A Republic; If You Can Keep It

In a political climate where both sides of the aisle warn of our nation’s utter destruction if the other side has their way, it isn’t a surprise Ben Franklin’s famous quote has become their favorite argument. The quote was first publicly attributed to Franklin in 1906, after the American Historical Review published the notes of James McHenry, a Maryland delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1787.

McHenry records the exchange between a woman and Ben Franklin, as Franklin leaves Independence Hall after the Constitutional Convention:

“A lady asked Dr. Franklin, ‘Well Doctor, what have we got? A republic or a monarchy?’ ‘A republic,’ replied the Doctor, ‘if you can keep it.’”

An ominous response if you ask me, and surely prophetic. As an evangelical Christian, who has a deep appreciation for our nation’s founding and the ever-evolving project that is our nation, I probably will shock many of you; but evangelical conservatives, you’re doing too much! I’ll put aside the fact that in today’s culture and climate, the label “evangelical” defines one’s politics more than it does one’s theology. As a bible believing Christian, and as a social conservative myself, Ben Franklin makes a poignant distinction between this earthly “kingdom” and the heavenly one. He does it with just one word… “you.” — “If YOU can keep it.”

And there lies the truth of this man-made project of the United States of America. As long as it depends on man, the empire will eventually fall. Sure, we should take every measure to conserve the blessing of this beautiful nation, but God isn’t building a nation, I’d even argue He never was. He is building a Church. That is what He will preserve; That is what He will keep.

As for us, we utter these words,

“We gather today, under the dome of this temple of democracy.”

As a follower of Christ, these words should make you cringe, even if just a little. Those words were spoken in 2019, by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi. Sure, she is likely not who you would choose to represent you or your views of democracy, no matter which side of the aisle you fall. However, we’ve all idolized this republic in some shape, form, or fashion.

I will just remind you, as well as myself, that anything that depends on man’s responsibility to preserve it, has but a limited lifespan. Ask Adam and Eve how that worked out. But, we are not without hope. That which God is building, He preserves. He is building a people — a bride — that will dwell in His presence for eternity. This reality is not dependent upon our preservation of it, but His.

Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, (Jude 1:24, KJV)

Jude highlights the responsibility and power of God to preserve His eternal Kingdom. Yes, Jude is referring to the eternal security of a believer’s salvation in this passage; but don’t dismiss it so quickly. You see, the republic we have built is of the people, for the people, and by the people. However, the eternal Monarchy God is building — in which He himself is the King — is of the people and for the people, but by God. The eternal Kingdom is not just a place, but primarily a people. A people in which God preserves.

What we are seeing today in our nation is the result of a nation that is led by men and women who are incapable of preserving it. Not simply because of the socialist, leftist liberals or because of the extremist, right-wing conservatives, but just simply because we’re not God, none of us are.

We will always have Ben Franklin’s words ringing in our ears, and we should! It will forever be a reminder that this nation only can go as far as it depends on man’s ability to preserve it. Thank God, He is mighty and able to keep, protect, and preserve what is entrusted to Him, a Kingdom that will never fall (2 Timothy 1:12).

that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:18–23, NASB)

So what have we got here? On this side of heaven?

“A republic, if we can keep it” …and Praise God for that.