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Karl Bastian
Supporter
Tithing was an Old Testament law, so, no, technically, Christians don't "have to" tithe. However, the New Testament command is to be a *cheerful giver and to give sacrificially. (Acts 2:45) Which for some may be more than a 10%! While for others, it could be less. However, the 10% tithe was an amount that God determined in the Old Testament to be fair and reasonable, so it is a good guide for even today. Perhaps the question ought not be, "Do I have to tithe?" but instead, "Why not tithe?" It is an issue of the heart. (Give as you have determined in your heart. *2 Cor. 9:7) Scripture is filled with principles on giving (Just look in Proverbs!) and Jesus spoke more about money than He did about heaven, it's an important topic. So err on generosity, rather than on trying to figure out what you "should" or "have to give." After all, it is better to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35)
S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
Many Christians struggle with the issue of tithing. In some churches giving is over-emphasized. At the same time, many Christians refuse to submit to the biblical exhortations about making offering...
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Jennifer Rothnie
Supporter
Jesus didn't die to place us back under the jewish law. We are to be 'cheerful givers', and give as we are led - though those who sow generously reap generously! (II Cor 9:6-9) Furthermore, most teachings on 'tithing' actually distort what tithing actually was. For example, the money due the temple building was only half a sheckle/two drachma - or about $5 a year by modern standards! (Imagine churches today saying "we only require $5 a year from each of you for maintenance";)) All the work for the temple and other provisions were supplied by the levites, so there was no tithe for the temple building itself. As to required payment towards a building, Jesus said it best when he taught that the children of the king (God) are exempt from paying taxes to support the king. (Matt 17:24-27) We are all now levites (I Pet 2:9) and the temple of the Lord (I Cor 6:19) - how can we then tithe to the levites or pay tax for the temple? The tithe given to the levites is no longer necessary - this tithe was not just for their work as servants, but because they could not hold land or inherit. Rather, giving to support missions abroad and ministries (not physical maintenance) within the church would be the equivalent now (and it does not have to be a 'tithe'). This tithe was of fruit and goods as well - not just money (and how many churches want fruit in their offering plates?;)). Rather, instead of tithing to support the levites, we give generously (which can be far more than 10% if we wish, like the widow and her two mites) to mission of the church as a whole and needs in the church (not to any 'building'). Paul had the Corinthians set aside a bit of money each week, for example, so that he would be able to amass a gift for the believers at Jerusalem (another time the believers send fruit, and so forth). The second tithe was for personal use, and to be used to pay expenses for the seven annual festivals (three of which required travel to Jerusalem). While the first tithe was exclusively 'God's', the second was for man to partake of (Deut 14:22-27), to even buy 'what ever his appetite craved'. However, this was to be shared with the levites, the poor, and the stranger/alien who would not have been able to pay for the festivals on their own. Every third year of seven, a third tithe of produce was had, and the goods were placed in a storehouse for the use of the poor, the levites, the widows, etc (Deut 14:28-29) While this tithe is also no longer required, we see this in the church having "all things in common". No one should be left out of a church retreat or a communal meal due to lack of funds, and setting aside income for fellowship/hospitality is also important. There is a common verse used to preach about how failure to tithe is 'robbing God' (Malachi 3:10). The line in Malachi about robbing God was actually about the -priests- robbing God. The people were actually fairly joyful about giving their proper 10% tithe (Neh 12:44-47). However, once Eliashib the priest was given charge of the storehouse, he failed in his duty to distribute the goods among the levites and priests, etc. Instead he removed the grain, wine, and oil, and let Tobias the enemy of God take up residence in the storehouse! (Neh 13:4-7, Neh 2:10-19, Neh 6:10-19) Because the priests were not getting their daily food, they had gone "back to work" in the fields, and had stopped serving God in the temple (Neh 13:10). Jesus was concerned with the heart. Generous giving, cheerful, and with an eye towards meeting the needs of others - even our enemies - and sharing all things with our brothers in Christ.
Jim Tumlinson
Supporter
When people ask whether or not they should tithe my first thought is; why are you asking? Some Christians don't want to give and want to find a reason to not give so they can have more money. Others want to know so they can have a rule to follow, others so that if they give then they have been taught that God must bless them. (Like an insurance payment) That used to be my thinking and some of the others listed above as well. Then I read my bible. Tithing is from the old testament however it was before the law. Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek who is a shadow and type of Jesus. Then it was continued and instituted as part of the law. It did however keep the Levite priests fed and housed etc. Today pastors preach that we must tithe or God won't bless us and this puts us back under bondage and the law for which Jesus died to free us from the law. How do we fix this dilemma? How do we get out from under the law that if we don't give we won't be blessed. First we need to repent; change the way we think. If we think and believe that if we don't tithe God won't bless us then that is exactly what will happen. We don't tithe and we don't receive blessings. We are using our faith in the negative. Instead of reading our bible and seeing what the word says and using our faith in the positive. The bible says to be a cheerful giver. Not under compulsion. If we are put under condemnation by using the law then it is no longer cheerful and is under compulsion. Unbiblical! :(How do we become a cheerful giver? By reading our bible and understanding that God wants us to give. There are many new testament scriptures that indicate we should be givers. Many are listed on this forum by other authors. We need to learn to be generous people and trust God that He loves us no matter what. If your children disobey you will you with hold dinner or food from them? The answer is no, neither will God who is a much better parent than you or I. 1 Tim 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. KJV Is this God, by no means! Then what is our problem? Our problem is that we are coerced to give. Why? Because if we don't give the church will shut its doors, the pastor needs a check, the staff need a job. Ministries will suffer. On and on. Once again if we trust God to meet our needs and then some we will not be afraid to give, but we have lost our trust in God for our finances and other material things. 2 Peter 1:3 seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue; ASV Notice it says we have all things that pertain to life, in the knowledge of Him. If we would read our bible and see what He says we will find these treasures He has hidden for us to discover so when we discover them we will never forget them. We all have probably heard all the giving scriptures from I and II Corinthians but have you seen this scripture; 2 Cor 8:7 But just as you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us-see that you also excel in this grace of giving. NIV We are being encouraged to excel or grow in the grace of giving, because it benefits everyone. You get to bless others and when you bless others you get blessed. God said He would bless those that bless the seed of Abraham which is us. When we give in church we get blessed in return by God. My life is like this, I bless whenever I hear God say to, I give a tithe plus at church and support missionaries. Because I want to and the rest, well I just expect my Dad to take care of me because He loves me that much. And there is no more stress or worry. The truth is that it has taken me a long time to get here but I had to get the revelation from the Holy Spirit first and I hope you too are getting it.
Daniel Olujobi
Supporter
How can a Christian say tithing is an old testament issue, when Jesus himself said he did not come to destroy the law(old testament) but to fulfill the spiritual aspect. Also it is a guide for us, else we take grace for granted. Tithing is a command, while offering should be of a free will. You must bring in 10% of your earnings to the Lord Malachi 3:6-12 It is all about the state of your heart.
Chris Eleam
Supporter
Is tithing obligatory for Christians? No, Christians are not under the law covenant given to Israel. Therefore they are not obligated to give a set amount to God. However, Jesus Christ himself stated “there is much more happiness in giving then there is a receiving”. Christians are encouraged to give voluntarily from the heart. This was well illustrated by what Christ Jesus observed at the temple when a certain needy woman dropped two small coins of very little value into the temple treasury chests. How much did her donation amount to? About 1/64 of the day's wages, Yet Jesus said that the small sum was acceptable. It is good to point out that the Israelites in Malachi's day were said to be” robbing Jehovah in tithes and offerings because of their failure to keep the tithes. Remember the law does not specify a penalty for failing to Tithe, each Israelite was under a strong moral obligation to support true worship in this way. Could Christians today be accused of robbing God for their failure to tithe? Consider the Bible states categorically that the sacrificial death of Jesus, in 33 C.E., “blotted out,” or “abolished,” the Law and with it the “commandment to collect tithes.” Why Tithe? Hopefully this information helps you to understand in Ancient Israel it was required by the law, for Christians, no such law is binding.
Albert Perkic
Supporter
Are all your possessions yours? Or is it Gods? The Bible says: "For every beast of the forest is MINE and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the mountains and the wild beasts of the field are MINE. If I were hungry, I would not tell you, For the world is MINE, and all it's fullness." Psalm 50:10-12 Do you see how God is claiming OWNERSHIP over the things of the world? If we have the attitude that everything we have is 'ours', then of course we will find it difficult to give away anything that belongs to us. But if we come to the understanding that God OWNS every 'thing' and that what we receive comes from God we will be grateful and willing to give of our means. God only asks us to be wise stewards. You see if God owns the world He doesn't need anything? It is for our benefit so our hearts don't become selfish through greed that we return to Him our tithes. But then God places a blessing when we do. "Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. Call upon me in the day of trouble, I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me". Psalm 50:13-14 When we with grateful hearts return a small portion of what we have, God promises to be there when we need Him. It is for our benefit that we return to God little of what is already His in the first place. Our 9 tenths goes further with God then our 10 tenths without Him. Jesus said " Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's ". Mark 12:17 Who claims ownership you or God?.
David Cory Enderby
Supporter
Yikes! Some of these answers have made me envision myself renting my shirt (like they used to do in the Bible). Yes, God wants us to tithe. 10% is just a starting point. You can give more. There are three levels of giving. The first is called the tithe. Your tithe is undesignated and goes to your home church. In other words, you don't get to choose where it goes. The second level is an offering which is something above and beyond the tithe. You can choose where this goes. For example, I sponsor kids and help homeless people, etc.. The third level is an extravagant offering, or painful offering. It may be something huge that God is telling you give up, like a car or a personal possession that you hold dear, or it could be your last $100. I recommend reading a book called The Blessed Life by Robert Morris. It explains everything I am writing in great detail, with scriptural backing. Very good resource for this very important Biblical topic. In summary, yes, you need to tithe to the Lord. It is a commandment.
Gbenga Onasanwo
Supporter
Of course this one standard measure of giving became controversial in the Christian world because of centered attitude of "Men of God". They are now the "house of God" where the tithe must be dropped by force by force. By using Malachi 3:10 to coerce, frighten, pronounce devourer are all gimmicks that can only be classified as part of Satanic deception. Giving is divine, God gives and gives including His begotten Son. What on earth could then be the excuse of any believer not to give and give and give to further the kingdom? The argument whether tithe is legal (before Abraham or after) or not was born out of annoyance on the terrible manipulations of the church by our leaders who refused to teach, preach and live the Word to encourage the believers in giving without questioning. Their actions led many more people to study the Scriptures to appropriate this ugly trends. They misappropriated church funds and not ready to give account, they hate audit exercise. They condemned the world but the world resides in them! Colossians 3:2 has no meaning to them! Call it tithe, good measure, money, income, time, your wealth, your property, your very self etc, they are all supposed to be giving to advance the Kingdom of God on earth. Giving is of heavenly importance and earthily rewarding to all believers. Shalom.
Dorcas Sitali
Supporter
From the account in Hebrews 7 yes a christian should tithe. In the book of Hebrews 7, Abraham coming in from the slaughter paid a tenth of the spoil to Melchizedek who in turn blessed him This Melchizedek by interpretation is King of righteousness and then King of peace, without father nor mother made unto the son of God. 7:3. We are told of His greatness (Melchizedek) considering that Abraham paid a tenth of his spoil to him. Hebrews 7:9-10 tells of the sons of Levi that even they paid tithe to Melchizedek because they were in the loins of Abraham when he met Melchizedek.Verse 7 declares that the lesser is blessed by the greater. Vs 8 says here men that die receive the tithe, there Melchizedek who lives forever receives the tithe. In Hebrews 6:20 we are told that Jesus was made High Priest for us after the order of Melchizedek and chapter 7: 22 He is surety of a better covenant. Our High Priest Jesus in rebuking the pharisees Luke 11:42 said woe unto you pharisees for you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs but passover justice and the Love of God: these (justice and the Love of God) you ought to do without living the others (tithe) undone. People in Jesus' day used to tithe and no were is it recorded that Jesus told the people that tithing was no longer necessary. Paul in all his troubles with the Jews, in there accusations against him, concerns of tithe was not one of them rather Paul had issues with believers in Corinth for they were accusing him of behaving carnally when he talked on issues of money in 1 Corinthians 9 the heading is 'Paul surrenders his rights' what rights? In vs 8 onwards, Paul wrote say i merely from a human point of view? Or doesn't the law say the same thing you shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading the grain. Does God say this for the sake of the ox or does He say it altogether for our sakes. Yes for our sakes (those who labor in the Lord) it is written he who plows and he who threshes must do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest. Vs 11 if we have sown spiritual seed among you is it a crime if we reap material harvest among you. From issues of money did he declare the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but might through God to the pulling down of strongholds even of money. God has made it so that he who labors in the gospel must get his livelihood from the Gospel.
David Robinson
Supporter
It just may be the case (and I believe it is) that our definition of the tithe is too narrow. All the comments I have read above (some very insightful) look at the tithe strictly from man's perspective. Perhaps it will be helpful to back away a bit and look at the subject with a broader view. First, putting aside briefly the debate on the relevancy of the tithe for NT believers, let's agree for now on this broad but simple definition of the tithe: "the tithe is that portion of the whole that God has reserved for Himself." Every example of tithing and every requirement for tithing in the OT will fit neatly into this definition. And, when see the tithe this way, it opens up a whole new understanding so that we now see the principle of tithe demonstrated throughout the bible. Now, of course, it is true that in a real sense God owns everything. But, it is also true that He has voluntarily transferred much of His rights of ownership to us, His stewards, so that we can now rightfully say that we own this or that. But, there is always a portion for which God retains full ownership. "Fee simple ownership" is the legal term. It refers to "unqualified ownership and unencumbered power of disposition." In scripture, that portion is the tithe. We can see it over and over in the bible if we look for it. One way to spot the principle is that any time God declares something "holy," it means (in part) that it belongs solely to Him to be used for His purposes. He gives no one else any legal rights or interest in what He has declared holy. That which is "holy unto the Lord" is valuable, even precious to Him, a source of His joy and an object of His love. The tithe is always holy unto the Lord. The first demonstration of the tithe we see in scripture is found in Genesis 2:16 where God reserves for Himself one tree out of all the trees in the garden. That tree was the tithe required by God in that situation. We see many other examples throughout the bible, some obvious, some veiled. The King James version refers to the tithes as "the accursed things" in Josh 6:17-19. More modern versions rightly translate those words as "the devoted things" or "the dedicated things." It was that part God had reserved for Himself and devoted to His use. Achan learned the hard way how serious a matter it is to steal that which belongs wholly to God. There are way too many examples to list here. Time after time we see in scripture the principle (if not the covenant) between God and man in which God provides man with his needs and demands that man honor that which God has reserved for Himself. If man complies, he is blessed. If he refuses to comply, he is cursed (Mal 3:9). But, what is God's point in requiring the tithe? I think it follows the pattern we see throughout scripture where God, especially in the OT, gives us physical/material examples and requirements to teach us spiritual principles. So, what is the spiritual principle connected to the tithe? To learn the principle behind tithing, we should look for the "ultimate" tithe, the archetype, the tithe to which all previous examples point. Of course, this will always lead us to Jesus, but that is not the full answer. In fact, the ultimate tithe includes us! As believers, as God's elect, we are that portion out of all mankind that God has reserved for Himself! We are set aside for His purposes. He has declared us holy. We belong to Him alone - he has given no one else any interest in us or authority over us. We are valuable and precious to Him and He loves us with a love we cannot even imagine. We are His tithe! We are the tithe to which all other tithing points! How great is that? So, we tithe our resources today not out of legalistic requirements, but out of a recognition of the abiding principle of redemption revealed in scripture. We tithe to demonstrate our understanding of and appreciation for the fact that God, by His grace, has reserved for Himself a people. We are the ultimate tithe!
Jeff Hammond
Supporter
This question makes an assumption that the Old Testament is passed away. This is surely not the case and nowhere is it so stated in Scriptures. The term "Old Testament" needs to be understood, for although we call the 39 inspired books from Genesis to Malachi as the Old Testament, we need to be aware that God made 7 major covenants in the "Old Testament" i.e. The Adamic Covenant, the Edenic Covenant, the Noahic Covenant, the Abrahamic Covenant, the Mosaic Covenant, the Promised Land Covenant and the Davidic Covenant. Of these 7, the covenant specifically referred to as the "Old Testament" is the Mosaic Covenant, also known as the "Law Covenant". Some of the covenants are specifically called an "eternal covenant", specifically the Abrahamic Covenant. All of these Covenants either find their fulfillment or conclusion in the Cross of Christ, or they are activated fully by the Cross of Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit in what is called the "New Covenant". Hebrews 7:11-25 and throughout Hebrews 5-10 we are clearly told that that the legalism of the Law Covenant has indeed passed away because now we have a better covenant, a better way, a better sacrifice, a better priesthood etc that is able to save us to the uttermost. This, however, does not mean that the Old Testament (i.e. the 39 divinely inspired books) have passed away. On the contrary the apostle Paul said that, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness," 2 Timothy 3:16. What did Paul mean by "all scripture"? He meant the Old Testament, for at that time there was no "New Testament. It would be another 40 years before it was completed. The Bible of the New Testament Church was the Old Testament. They preached the Gospel from the Old Testament, just as Jesus did. He regularly quoted from the Old Testament to prove His message. The Old Testament is still valid today to effectively equip Christians in the pathway of truth. What we have in the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed, explained, fulfilled in the light of Christ's love and grace. Although the legalism of the "Old" has been fulfilled and nailed to the Cross (Colossians 2:13-15), there are many wonderful instructive truths, wisdom, prophecy etc in the Old Testament that are at the very foundation of our faith. Let's not cast out the baby with the bath water! Tithing is one such truth that has never been abolished. It began by an act of faith by Abraham, and not by the command of Law (Genesis 14) and it was continued on in the Law of Moses and never cancelled in the New Testament. In fact Jesus (Matthew 23:23), Paul (1 Corinthians 9:9-16) and the writer to the Hebrews, (Hebrews 7:4-10) endorsed the continuation of tithing in the New Testament. 2 Corinthians 9:5-8 states that God loves a wise, cheerful, purposeful and willing giver of finances and that surely implies doing so according to biblical principles in love, faith, commitment and obedience to the principles of God's Word.
Mark Bowling
Supporter
It was Jesus who said that he came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it so that to me says that we are subject to the Law. Paul was stating that, in Christ, we are free from the penalty of the Law. It is the purpose of the Law to point us toward Christ. The Law shows us how sinful we truly are. In the sermon on the mount, Jesus established that the Law was our minimum behavior but we are to keep its spirit as well. Therefore, if a specific aspect of the law seems no longer to apply to us today, then, we apply the principle represented by the spirit of that law. These things then tell me, in my opinion, that we are still bound by the tithe. We are to arrange our lives so that we can live off our remaining 90%. Again, we should not see this as some obligation and find no joy in it. We are to be cheerful givers and may even exceed giving 10%. If we are not tithing now, we should begin with 1% and move our way up to 10% as we move away from the keeping up with the jones mentaility that entraps many of us today. Sure, when we are not obedient to the tithe, we are condemned by the Law (separation from God permanently) but it is through Christ that we are made clean. In our joy of being freed from the penalties of not keeping the law, we should repent from our sins. In this case, the Holy Spirit will move us toward tithing.
John Kennon
Supporter
Tithing is something that is absolute. The principals taught in the law are timeless. To bless The Lord with your first fruits is to honor him with all of your substance. If you can't tithe, it's probable your not submitted to God in a lot of other ways as well. If he is not the God of your checkbook then we should check out who is.
marilyn pyse
Supporter
I can speak from experience that tithing works. I wasn't raise to tithe, but my husband was. From the very first, my husband tithed. His thoughts were to give God 10%, save 10% and use the rest. We didn't have a pot or place to put one, but God blessed us and we are living pretty comfortably in our early 70's. not only does tithing help you financially, but also in your health. We had very little illnesses with our children, the usually early childhood diseases but nothing major. Now as adults, they are still healthy. If you are not sure about this practice, I can only encourage you to test God and see that He is true and faithful. I might add here, some believe we do not have to live by the old testament after Christ died on the Cross, but we must read it and follow its guidelines. Read psalms and proverbs, they are full of wisdom. Bottom line, I believe in tithing.
Daniel Carlson
Supporter
Many of the opinions submitted on the subject of tithing are excellent and faithful to Biblical teachings. I believe Jesus carried the principle of tithing over to the New Testament when He said in Matthew 23:23: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypo-crites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done without leaving the others undone.” There’s no hint here that tithing is strictly an Old Testament requirement. According to Jesus, we are still expected to tithe—but without neglecting justice, mercy and faith. Having moved to California from NYC as a young father, I struggled to make ends meet while bouncing from one job to another. I wasn’t able to make enough money to pay the rent and keep the family off of welfare, let alone to tithe. So, I promised the Lord, I’d start tithing when I was able. But a strange thing happened: Every time I got paid (and in those days it was always in cash), between the job and home (about five miles), I’d somehow manage to lose exactly ten percent of my pay. If it had happened only once, I’d have chalked it off as coincidence, but it happened consistently on every payday. Exactly ten percent flew out the window, to the point that I wandered, “What’s going on here?” I got suspicious that somehow God was “stealing” my money. But, no, God isn’t a thief—the devil’s the thief. He comes to “kill, steal, and destroy.” Jesus came to give us life in abundance. “Every good and perfect gift comes from above.” So, I decided even though I couldn’t afford it, I’d start to tithe. But, instead of an immediate blessing, things turned for the worse. My son was riding his bicycle when a car hit him, landing him in the hospital. Although I was grateful that his life had been spared, I also had misgivings: “Oh no,” I thought. “Another bunch of bills to pay!” As it turned out, our car insurance footed the hospital bill, and the driver’s insurance gave us a settlement which completely blew me away. So, instead of it being a financial curse, the windows of heaven opened up and poured out blessing upon blessing—just as His Word promises those who don’t rob God of what rightfully belongs to Him. If the Old Testament law of tithing seems too de-manding, then try the New Testament teaching on giving and see if you like that better. To the rich young ruler Jesus said: “Go sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” (Matt. 19:21) Mark 12:43-44: Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for she… put in all she owned, all she had to live on. Luke 3:11: The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise. Luke 6:30: Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. Luke 6:38: Give, and it will be given you. They will pour into your lap a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. Acts 20:35: It is more blessed to give than to receive. Maybe the law of tithing, which began with Abraham or before, isn't such a bad deal after all - it's only ten percent! But the promised blessings of giving with abandon are as high as heaven itself!
Myron Robertson
Supporter
Usually when someone asks a question such as this I find that they have either fallen for the common false teaching that God's law and the Old Testament no longer applies to us in any way (this is NOT taught in the New Testament anywhere, and it takes a lot of twisting and ignoring of the words of the apostles and even Jesus himself to twist a few carefully picked verses to "prove" this doctrine) or they are actively seeking excuses for their own continued sin. Both are a serious problem. Paul told Timothy, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness," 1 Tim 3:16. If you limit yourself to the NT, thus ignoring 2/3 of scripture your doctrine, your reproof, your correction of others and your personal righteousness will all be seriously lacking. John said, "7 Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining," 1 Jn 2. What does this mean? The law has not changed. The covenant has, and with it the form of the law. Many insist they are not under the law because they are under the New Covenant. When I question them they cannot tell me what the New Covenant says, nor tell me where in the Bible it can be found. Most, if they have an idea, tell me it is found in Hebrews 9, but still cannot tell me what it says. The New Covenant is first stated in Jeremiah 31:31-35, and is quoted in Hebrews 8. In it God states, "I will write my law on your heart." The law, then, is the centerpiece of the New Covenant just as it was the Old Covenant. Yet John's words show that there has been some form of change in the law, as do Paul's words. 2 Pe 3:16 says the ignorant and unstable twist Paul's words to their destruction (and the destruction of those who listen to them). I always heard how Paul taught how the law no longer applies, but James taught that it does. No one wrote more to uphold the law than Paul did, but no one (except Jesus) understood the law in its New Covenant application better than Paul did. Thus the law of tithing still applies to us today, but what is the New Covenant application? That is a more difficult question to answer. Paul tells us in Galatians 5:2-5 that if we insist on keeping one statute according to its Old Covenant interpretation we make ourselves responsible for keeping the entire law according to the Old Covenant interpretation, and because the Old Covenant was conditional upon obedience to that law, you also made yourself responsible for your own salvation, something that is impossible for you to do if you have ever sinned even just once. The tithing law deals with the first fruits and acknowledgement of God's ownership of all things, including you. God's portion is to be taken off the top before you take any portion for your own use. This means that if you are tithing according to the New Covenant you are doing God's work first and foremost. You are also acknowledging that it is all God's work. If you own a business you are simply a steward in your Father's business and you must follow his laws in relation to all your employees and their labor. That is a radical idea in this world. If you are tithing it means you are asking what can I do to further the Kingdom of Heaven that is among us now, today, on this earth. If you are tithing you are giving of your time and of yourself, not your money. Another thread asks who gets the tithe. It was not the priests, contrary to popular opinion. It went to the Levites who were intended to be the governmental leaders, the healers, the auxiliary staff of the temple, the teachers and other such things. The temple was supported with the tithe of the Levites and by the offerings, not the tithes of the people.
Sharon Williams
Supporter
I cannot believe that of all the excellent responses here, nobody has mentioned that this is the only issue in which the Lord ASKS us to TEST Him to see how faithful He is! It is surely a promise for us, as much as Deut 30:15-20: 15 See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. 16 For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. 17 But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, 18 I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. 19 This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. You know full well that the book of Malachi is the last book of the OT, God's closing comments on the Old Covenant, and points towards the new covenant completed in Christ. Malachi 3:6 says the Lord does not change! His principles remain. He promises to bless us and to rebuke the devourer for our sakes if we are obedient to His command. In the end it is a matter of the heart, of faith and trust in the Lord. Do we honour Him with all that is ours, or are there things that we just don't trust Him with, like our finances. Are we to be like Cain who basically said to God "I will give what I want to give, when I want and how I want". That is why God rejected his offering. The firstfruits of everything we are and have is to be given to the Lord in recognition that they are all His anyways. God gave His first fruits, Christ, for us. How can we not also give to Him our first fruits.
Bill Webster
Supporter
Jesus said... [Mat 23:23 NLT] 23 "What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law--justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.
Tega Edafiogho
Supporter
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. -Matthew 23:23 But woe unto you, Pharisees! For ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. -Luke 11:42 Now Our Lord Jesus clearly states in the above verses that you should pay your tithe. So how do Christians still manage to argue it? Tithing is not a free will issue but a commandment from our Lord himself, not paying tithe is simply disobedience.
Priscilla Quarles
Supporter
God's Laws were formed to teach the people of Israel righteousness. The way God taught the people of Israel may have changed; the righteousness that is in the Law has not changed. Righteousness is forever. As long as we have Priests which are known as Pastors today, that serve the people of God, and the building which God calls for assembly for his people, we have a responsibility to support them financially today. The Law teaches righteousness and doing the law helps us to understand what is right. Christ is the end of the law so that man doesn't need a law. Man was a slave to sin, blind to righteousness but now through Jesus Christ we are no longer a slave but a free man. We live unto righteousness, we don't need a law to keep us on the right path of God. Now that God have train us in the way we should go we don't a rod, i.e. the law anymore. Today we don't need a law to make us give our tithes we give our tithes freely because we know it is the right thing to do. Being a Pastor is a full time job. The people of the world are not going to financial support the church. The world can not understand the important of their job. To deliver not only milk to the babes, but meat to the mature. Pastors are set apart by God to do his will for his people. God said the tithes belongs to him and he promise the tithes to the pastors for a reliable income and for the financial cares of the church. God does not pay spiritual money. He asks us His children for the money by encouraging us through his promises to open the windows of heaven blessing, increasing our money. And protecting our money from the thief called Satan. He commanded the tithe in the Law, he expected it of us today.
Melody Sutter-fisher
Supporter
I believe that we are no longer under the law, however the decree for tithing predates the law. Whatever we have is because God gave it to us. Whether it be wages from a job, Social Security, or any other income. There are many ways to tithe also. You can tithe your time by volunteering in mission work at your home church, you can give to your church's food bank etc. However, It is made clear that of all He gave us, he expects a small 10 percent to be given back to Him as a show of faith. We tip people 15-20 percent for their services, yet many of us are reluctant to tithe saying "How will I pay my bills, or what if the car breaks down, etc." This show a lack of faith in the Word of God who cannot and will not ever lie. Jesus tells us we have little faith, behold the flowers and the birds, they neither toil nor sow and your Heavenly Father cares for them, will He not care all the more for you? Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. 12 “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty. Although many like to think this is a choice, I believe that we follow the Word of God in all things, not just in those we are comfortable with. Amen
Happy Riches
Supporter
Tithing is a principle by which we can grow in faith, because we have the opportunity to prove God as He honors His Word. People who do not tithe harm themselves, no one else, because the devourer has the right of access to them. The promise to Abraham and his descendants, that they should inherit the world, did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith.... That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants—not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham, for he is the father of us all (Rom. 4:13,16) Note what Jesus said when talking to the Jews: They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do what Abraham did, but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth which I heard from God; this is not what Abraham did...." (John 8:39-40) What did Abraham do?...And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. And the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself.” But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have sworn to the Lord God Most High, maker of heaven and earth, that I would not take a thread or a sandal-thong or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ I will take nothing...(Gen. 14:20-24) Abraham did not tithe of the spoils that were taken from the kings when rescuing Lot. He tithed of the spoils that he got from Pharaoh. But more than this, Abraham tithed a tenth of everything! People who call themselves Christians can follow the example of Abraham and tithe or they can do their own thing. For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed. From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. But you say, ‘How shall we return? (Mal. 3:6-7) More to the point,according to the Apostle Paul. It was not until Abraham tithed that his faith was reckoned as righteousness, Thus Abraham “believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” (Gal. 3:6) For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” (Rom. 4:3) And he believed the Lord; and he reckoned it to him as righteousness. (Gen. 15:6) Tithing is not essential for salvation, only blessings. But since around a mere 4% of Christians tithe in the USA, maybe this is why they give more than 10% to the god of this world through their credit cards.
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