Is it possible for someone who fully accepts and embraces communism to be regenerate?

Is it possible for someone who fully accepts and embraces communism to be regenerate?

Answer:

Communism, as a political and economic system, is fundamentally opposed to the Christian worldview because it elevates the state to a position that effectively replaces God as the ultimate authority. While the intention behind communism may be to promote equality and social justice, in practice, it inevitably results in a concentration of power in the hands of a few, creating a form of totalitarianism. In such regimes, the state assumes ownership and control over all aspects of life, including the means of production, and asserts its authority in areas that should belong to God and to individuals under God's authority.

Fascism, while different in some respects, similarly seeks to control the means of production but retains nominal private ownership. Both systems, in rejecting the inherent sinfulness of man, deny the need for a separation of powers, a bill of rights or limited government, which are principles that recognize human depravity and the dangers of unchecked authority. Thus, relative to the principles outlined in the U.S. Constitution, both communism and fascism could be seen as left-wing ideologies that seek to expand the power of the state over the individual. More money and more power to government who 1) control or 2) own corporations.

In communism: Government OWNS the means of production.

In fascism: Government CONTROLS the means of production. (which, I'm afraid we are in the beginning stages now),

Thinking of communism merely as the redistribution of wealth is a shallow understanding of its full ramifications. A communist state requires ultimate power and typically rejects the notion that humans are sinful and corrupt by nature. Instead, it believes that human nature can be perfected through social engineering and education—essentially, by placing man at the center of the universe instead of God. This utopian vision is fundamentally at odds with the biblical understanding that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and that true redemption and transformation come only by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ.

Given these facts, it would seem that someone who fully understands and embraces the core tenets of communism, especially its rejection of God's sovereignty and human sinfulness, could not at the same time be regenerate. Regeneration, or being born again, involves a fundamental transformation of the heart (John 3:3), a rejection of sin, and an embrace of God's sovereignty and lordship over all areas of life. However, it is also true that many who identify as communists may not deeply understand or think through the full philosophical implications of their beliefs and may instead be attracted to the ideals of justice, equality, and care for the poor—values that, while distorted in communist ideology, are nevertheless rooted in biblical truth. Therefore, it is entirely possible that among those who call themselves communists, there are individuals who are genuinely regenerate but who lack a clear understanding of the full implications of their political beliefs.

Ultimately, the regeneration of any individual is a matter of God's sovereign grace and work in the heart (Ezekiel 36:26-27; John 6:37, 44, 63, 65; Philippians 2:13). The Westminster Confession of Faith reflects this biblical teaching by affirming that God effectually calls, enlightens, renews, and draws individuals to Himself, granting them a new heart and a renewed will to follow Him (WCF Chapter 10, Section 1). Therefore, while it seems unlikely that someone who fully understands and embraces communism's philosophical rejection of God could be regenerate, we must acknowledge that God, in His sovereignty, can regenerate anyone, regardless of their current beliefs. As Christians, we should approach such individuals with love, truth, and the hope of the Gospel, recognizing that God's grace is sufficient to bring anyone to repentance and faith (2 Timothy 2:24-26).