ARE CHRISTIANS EXPECTED TO SELL ALL THEY HAVE AND GIVE TO THE POOR?

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In the story of Jesus and the rich young ruler, Jesus directed him to go sell all he has and give to the poor and thereafter come and follow Him. Is this directive of Jesus specifically to the rich man or is it applicable to all Christians? Let us read the Mark's account of this story?

(Mark 10:17-21 KJV) And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 

The context of this story clearly indicates that Jesus' directive is specifically to the rich man and not to all Christians. Notice that when the rich man said that he has observed all the commandments since his youth, Jesus looked at him and loved him and made him an offer to become His apostle; so that He would specifically reveal to him that one thing he lacks. Selling of all his wealth is not "that one thing he lacks" rather it is incidental to the main directive of "come, follow me". It is a minor accompaniment to the main directive, which is to become His apostles so that He would reveal His incarnation to him. Being His appostle was a great privilege to know about eternal life which is not a common knowledge at that time.

We know from Jesus statements in other places in the Bible that "that one thing he lacks" is the knowledge of and belief in Jesus; without which no one can inherit eternal life.

(John 3:15 KJV) That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

(Mark 16:16 KJV) He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 

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