The argument that tithing is not for the New Covenant generation often hinges on several theological points, particularly the transition from the Old Covenant’s physical practices to New Covenant spiritual realities. Here’s a detailed explanation of this perspective:
### 1. The Destruction of the Physical Temple
In the Old Testament, the temple in Jerusalem was the central place of worship, where sacrifices were made, and offerings, including tithes, were given. However, when Jesus died, the veil of the temple was torn in two (Matthew 27:51). This event symbolizes the end of the Old Covenant system, which was reliant on a physical temple for worship and offerings.
### 2. Transition to a Spiritual Temple
The New Testament teaches that believers are now the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). This shift signifies that God’s dwelling place is no longer in a physical location but in the hearts of believers. Ephesians 2:19-22 describes how the church, the body of Christ, is being built together as a holy temple for God.
### 3. Kingdom of God Within
Jesus proclaimed that the Kingdom of God is within believers (Luke 17:20-21). This message emphasizes an internal spiritual reality rather than external control or physical structures. The ministry of Jesus revealed that true worship is a matter of spirit and truth (John 4:24), moving beyond mere physical acts, such as tithing.
### 4. The Closure of Levitical Offices
Since Jesus’ sacrificial death fulfilled the requirements of the law (Romans 10:4), the roles of the Levitical priests changed. Hebrews 7:12 highlights that with the change of the priesthood came a change in the law. As Christ is our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14), the specific system of tithing to support Levitical priests is no longer applicable.
### 5. Generosity in the New Covenant
Instead of a mandated tithe, the New Testament encourages generosity and cheerful giving. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Paul states, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” This indicates a shift from obligation to voluntary, Spirit-led generosity.
### Conclusion
In summary, the argument against tithing for New Covenant believers is rooted in the understanding that the sacrificial system, including tithes, was fulfilled in Christ. The transition from a physical temple to a spiritual one signifies that worship and giving are now acts of the heart rather than mere adherence to the law. Believers are encouraged to give generously from the abundance of their hearts, reflecting their relationship with Christ.
Section 2
Your observation about tithing within the context of the New Covenant is a significant theological discussion. Here are some key points and relevant scripture verses to support your argument:
1. **Lack of Direct Teaching on Tithing**: In the New Testament, there is no explicit command from Jesus or the apostles to practice tithing as was done in the Old Testament. Instead, the focus shifts toward generosity and free giving.
**Scripture Reference**:
– **2 Corinthians 9:7**: “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
2. **Jesus Rebuking the Pharisees**: Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their meticulous tithing while neglecting more important aspects of the law, such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
**Scripture Reference**:
– **Matthew 23:23**: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”
3. **Paul’s Teaching on Giving**: Apostle Paul emphasized voluntary and generous contributions, indicating that giving is to come from the heart rather than a set percentage.
**Scripture Reference**:
– **1 Corinthians 16:2**: “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.”
– **2 Corinthians 8:12**: “For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.”
4. **Principle of Generosity**: The New Covenant emphasizes the spirit of generosity over legalistic adherence to the law, promoting giving that is motivated by love and gratitude.
**Scripture Reference**:
– **Acts 20:35**: “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”
In summary, while tithing was a part of the Old Covenant, the New Covenant encourages a spirit of generosity, with a focus on the heart and the motives behind giving, rather than a prescribed percentage.
The debate about tithing in relation to the New Covenant centers on whether the practice is still relevant for Christians today. Here’s an explanation:
SECTION 3
### Tithing and the New Covenant
1. **Tithing in the Old Testament**: Tithing originated in the Old Testament as a law for the Israelites to support the Levitical priesthood and the temple. For example, Leviticus 27:30 states that a tenth of all produce belongs to the Lord. However, the New Covenant, established through Jesus Christ, fundamentally shifts the relationship between God and believers.
2. **Other Old Testament Laws Ignored**: Several laws from the Old Testament are not practiced by Christians today, including:
– **Sacrificial Laws**: Hebrews 10:4 emphasizes that animal sacrifices are no longer necessary because Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient.
– **Ceremonial Cleanliness**: Laws such as those in Leviticus 11 concerning clean and unclean animals (Acts 10:15).
– **Observance of Festivals**: Festivals like Passover (Colossians 2:16-17) are considered a shadow of what is to come, fulfilled in Christ.
– **Sabbath Law**: Colossians 2:16 indicates that no one should act as your judge regarding the Sabbath, implying freedom from strict observance.
### Malachi 3:8-12
Malachi 3:8-12 discusses bringing tithes into the storehouse, promising blessings in return. However, arguments for ignoring this verse include:
1. **Context**: Malachi was addressing Israel under the Old Covenant, focused on their unfaithfulness and the need for repentance (Malachi 1:6). The New Covenant emphasizes grace and faith instead of law.
2. **Shifts in Priesthood**: Hebrews 7:12 indicates a change in the priesthood means a change in the law. The Levitical priesthood is replaced by Christ’s eternal priesthood.
3. **Grace and Generosity**: The New Testament encourages giving as an expression of love and generosity rather than a legal requirement. 2 Corinthians 9:7 states, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
### Conclusion
While tithing was significant in the Old Testament, the New Covenant redefines the believers’ relationship with God, focusing on grace, generosity, and personal conviction rather than adherence to specific laws. The emphasis is not on the percentage given but on the heart behind the giving.
“Who Ordained You to Take the Tithes?”
Introduction
The question of tithing has sparked intense debate, especially concerning its relevance in today’s Christian practice. To understand the topic of ordination in relation to tithes, we need to connect scriptural foundation and the roles of the priesthood.
Biblical Context of Tithes
- Origin of Tithes:
- Tithing began with Abraham, who gave a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20). This act established a precedent, indicating recognition and honor towards a priest.
- The Israelites were commanded to tithe as part of their covenant with God (Deuteronomy 14:22-29).
- Levitical Tithing:
- God appointed the Levites as His servants to manage the tabernacle and the spiritual needs of Israel (Numbers 18:21).
- The tithes were meant to support the Levites who had no inheritance in the land (Numbers 18:24).
- The Role of the Priesthood:
- In the Old Testament, the Levites and priests were ordained by God to receive tithes (Malachi 3:10). Their role as mediators between God and Israel positioned them to collect and manage tithes.
New Testament Perspective
- Shift in Priesthood:
- Jesus, through His sacrifice, established a new covenant, making all believers a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). This changes the dynamic of who serves in God’s temple.
- Hebrews 7 discusses the priestly order of Melchizedek, emphasizing that Christ’s priesthood is eternal and not based on the Levitical line.
- Tithes in the New Testament:
- While Jesus discussed tithing (Matthew 23:23), He emphasized justice, mercy, and faithfulness over mere adherence to the law. This indicates a shift in focus from legal obligation to relational stewardship.
- Paul teaches that giving should be voluntary and cheerful (2 Corinthians 9:7), suggesting tithing is not a mandate but a heartfelt response to God’s grace.
Conclusion
The question “Who ordained you to take the tithes?” points to the critical understanding that while the Old Testament established a system of tithing under the Levitical priests, the New Testament reveals that the church operates under a new covenant. All believers are priests in their relationship with God. Therefore, the authority to receive tithes rests not solely on the ordination by men but on the heart of the giver responding to God’s faithfulness. Tithes today should be approached as a joyous act of worship, governed by love, generosity, and personal conviction rather than obligation.
Imposing tithing
Here are twelve reasons why some pastors may impose tithing on their members, along with corresponding biblical references:
1. **Selfishness**: Some pastors prioritize personal gain over congregational well-being.
*Reference: 1 Timothy 6:10 – “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”*
2. **Love of Money**: Ministers may focus on financial gain instead of spiritual growth.
*Reference: Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and money.”*
3. **Heresy**: Some promote tithing as a doctrine despite its absence in the New Testament.
*Reference: Galatians 1:9 – “As we have said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you, let him be accursed.”*
4. **Rigid Heart**: A refusal to adapt to the context of grace and New Testament principles.
*Reference: 2 Corinthians 3:6 – “The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”*
5. **Original Motive of Opening a Church**: Founders may have entered ministry for profit rather than service.
*Reference: 1 Peter 5:2 – “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing.”*
6. **Hypocrisy**: Preachers may demand tithes while not practicing generosity themselves.
*Reference: Matthew 23:3 – “So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.”*
7. **Lack of Knowledge**: They may not understand the difference between Old Covenant law and New Covenant grace.
*Reference: Hosea 4:6 – “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”*
8. **No Genuine Salvation**: A lack of true spiritual transformation can lead to manipulative practices.
*Reference: 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”*
9. **Adamant to the Truth**: Some ignore the reality of New Covenant freedom in Christ.
*Reference: John 8:32 – “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”*
10. **Do As They Do**: Pastors may mimic traditions without questioning their biblical basis.
*Reference: Matthew 15:9 – “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”*
11. **Rejection of the New Covenant Superiority Over the Law**: They may fail to appreciate the fulfillment of law in Christ.
*Reference: Hebrews 8:13 – “In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete.”*
12. **Fear of Loss**: Some leaders may believe that not enforcing tithing will lead to financial decline of the church.
*Reference: Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”*
These points illustrate various motivations that can lead to the imposition of tithing in contemporary churches.