| Question:
"What does the Bible say about Christian tithing?” Is it
mandatory?
The first thing we as
Christians need to understand is that the Lord Jesus released us
from the "letter of the Law", which no man or woman could possibly
have kept entirely. No Jew could fully keep the Old Laws. If
they broke even one they were worse off in the world of "damnation"
then before. Christ freed us from the shackles of this Old Testament
Law. A Christian has complete freedom in Jesus; because of what
Jesus did.
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2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers
of the new testament; not of the letter, but of
the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the
spirit giveth life. |
Tithing is an issue
that many Christians struggle with. In many churches tithing is
over-emphasized. At the same time, many Christians refuse to submit
to the Biblical exhortation in regards to making offerings to the
Lord.
Tithing or giving is intended to be a joy, or a blessing.
We know we are not saved by "works" and gifts such as
"tithing"!
Scripture is adamant that you can never buy your way to heaven this
way. We are only saved by the grace of our Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ. And, we can't get to first base to receive this
grace without Faith. We are therefore justified by Faith
alone. We need a relationship with the Lord Jesus our Savior.
Speak to Him constantly from your heart to His.
A person who is "in the ball game" will exhibit fruits of the Holy
Spirit which most likely will include giving to the poor and helping
others. If they are not financially capable of giving they
will help other in other ways. Perhaps they'll help others
with their time or with their caring...
Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe was a requirement of
the law in which all Israelites were give 10% of everything they
earned and grew to the Tabernacle / Temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers
18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5). Some understand the
Old Testament tithe as a method of taxation to provide for the needs
of the priests and Levites of the sacrificial system.
Nowhere in the New
Testament is there either a command or recommendation that
Christians submit to a legalistic tithing system, or even a
mandatory day of worship (like Saturday) for that matter.
Paul states that
believers should set aside a portion of their income in order to
support the church (1 Corinthians 16:1-2).
1
Corinthians 16:1-2
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints,
as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even
so do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week
let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath
prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
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The New Testament nowhere assigns a certain percentage of income to
set aside, but only says it is to be “in keeping with his income” (1
Corinthians 16:2). The Christian church has essentially taken the
10% figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a
“recommended minimum” for Christians in their giving. Although the
New Testament does not identify a specific amount or percentage to
give, it does talk about the importance and benefits of giving. They
should give as they are able, in keeping with his income, or as Paul
says; "as God hath prospered him". Sometimes that means giving
more than a tithe, sometime that may mean giving less than a tithe.
It all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the
church. Each and every Christian should diligently pray and seek
God’s wisdom as to whether to participate in tithing and/or for how
much he or she should give (James 1:5). “Every man according as he
purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of
necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
2 Corinthians 9 6-7:
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly
shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth
bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his
heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity:
for God loveth a cheerful giver. |
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