Socialism Biblical and Political.
Biblical socialism is purely voluntary, resting with each man and each man's heart to do as he will. Political socialism, or, as it sometimes is called, political Christian socialism, is an effort on man's part to compel politically what God has placed with each man voluntarily. We hear so many times the reference to Acts 2:44, 45: "And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, according as any man had need." And that was good; and the time and the occasion demanded it, and the people of God yielded to the time and the occasion and the Spirit of God. That was a blessed, mighty, welding, flowing unity; but it was not brought about by legislation of any sort or kind. It was not brought about by decree or council. This is shown in some of the things that followed. Naturally, where men were possessed of great wealth and gave it, they were honored, as was Barnabas. Acts 4:36, 37. Others thought they would get honor by selling their property, pretending to give it all, and keeping back a part for themselves, as did Ananias and Sapphira. The summary judgment of God was visited upon them on account of their falsehood and pretension; but we learn this from the apostle,—that God did not demand it unless they were willing to give it: "While it remained, did it not remain thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thy power?" Acts 5:4. The very question of the apostle Peter shows that they knew and that all understood that it was voluntary on the part of each one to give or to withhold whatsoever he desired. The only power that moved upon the hearts of those who gave their all and brought that into the church which then existed was the power of the Spirit of God which rested upon the whole congregation. They were baptized—immersed—into it; and when that time comes again in the marvelous full outpouring of the latter rain, the same thing will come among God's people wherever they are. But we can not anticipate that time by forcing the conditions. God's service is never forced. Uniformity by compulsion is the dead-line of true spiritual life. The true motive is love. And love needs no compulsion; it renders glad, willing service. Religion without love is a dead form.