on critical issues of their day. On a smaller level, when I was Student Council Sponsor at my junior high school, I worried many students would turn our voting of officers into a popularity contest. I stressed the importance of character and facts throughout the campaign. I realize this pails in comparison to what our FF discerned, but you get the picture of how easy and prevalent it is for us to take the low road in matters that needed definitely the High Road. Thank you for composing and teaching me this important issue/blog and backing it up with pivital FF primary resources.
Thank you for your kind and encouraging words! I agree with you for sure – we have been complacent for too long! I think it is also important to remember that these truths didn’t just happen to fade away – there was probably some of that – but these truths have also been actively removed from our public and educational institutions. The more Americans that wake up, get reacquainted with the truths the Founding Fathers left us, and get busy to make an impact – the more of that, the better! Thank you again for your comment!
Jason,
Your blog is wonderful, and the Scripture reference clearly reflects the error of democracy. When communities make decisions….important decisions….without doing their homework, studying the candidates’ track record in the responsibility of voting, for example, chaos results and people suffer. The Founding Fathers were so wise and discerning as they leaned all their weight on the Word of God and its guidance to chose a righteous republic for us over a destructive democracy. Facts, laws, and limits always benefits mankind and places necessary boundaries around the strong bent of evil and selfishness around man’s heart. The mostly unstable, whimpy Jewish mob in Jerusalem almost 2000 years tonight as it is Holy Thursday now only days earlier were honoring and praising Jesus Christ upon his entry to the city. What caused such a dramatic opposite turn of events? The fickleness of mankind…the easily manipulated, lawless, selfish Jewish community who lacked the rule of law, placed themselves on the wrong side of history. Thank you for your clarity on this critical truth. I need to share this with others. Thank you.
Your comments about limited government are spot on and since they are key to this discussion, I wanted to share a couple thoughts and quotes with you… Government is limited because it is under God. God doesn’t give carte blanche authority to anyone. So, in order for a government to be limited, it has to be under God. If it isn’t subordinate to something bigger than itself, then it will assume there is nothing bigger than itself and it will assume all power and quickly become tyrannical. William Penn, the founder of the Colony of Pennsylvania, said “Men must be governed by God or they will be ruled by tyrants.” That’s a great quote, but another one that is even more clear is, “Men, in a word, must necessarily be controlled either by a power within them or by a power without them; either by the Word of God or by the strong arm of man; either by the Bible or by the bayonet.” That is a quote by Robert Winthrop, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Dec 1847 – Mar 1849. Our government is not allowed to define right and wrong. It isn’t allowed to redefine things already defined by God. Government has to be subordinate to God or it will seek to become a god. Thank you for your comment!
This was an excellent reading.👏🇺🇸
The term Democracy has been used so long to describe American government and I don’t understand why. That’s a topic I can research. As I try to think back, I don’t know if I have ever heart the United States referred to as a Constitutional Republic until I took my first Patriot Academy class, Biblical Citizenship, in 2020 during the COVID mess.
I needed this concise refresher.
Thank you for your comment! I think Tulsi Gabbard has referred to it as a Republic – at least sometimes. 🙂 I think the bad guys like to say democracy because then public opinion defines right and wrong. Our country was clearly built upon the fact that God defines right and wrong (from the Declaration of Independence, Laws of Nature and Nature’s God, etc). Thank you again for your comment!