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NASB | Hebrews 7:8 In this case mortal men receive tithes, but in that case one receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives on. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Hebrews 7:8 Furthermore, here [in the Levitical priesthood] tithes are received by men who are subject to death; but in that case [concerning Melchizedek], they are received by one of whom it is testified that he lives on [perpetually]. |
Subject: Judgement:preachers who curse nontithers |
Bible Note: Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek only once. - He was not commanded - He did not give a tithe of all he had, only of "war spoils". Hebrews were written for the Jews who believed that the law were still to be followed. Heb.7 proofs that there were an annulling of the former (which is discribbed in v5) and that Jesus was "not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life" (v16). 5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: 6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. 7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. 8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. 9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. 10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. 11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. 13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. 15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, 16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. 17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. 19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. Further to this, Paul went to gentile nations who did not know the Jewish laws at all. I can not find one scripture where he teaches anyone about tithing - the blessing or curse - instead I can only see him teaching people about GIVING - chearfully, without remorse and not compulsory! I believe that preachers who preach "curse" has got no faith that God will supply all their needs, thus they create fear of curse if the people don't pay their tithes. I couldn't find anything like this in the NT. Paul also rebuked the christians for many sins they committed (ie Cor.), but he has never rebuked anyone for not tithing. Instead I can only see that he encourged people to give. There were 3 types of laws: 1. Ceremonial laws (washing, feasts, etc.) These were not to continue after Jesus' resurrection - they were for Israel only for a time. 2. Civil laws (Deut 14 - ±17) These were their "country" laws. They were under teocracy and tithing was their "tax" to uphold the Levitical priesthood. These were not to continue after Jesus' resurrection - they were for Israel only for a time. 3. Moral laws (the 10 commandments). 9 of these were repeated in the NT, ie. OT: Do not commit adultery - NT: If you only look at a woman and covet her you have committed adultery in your heart. The NT is stricter about Moral laws. The only law not repeated in the NT is the law about the Sabbath - Paul says no one day is more important than another - we should be living for Christ every day - although we have special get-togethers on specific days. In Acts none of the new Christians were told to tithe but they all gave continuously. I believe that if preachers would stop putting the church under the yoke of the OT civil law, the church will grow financially and our brothers and sisters will not go to bed hungry while churches build extravagant buildings. No where has Christians been asked to tithe, but since ALL my money belong to Christ, I can use it ALL for His glory. And last but not least: If things were before the Law it does not mean that they extend into the NT. Abel offered to God before the Law and Abraham and all the men in his family were circumsized before the Law. |