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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | What does the Bible say about tithing? | Lev 27:30 | kalos | 163429 | ||
What does the Bible say about tithing? New Testament believers are never commanded to tithe. "Two kinds of giving are taught consistently throughout Scripture: giving to the government (always compulsory), and giving to God (always voluntary). "The issue has been greatly confused, however, by some who misunderstand the nature of the Old Testament tithes. Tithes were not primarily gifts to God, but taxes for funding the national budget in Israel. "Because Israel was a theocracy, the Levitical priests acted as the civil government. So the Levite's tithe (Leviticus 27:30-33) was a precursor to today's income tax, as was a second annual tithe required by God to fund a national festival (Deuteronomy 14:22-29). Smaller taxes were also imposed on the people by the law (Leviticus 19:9-10; Exodus 23:10-11). So the total giving required of the Israelites was not 10 percent, but well over 20 percent. All that money was used to operate the nation. "All giving apart from that required to run the government was purely voluntary (cf. Exodus 25:2; 1 Chronicles 29:9). Each person gave whatever was in his heart to give; no percentage or amount was specified. "New Testament believers are never commanded to tithe. Matthew 22:15-22 and Romans 13:1-7 tell us about the only required giving in the church age, which is the paying of taxes to the government. "Interestingly enough, we in America presently pay between 20 and 30 percent of our income to the government--a figure very similar to the requirement under the theocracy of Israel. "The guideline for our giving to God and His work is found in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7: "Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver." ____________________ (www.gty.org Click on Issues and Answers. Then click on Previous Topics) For much more in-depth information on Tithing, including many Scripture references, look up Tithing in Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. Baker's Dictionary is available online at (bible.crosswalk.com) |
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2 | What does the Bible say about tithing? | Lev 27:30 | kalos | 163433 | ||
New Testament believers are never commanded to tithe. Tithes were not primarily gifts to God, but taxes for funding the national budget in Israel. 'The Old Testament tithe, according to some estimates, actually approximated closer to 23 percent in total tithes and offerings! The New Testament, however, does not specify a particular percentage that believers are required to give. 'This being said, however, believers are most certainly encouraged 'to give (see Rom. 15:26-27; 1 Cor. 16:1-4; 2 Cor. 8:7) and 'to give generously and liberally (see Rom. 12:8; 2 Cor. 9:11-13), 'each according to his own ability (Acts 11:29; 2 Cor. 8:12), 'with a willing, cheerful heart (2 Cor. 9:7). 'Even those who are poor are permitted to give, and praised for doing so (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4; 2 Cor. 8:1-5). Paul sets forth Jesus as the believer's example for giving (2 Cor. 8:8-9). 'We should give out of a heart full of gratitude toward God for what He's done for us through Christ! It is clear, then, that sacrificial giving is very much encouraged (2 Cor. 9:5) -- though not commanded (2 Cor. 8:8).' (http://www.probe.org/docs/e-tithing2.html) "Give...not grudgingly or of necessity..." 2 Cor. 9:7 (NKJV) AMPLIFIED Exodus 25:2 Speak to the Israelites, that they take for Me an offering. From every man who gives it willingly and ungrudgingly with his heart you shall take My offering. AMPLIFIED 1 Chronicles 29:9 Then the people rejoiced because these had given willingly, for with a whole and blameless heart they had offered freely to the Lord. King David also rejoiced greatly. |
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