April 3, 2019 -- Acts 4:33-35 -- Christianity is not socialism

And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.

Acts 4:33-35 English Standard Version

What is the difference between socialism and Christianity? A passage like this makes it seem that Christians are basically socialists. It is critically important that we, as Christians, are able to think and understand what we believe.

Socialists believe man is basically good.

Socialists believe in Utopia and that it is achievable by human effort.

Socialists believe that working together people can reverse our alienation from our nature and achieve a creative, pacifist, altruistic society.

Socialists believe that the right person in power can mobilize people and so work for good.

Christians, in sharp contrast, know socialism is a false religion.

Christians believe man is morally evil. Genesis 6:5 teaches us that the thoughts of each person and their every intention is evil—continually evil.

Christians realize how empty the concept of “Utopia” is. (BTW Utopia literally means: no where!) It is the High King of Heaven Who opens or bars the new heavens and the new earth.

Christians believe human efforts to reverse societal ills are meaningless. Margaret Thatcher famously quipped: “Socialism is a good idea, until you run out of other people’s money.” Only Jesus Christ can, by the power of His Word and Spirit, transform men and women so that our hands and hearts are no longer destructive in all we do.

Christians believe Jesus Christ is the only Man Who ever lived Who is perfect. He was perfectly obedient to His Father in heaven. He is the sacrifice that takes away the sin of the world. Those who are obedient to Jesus Christ find in Him the Captain of their Salvation and the Source of every good thought and action. So that for Christians we boast not in ourselves, but in Jesus Christ and all He works in and through us.

Human rulers will always fail. No matter the political stripe—liberal or conservative, block or green, federal or municipal—all people are inclined to evil and even those with the best intentions will falter and fail. Jesus taught us the pathway of truth and beautiful community when He taught us to pray: “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”.

“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
 Give us this day our daily bread,
 and forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
 And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from evil.

For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.