All Things in Common

And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;

Acts 2:44 NASBS

The Bible is very clear regarding certain proofs that are in the human heart that has been born again. When I say born again, I mean the heart that has been intrinsically changed by the Holy Spirit to see the foulness of their sin, and to turn to the Lord Jesus Christ for the salvation of their souls. There is no doubt this is a miracle that is performed by God upon the wicked heart of the one who is being saved, for the human heart is deceitfully wicked, who could know it but God. With this conversion comes new affections that are supernaturally birthed in the heart with an awareness of God’s holiness. Jesus said concerning this, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.” These characteristics that Jesus speaks of are the defining influences the Holy Spirit brings to the human heart.

But not only this, there also comes a deep affection of love for one another within the Christian church. We see this in the first church not long after Jesus ascended to the right hand of His Father, sending the Holy Spirit to dwell in the hearts of those who were being saved. The Bible records this in Acts chapter two, “And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” What we see in the first century church, in the midst of a hostile environment, is a deep love to be in fellowship with one another as they come together to worship their King, Jesus Christ. Paul said in light of this, “For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” This is speaking of the mystical union of Jesus Christ and His church, and it is only unique within the bonds of Christianity. John brings clarity to this as well, “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death.”

Again, I say to you as I said before, “The Bible is very clear regarding certain proofs that are in the human heart that has been born again.” And one is the love for the body of Christ. That is to love your brothers and sisters with the same affection that Christ loves those whom He has called to Himself. Paul says to the church at Philippi, “For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.” So, my question to you is, “Do you call yourself a Christian and if you do, do you long to be in fellowship with the body of Christ?” “Do you have deep affections to see the body of Christ built up in the truth?” “Does your heart break to see your brothers and sisters in Christ struggle against the wiles of the flesh?” “Do you have a longing desire to live a selfless life as Jesus did for the sake of others?” If not, “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you-unless indeed you fail the test?” So then, I beseech you to examine yourself to see if you are in Christ, lest you run the race and perish in the end. May God’s grace help you with this examination.