Should We Follow the Majority?

by Jefferson David Tant

The title presents an interesting question. Following the majority is a common practice in our everyday lives. When elections are held, whether for the President of the United States or for our High School Student Body President, the “majority” always wins. In a presidential election, I may vote for the losing candidate, but then I accept the vote and continue to live and serve in the nation under the leadership of the person I didn’t vote for.

So, if “majority rule” is the accepted standard in our nation, is that the “accepted” rule in our service to God in His church and His kingdom? It seems that is common thinking in our time. I read in the newspapers the church conventions that various denominations have from time to time, and changes in practice or changes in the creeds are offered. A vote of the delegates decides on a practice's reception or denial. I believe my readers would agree that this is a common practice.

God’s Word has some advice about following the majority, following the masses. Note Exodus 23:2, "You shall not follow the masses in doing evil, nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after a multitude in order to pervert justice"

Through the centuries, it is evident that the masses, the majority, have not followed after God. Oh, some claimed allegiance to God, but in examining their lives, it is apparent that they were following God in name only.

Consider the subject of baptism. A very large number of churches do not follow the Bible teaching on this. The Bible teaches the necessity of baptism. Note the Apostle Peter’s words to the household of Cornelius: “And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days" (Acts 10:48).

By whose authority did Peter command this baptism? Note Christ’s words to the apostles in Matthew 28:19-20: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Thus, what Peter commanded was what was taught by Jesus Christ.

All Bible scholars familiar with the New Testament’s original Greek language will agree that the Greek word “baptize” can be correctly translated as “dip, submerge, immerse.” Let’s look at what the “majority” practices today concerning baptism. Some denominations, including the Salvation Army and the Christian Science Church, do not practice baptism in any form. And many denominations do not practice the Bible’s mode of immersion but rather sprinkle or pour water. These include the Roman Catholic Church, Presbyterian, Methodist, Episcopalian, etc.

As for various church leaders, God’s Word teaches that bishops or elders must be married and have children. “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; {of good...: or, modest} Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity” (I Timothy 3:2-4 KJV) Notice that these leaders must be married and have obedient children. That’s how they prove their leadership qualities. How many churches allow single men in these leadership positions? The Catholic Church forbids married men to be in positions of authority. The Bible says otherwise.

As to women pastors, many denominations are also going against God’s Word in this matter. God has given us this exhortation: “But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet..” (I Timothy 2:12). God has other important roles for women to fill, but being “in the pulpit” is not one of them.

Much more could be written, but this has been written to encourage the readers to consider whether it is better to follow the doctrines of men or the Word of God. And just who is behind the “doctrines of men?” Is it not Satan, whose mission is to deceive? And what better way to deceive people than by pretending to lead men to God, but instead leads them to follow the multitude? He still deceives people today, even as he deceived Adam and Eve.

Consider Christ’s words in Matthew 22:14: “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves" (Matthew 7:13-15).

And who are these “false prophets?” Are they not those who stand in church pulpits and teach something different than what God’s Word says? But they can make it sound good.

Dear Readers, please understand that Satan is still at work today, even as he was long ago in the Garden of Eden. Beware, lest you follow the multitude rather than the Word of God.