Results 1 - 7 of 7
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Is it a must to tithe | Mal 3:9 | iriandani | 104337 | ||
Hi. While I understand the good intentions behind the response of Makarios (a response that I would anticipate reflective of the majority of American Christians), I would like to offer an alternative. Simply, the tithe is not a New Testament principle, it is not a law that somehow escaped into the new covenant, it has absolutely no binding authority on you whatsoever and is fundamentaly legalistic. Having made such a bold statement, here is some support to back it up. 1. Tithing is never taught in the New Testament. The only time Jesus mentions it is when he is angry with the Pharisees who would spend immense time and energy on keeping the tithe while neglecting the weightier matters - love, forgiveness, compassion, justice. If, as Malachi indicates, the lack of fulfilling the tithe carries a curse, and if this is still true for the New Testament believer, then you should find warnings and teaching throughout the New Testament. It doesn't appear once in any of Paul's epistles. The mention of the tithe in Hebrews is tied directly with the Levitical Priesthood, a priesthood which has passed away, and replaced by the priesthood of Melchizedek (who wasn't even an Israelite). Think about it; if tithing were a New Testament law (or 'principle' as some say to make it more palatable), then you should find it talked about everywhere in the New Testament. It is just not there. 2. The tithing that is commonly advocated today does not resemble the Old Testament breadth of tithing that is reflected there. How many sermons have you heard on Deut 14, where the people of God are commanded to take a tenth of everything, exchange it for money, travel to Jerusalem and have a huge party, spending it on 'whatever your heart desires' including strong drink. 3. The motivation behind tithing is most often fear (of a curse, for example) and guilt (not pleasing God). Neither of these has anything to do with faith and scripture is clear that, "Whatever is not of faith, is sin." If you understand the syllogism, this means that for many people, to tithe is to sin. 4. The law of the tithe actually prevents giving and promotes legalism. The New Testament is very clear that we are not under the Jewish law. Rather, Jesus has come to live inside of us and He is the greatest 'giver' of all. The wonder is this; how Jesus and you choose to give is entirely up to you. It is out of your union with Jesus that you give, not some external reference to an external law. That is the freedom Paul talks about in Galatians and Colossians. 5. We are no longer under the law - For us today, there is not much discussion or controversy about circumcision. We see it as old covenant. Tithing is our modern day equivalent of the issue of circumcision. Read through Galatians and substitute the word tithe for circumcision. If you want to be under part of the law, then you must obey the entire law flawlessly - good luck. |
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2 | Is it a must to tithe | Mal 3:9 | Makarios | 104345 | ||
Greetings Iriandani, Would you be in agreement with me if I stated that the entire New Testament concept of tithing could be summed up in one verse? "and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need." Acts 2:45 Blessings to you, Makarios |
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3 | Is it a must to tithe | Mal 3:9 | iriandani | 104352 | ||
Hi...yes and no, but you would need to 'define' the term 'tithing' for me to answer. If, for example, the term means 10 percent 'gross or net' required as part of religious obligation and that this verse assumes this, then I would disagree. If, on the other hand, you were using a 'very' broad stroke, the idea that giving consumes the requirement of tithing into something greater, unbounded by law or requirement, then maybe. The real problem is that the term has almost unavoidable implications and baggage. We are either under the law or we are not, whether you call it a responsibility, an obligation or a principle. | ||||||
4 | Is it a must to tithe | Mal 3:9 | Makarios | 104361 | ||
Greetings Iriandani, The term "tithing," according to New Testament application, in no way implicates that we are most certainly obligated to give a "tenth" of anything. However, in the spirit of Acts 2:45, I would contend that tithing remains a New Testament "principle," even though it is not something that we are either required or obligated to do. Therefore, whether it means 'gross' or 'net' is besides the point, and I would believe that the entire "principle" of tithing lies in the acts of stewardship and sharing above all else, regardless of how much or how little is given. So, yes, I am making a very 'broad' stroke! I do not believe that tithing, in and of itself, should be regulated or bound by law or government, since tithing is one of the freedoms that we have while being under grace (Galatians 5:13). And no part of 'grace' can be regulated, since grace is given from above and not given as a result of any work on our part. Blessings to you, Makarios |
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5 | Is it a must to tithe | Mal 3:9 | iriandani | 104362 | ||
Hey Makarios, you seem to be sliding in a direction different from your first post. I admire that, by the way. My point is still, if what you are saying is true, why even use the term, since it is so loaded with baggage. The word, by the way, means 'tenth'. Also, if what you say is true, what is the principle that remains? | ||||||
6 | Is it a must to tithe | Mal 3:9 | Makarios | 104365 | ||
Greetings Iriandani! I appreciate your response! No, I have not changed my direction or position since my first post! :-) And I believe that I have already answered your questions. It is not my position on 'tithing' that I am "probing", it is yours, my friend. Blessings to you, Makarios |
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7 | Is it a must to tithe | Mal 3:9 | iriandani | 104366 | ||
Makarios, I stand corrected. I re-read your post and we are very similar (some language differences only). Thanks and blessings on you as well. |
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