Tithing is for suckers

Studious One said:

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As to Abram, his tithes were not his own property. Hebrews 7:4 makes that abundantly clear... as do Abram's own words to Bera, when he said he promised God that he would not take any of Sodom's property unto himself.

Abram did not recognize those war spoils as his own. Scripture is very clear on that.

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Spoils automatically belong to the victor.

See Joshua chapter 7, of the faithful and of the one which defrauded [Achan], and

"Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the LORD." 1 Chronicles 26:27

All that Abraham brought back was legally his.

Studious One said:

... Scripture is very clear on that.

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Scripture surely is clear on this:

"Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the LORD." 1 Chronicles 26:27

Joshua recognizes that the Firstfruits of Ai belong unto the LORD:

"And they burnt the city with fire, and all that [was] therein: only the silver, and the gold, and the vessels of brass and of iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the LORD." Joshua 6:24

Or will you yet withhold that which belongs unto God as did Achan?

When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they [are] hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it. Joshua 7:21

What was Achans reward?

God will also send his invisible messengers unto thee, and judgment unless thou repent...

So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran unto the tent; and, behold, [it was] hid in his tent, and the silver under it. Joshua 7:22

And they took them out of the midst of the tent, and brought them unto Joshua, and unto all the children of Israel, and laid them out before the LORD. Joshua 7:23

And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor. Joshua 7:24

And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones. Joshua 7:25

Notice, there are many troublers in Israel.... tares among wheat... the final judgment by a great and firey hail of stones is coming brother... repent...


And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day. Joshua 7:26

Restore the pledge... given back that which is stolen... even fourfold that your house might have mercy upon it!

[If] the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. Ezekiel 33:15

And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore [him] fourfold. Luke 19:18

Notice what is said of Zacchaeus...

And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. Luke 19:19

...if not, then it will be said unto thee...

Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. James 5:3

Studious One said:

Where does Scripture say Jacob fulfilled his vow? I have never run across that.

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You do not understand the change of name then, from Jacob [supplanter, one who defrauds] to Israel [overcomer with God], no longer a thief...

To withhold the Tithe from God, which is rightfully His [even as all of it is], is robbery and defrauding.

Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. Matthew 10:19

...but those which do, do wrong, even robbing their elder brother Christ Jesus, withholding that which is His!

"Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that [your] brethren." 1 Corinthians 6:8

...and yet worse than a robber, for those who teach people to with hold God's Holy Tithe - even a ringleader of robbers!:

"Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven..." Matthew 5:19;p, that is called "lowest" [base] by those watching angels of Heaven.

It is written:

Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:10

... even worse, those that are teaching others to withhold that which is God's, all the while claiming to honour Him! It would not matter how much offering you give, if you rob God of His Holy Tithe, for listen to the words of the prophet:

And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22

Again, while attempting to remove Tithe from our loving obligation to Christ, will you yet say that these did not render Tithe, or will you say that they did Tithe, even of "all"? Were they faithful in doing so? Was Abraham called the Friend of God? Did Moses speak to God as unto a Friend? Are we to be called "friends of God" [John 15:14]?

Remember Melchizedek is the type of Christ, and we are the Children of Abraham... yes or no? Hebrews 7.

"Render ... to God the things that are God's." Mark 12:17

It is a matter of Biblical faith brother. Where is yours?

Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. James 2:18

Whatsoever is not of faith is sin... and sin is the transgression of the law, and the wages for sin is 2nd death...

Studious One said:

That which Abram tithed...

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Thank you for admitting that the Tithe is older than Moses...

All of the "spoils" [including wealth, treasure, money, animals, food and even people [which are indebted now], as it were, rightfully belonged to Abraham, and thus He was increased, and so gave the Tithe to Melchizedek [King Priest of Peace], and thus recognized that all was in His possession, but did not claim anything else of it for Himself [as Jesus]. You are missing the greater type/antitype in the events. It is really about Christ...

Christ Jesus saves us from being captives, held prisoners, but Christ came to save us, and deliver us, and does not bring us back to Sodom and Gomorrah, but brings us to New Jerusalem [Salem], there is of course more typology in looking deeper, please continue to look.

Was Abraham faithful, yes or no? Did Abraham acknowledge the better, yes or no? Did Abraham pay tithe of "all", yes or no? Did the "all" include more than simply food, yes or no? Are we called to be faithful like unto faithful Abraham, yes or no?

Of course, Jacob could not immediately tithe, since at that point he owned nothing having fled. And the "If" is not a conditional, but a response to the statement by God in the preiovus verses, but do you doubt that as it is written that He faithfully Tithed of "all"? Where is your answer? Is not God with us? even as He was with Jacob?:

And, behold, I [am] with thee, and will keep thee in all [places] whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done [that] which I have spoken to thee of. Genesis 28:15

Barnes commentary recognizes this:

"..Jacob’s vow. A vow is a solemn engagement to perform a certain duty, the obligation of which is felt at the time to be especially binding. It partakes, therefore, of the nature of a promise or a covenant. It involves in its obligation, however, only one party, and is the spontaneous act of that party. Here, then, Jacob appears to take a step in advance of his predecessors. Hitherto, God had taken the initiative in every promise, and the everlasting covenant rests solely on his eternal purpose. Abraham had responded to the call of God, believed in the Lord, walked before him, entered into communion with him, made intercession with him, and given up his only son to him at his demand. In all this there is an acceptance on the part of the creature of the supremacy of the merciful Creator. But now the spirit of adoption prompts Jacob to a spontaneous movement toward God. This is no ordinary vow, referring to some special or occasional resolve.

It is the grand and solemn expression of the soul’s free, full, and perpetual acceptance of the Lord to be its own God. This is the most frank and open utterance of newborn spiritual liberty from the heart of man that has yet appeared in the divine record. “If God will be with me.” This is not the condition on which Jacob will accept God in a mercenary spirit. It is merely the echo and the thankful acknowledgment of the divine assurance, “I am with thee,” which was given immediately before. It is the response of the son to the assurance of the father: “Wilt thou indeed be with me? Thou shalt be my God.” “This stone shall be God’s house,” a monument of the presence of God among his people, and a symbol of the indwelling of his Spirit in their hearts. As it comes in here it signalizes the grateful and loving welcome and entertainment which God receives from his saints. “A tenth will I surely give unto thee.” The honored guest is treated as one of the family. Ten is the whole: a tenth is a share of the whole. The Lord of all receives one share as an acknowledgment of his sovereign right to all. Here it is represented as the full share given to the king who condescends to dwell with his subjects. Thus, Jacob opens his heart, his home, and his treasure to God. These are the simple elements of a theocracy, a national establishment of the true religion. The spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind, has begun to reign in Jacob. As the Father is prominently manifested in regenerate Abraham, and the Son in Isaac, so also the Spirit in Jacob." [Barnes Commentary on Genesis 28:20] - ESword

Notice Adam Clarke's:

"...If God will be with me, etc. - Jacob seems to make this vow rather for his posterity than for himself, as we may learn from Gen_28:13-15; for he particularly refers to the promises which God had made to him, which concerned the multiplication of his offspring, and their establishment in that land. If, then, God shall fulfill these promises, he binds his posterity to build God a house, and to devote for the maintenance of his worship the tenth of all their earthly goods. This mode of interpretation removes that appearance of self-interest..." [Adam Clarkes Commentary on Genesis 28:20] - ESword

The Geneva Study Bible Notes:

"(h) He does not bind God under this condition, but acknowledges his infirmity, and promises to be thankful." [Geneva Study Bible Notes] - ESword

John Gill:

"...saying, if God will be with me; the word if is not a sign of doubting, but is either an adverb of time, and may be rendered, "when God shall be with me" (t); or as a supposition, expressive of an inference or conclusion drawn, "seeing God will be with me" (u); which he had the utmost reason to believe he would, since he had not only promised it, but had so lately granted him his presence in a very singular and remarkable manner, referring to the promise of God, Gen_28:15,..." [John Gills Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Genesis 28:20] - ESword

Matthew Henry Commentary:

"...1. Jacob's faith. God had said (Gen_28:15), I am with thee, and will keep thee. Jacob takes hold of this, and infers, “Seeing God will be with me, and will keep me, as he hath said, and (which is implied in that promise) will provide comfortably for me, - and seeing he has promised to bring me again to this land, that is, to the house of my father, whom I hope to find alive at my return in peace”..." [Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 28:20] - ESword

Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary:

"Jacob vowed a vow — His words are not to be considered as implying a doubt, far less as stating the condition or terms on which he would dedicate himself to God. Let “if” be changed into “since,” and the language will appear a proper expression of Jacob’s faith - an evidence of his having truly embraced the promise. How edifying often to meditate on Jacob at Beth-el." [Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary on Genesis 28:20] – Esword


How about Young's Literal:

Young's Literal Translation
28:20 And Jacob voweth a vow, saying, `Seeing God is with me, and hath kept me in this way which I am going, and hath given to me bread to eat, and a garment to put on --

please consider, the word used can mean:

"1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather" - Strong's Number 518 Hebrew Dictionary of the Old Testament Online Bible with Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, Brown Driver Briggs Lexicon, Etymology, Translations Definitions Meanings & Key Word Studies - Lexiconcordance.com

Another, the Pulpit Commentary:

"Verses 20, 21. - And Jacob vowed a vow, - not in any mercenary or doubtful spirit, but as an expression of gratitude for the Divine mercy (Calvin), as the soul's full and free acceptance of the Lord to be its own God (Murphy), as the instinctive impulse of the new creature (Candlish) - saying, If (not the language of uncertainty, but equivalent to "since, ' or "forasmuch as;" Jacob by faith both appropriating and anticipating the fulfillment of the preceding promise) God (Elohim; for the reason of which vide infra) will be with me, - as he has promised (ver. 15), and as I believe he will..." [Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 28:20] - Genesis 28:20 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, "If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear

There is a real Temple in Heaven, and a temple [God's people] on earth...

Also, Jacob means "supplanter", which is one who defrauds, even as those which refuse to give back to God which is rightly His now. But his name is not always so, it is when he wrestles with God, and is victorious through the strength of God, even an overcomer, is he become faithful and name is changed to Israel [type of Christ, overcomer with God]. We too are to be spiritual Israel, overcomers in the power of God, in Christ who is Israel [Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:15; etc].


Which are you the "supplanter" or spiritual "Israel"?

Paul speaks of the Tithe in several places:


Paul speaks of it in several places, even citing the Scriptures [OT]. It is in the Book of Hebrews 7 and 1 Corinthians 9, etc.

Even the Commandment itself says, "Thou shalt not steal." and the Tithe is the Lord's, and Holy unto Him, always has been. Will a man Rob God?

Or are these texts no longer valid?

[[A Psalm of David.]] The earth [is] the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. Psalms 24:1

For every beast of the forest [is] mine, [and] the cattle upon a thousand hills. Psalms 50:10


If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world [is] mine, and the fulness thereof. Psalms 50:12

The silver [is] mine, and the gold [is] mine, saith the LORD of hosts. Haggai 2:8

...

Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Malachi 3:8

Ye [are] cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, [even] this whole nation. Malachi 3:9

Robbery is even worse than mere theft, for robbery is done in the presence of the one who owns the materials...

"...lo, I am with you alway."

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier [matters] of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Matthew 23:23

But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Luke 11:42

What is Jesus saying ought to be done?

Notice the context of Matthew 23:1-4...

Was Jesus only speaking to those “under the Law”?

At the present, you do not understand, what "under the law" means, or of what Christ Jesus came to do ["The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make [it] honourable." Isaiah 42:21 ] or of what the New Covenant is, since it is found in Jeremiah 31:31-34, and in Ezekiel, etc. But these may be fixed with study and questions. To whom is the New Covenant made with, please be specifc in citing that text?

When Jesus said the following to Nathanael, what did He mean?

Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! John 1:47

Or when Jesus said this to the Pharisees:

"...If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham." John 8:39 [see Hebrews 7, and Genesis 14, what did Abraham do unto Melchizedek, the type of Christ Jesus]

What then did Paul mean here?:

Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they [are] not all Israel, which are of Israel: Romans 9:6

Would you say that there is a True Israelite and a False [so-called] Israelite? What determines the difference?

To whom are all of the promises made with and in whom are all of the promises to be fulfilled?

For all the promises of God in him [are] yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 2 Corinthians 1:20

Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. Galatians 3:16

Who is Israel? Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:15


Would you agree then that the Pharisees were not doing as they should have done which was not to omit the weighter matters, and that they were also Tithe of all that they were increased?

Would you say that the Pharisees were then hypocrites for not doing both? Are we to exceed the righteoousness of the Pharisees or not? What does the word "exceed" mean?

Please go to the beginning of the context of Matthew 23 and Luke 11.

In Matthew 23:1-4, to whom is Jesus speaking, and what is Jesus speaking about, and was Jesus saying to do as the Pharisees or to not do as the Pharisees?

Can you tell me, if Abraham was under any 'Mosaic Law' when he tithed?

And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. Genesis 14:20

How about Jacob?

And this stone, which I have set [for] a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee. Genesis 28:22

Does God still own everything? Are we to be like the Pharisee, but in another ditch? Or are we not rather to exceeed the righteousness of the Pharisees which would then include doing both...?

Should we follow the example of the Pharisee? and not do both things, but nullify the commandments of God for your traditions and man-made rules?

Indeed, many are saying "Lord, lord" [He is King of and Lord of all] and not acknowledging that which is rightfully His. The Tithe. They knowingly or unknowingly rob Him.


Therefore, no, let us follow the example of Faithful Abraham... being Children of Abraham [Luke 1:55; Romans 4:16; Galatians 3:16,29]...

Melchizedek is the type [King/Priest] of Jesus, who receives the Tithe:

For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; Hebrews 7:1

To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Hebrews 7:2

Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. Hebrews 7:3

...

And here men [Levites] that die receive tithes; but there [in the Heavenly Tabernacle] he [Jesus, the anti-type of Melchizedek] [receiveth them], of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. Hebrews 7:8

Who is it that Liveth forever and ever? Jesus. He ascended to the Holy Place from the Mt. Of Olives...

Come to understand the argumentation of Paul in Hebrews 7, since he is arguing that the levites were in Abrahams [the lesser] loins, who being faithful paid tithes to Melchizedek [the greater, type of Christ Jesus].

Since Pauls argumentation is that Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, then so too are all in Abaraham to pay tithes to Christ Jesus. The change of the law is the levitical law, not the Ten Commandments [ever], since there was no longer any need of the levitical priesthood, but a great priesthood is here – Christ's.

Literal physical national Israel - direct theocracy, and now the spiritual Israel [Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:15], Head and Body... principles of God do not change, for what was once a national Israel [Judea; literal Jerusalem] is now a global Israel [Christianity; Heavenly City, New Jerusalem], and as Paul, Peter and John give, the OT is to be understood in the Light of the Gospel revealed in Christ Jesus, written beforehand for our ensamples and admonition and learning, for reproof, correction, doctrine and instruction in righteouness.

Tithe is to be from anything that we are increased by [an increase is anything that is added unto us, by which we had not before]; again I point to Hebrews 7, which draws upon Genesis 14. I point to 1 Corinthians 9 and 1 Timothy 5:18 [both citing Deuteronomy 25:4, and more], both of which are drawing argumentation from the OT into the NT, as well as to all of the others already mentioned; Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42 [of which even the Pharisee recognizes to "...give tithes of all that I possess."], and our righteousness is to exceed that, not diminish from it [it means to not only do that, but also the weightier matters of the Law, as Jesus hath said]; connect the holy priesthood from the OT to the NT [Exodus 19:6; Deuteronomy 14:2,22; and 1 Peter 2:9; etc]:

And all the tithe of the land, [whether] of the seed of the land, [or] of the fruit of the tree, [is] the LORD'S: [it is] holy unto the LORD. Leviticus 27:30

And if a man will at all redeem [ought] of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth [part] thereof. Leviticus 27:31

And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, [even] of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD. Leviticus 27:32

He shall not search whether it be good or bad, neither shall he change it: and if he change it at all, then both it and the change thereof shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed. Leviticus 27:33

Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: Proverbs 3:9

Notice:

And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their victuals, and went their way. Genesis 14:11

And they took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed. Genesis 14:12

And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people. Genesis 14:16

And he blessed him, and said, Blessed [be] Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: Genesis 14:19

And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. Genesis 14:20

And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. Genesis 14:21

Abram [Abraham] would not take a thing of the goods. This tithe is surrounded by the very context that it is God that owns all, "possessor of Heaven and Earth".

And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, Genesis 14:22

That I will not [take] from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that [is] thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich: Genesis 14:23

...and the Tithe was given before anything else which remained was distributed.

Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion. Genesis 14:24

All of the spoils belonged to the victor, and thus Abram [Abraham] was increased, and yet not desiring it, he still paid tithes of all of that which was his rightfully in victory.

This entire history, is really a typology of Christ's salvation.

Thou shalt not steal, is written from beginning to end, and is especially made note of in Malachi, speaking of two Advents [1st and 2nd]. Cease from Robbing Jesus Christ... please...

Malachi is only for “Priests” for “Levites”?

Yes...the whole of Israel [Christ [Hosea 11:1; Matthew 2:15] and Christians] was included "... a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These [are] the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel." Exodus 19:6,

"The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi." Malachi 1:1

"I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? [Was] not Esau Jacob's brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob," Malachi 1:2

"A son honoureth [his] father, and a servant his master: if then I [be] a father, where [is] mine honour? and if I [be] a master, where [is] my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?" Malachi 1:6

"And now, O ye priests, this commandment [is] for you." Malachi 2:1

"If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay [it] to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay [it] to heart." Malachi 2:2, which ye even now also refuse, as it is written "But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:" 1 Peter 2:9 and "Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." Revelation 14:7

"Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god." Malachi 2:11

"For I [am] the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." Malachi 3:6

"Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept [them]. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?" Malachi 3:7

"Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings." Malachi 3:8 [doesn't say "jew" or "levite", it says "man" [Hebrew - Adam; thus all of humanity]]

"Ye [are] cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, [even] this whole nation." Malachi 3:9

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it]." Malachi 3:10 [not just levite tithe]

"And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts." Malachi 3:11

"And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts." Malachi 3:12

"Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name." Malachi 3:16

"And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him." Malachi 3:17

"Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not." Malachi 3:18

The prophecy has a twofold fulfillment, in the days of Christ, and in the last days, therefore for the first coming, and also for the second.

"Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts." Malachi 3:1

"Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, [with] the statutes and judgments." Malachi 4:4

"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:" Malachi 4:5

"And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." Malachi 4:6

The 7th Day Adventists bear the Last Elijah message, and we are the forerunners for the Second Advent... Revelation 14:6-12; Revelation 18:1-24...

Let us consider further texts in the New Testament, and from where the passages in evidence are being cited from:

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 1 Timothy 5:17

For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer [is] worthy of his reward. 1 Timothy 5:18

Paul is quoting from Deuteronomy 25:4 [Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out [the corn].] and Luke 10:7 [And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.]. What does Paul mean and what is this "reward" that the "Labourer" is "worthy of"? Who is the "Labourer" and what is the "hire"?

Let us look some more, for Paul uses this same argumentation elsewhere, but in greater detail:

Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? 1 Corinthians 9:1

If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 9:2

Mine answer to them that do examine me is this, 1 Corinthians 9:3

Have we not power to eat and to drink? 1 Corinthians 9:4

Paul is not speaking about food one places in the mouth and swallows to fill the stomach.Notice his argumentation... and from where he draws eight points of argument for the providence of those in charge of preaching the Gospel [Apostles and/or Pastors, etc]

Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and [as] the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? 1 Corinthians 9:5

Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? 1 Corinthians 9:6 [see "Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples [unto them], and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables." Acts 6:2]

"Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? ... [Argumentation 1]

... who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? [Argumentation 2]

... or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?" 1 Corinthians 9:7 [Argumentation 3]

Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? 1 Corinthians 9:8

For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? 1 Corinthians 9:9 [Argumentation 4; same as in 1 Timothy 5:17-18]

Or saith he [it] altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, [this] is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. 1 Corinthians 9:10 [Argumentation 5, built upon previous argumentation]

If we have sown unto you spiritual things, [is it] a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? 1 Corinthians 9:11 [Argumentation 6]

If others be partakers of [this] power over you, [are] not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. 1 Corinthians 9:12 [Argumentation 7]

Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live [of the things] of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? 1 Corinthians 9:13 [Argumentation 8]

Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. 1 Corinthians 9:14 [Conclusion]

But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for [it were] better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. 1 Corinthians 9:15

For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! 1 Corinthians 9:16

For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation [of the gospel] is committed unto me. 1 Corinthians 9:17

What is my reward then? [Verily] that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. 1 Corinthians 9:18

...

Paul is speaking about the use of the Tithe, and we then come to Hebrews 7:8 [And here men that die receive tithes; but there he [Jesus] [receiveth them], of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.] which Paul declares that the Tithe is to be continued, given unto Christ Jesus...

World Wide Embezzlement Scandal:

25. Worldwide Embezzlement Scandal - YouTube


When God Got Robbed:

CD Brooks - When God got robbed - YouTube


Thieves In The Church:
Thieves in the Church | Amazing Facts

In God We Trust?:
In God we Trust? | Amazing Facts

Windows Of Heaven:
Windows of Heaven | Amazing Facts

And, more:

God's Standard's [Byron Spears]:
God's Standards | Amazing Facts

Others will generally say:

"Luke 12, Acts 2, Acts 4, 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, 1 Timothy 5, 2 Thessalonians 3, not a single one speaks of tithing....", but that is because generally most of these are speaking about the Offerings... which is in "addition" to the Tithe, not in spite of it... remember, the people of God are robbing God in Tithes "and" Offerings...

Now let us consider all of the texts which deal with Offerings, a totally separate thing from the Tithe:

The point of the Parable in Luke 12 is about covetousness, ie coveting that which is anothers, in effect the Tithe is the Lords, and it is Holy [Leviticus 27:30], and if you do not give that to Him which is His, it is covetousness and stealing from Him [Malachi]:

And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Luke 12:15

Thou shalt not Covet.

Acts 2, reveals their heart in addition to tithe and offerings given unto God, "And all that believed were together, and had all things common;" Acts 2:44, since the Tithe comes from "all thine increase", not the liquidation of that which is already in ones possession, such as a piece of furniture:

Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: Proverbs 3:9

Acts 4 is the same thing as Acts 2:

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any [of them] that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. Acts 4:32

Having land, sold [it], and brought the money, and laid [it] at the apostles' feet. Acts 4:37

PS, this is not speaking of what we would call "communism", but that is for another time.

2 Corinthians 8 is speaking of that which is beyond "vows", for even Christ Jesus paid His vows [see alll of Psalms] - these are special givings, special collections, like as in 1 Corinthians 16, when there was a great dearth in all the land. Even though these were very poor, they still gave of their substance... not withholding, even when they themselves could have claimed need of assistance.

How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. 2 Corinthians 8:2

Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and [take upon us] the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 2 Corinthians 8:4

...and Paul continues of the greatest example...

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9

...now notice...

For if there be first a willing mind, [it is] accepted according to that a man hath, [and] not according to that he hath not. 2 Corinthians 8:12

For [I mean] not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: 2 Corinthians 8:13

But by an equality, [that] now at this time your abundance [may be a supply] for their want, that their abundance also may be [a supply] for your want: that there may be equality: 2 Corinthians 8:14

As it is written, He that [had gathered] much had nothing over; and he that [had gathered] little had no lack. 2 Corinthians 8:15 ["And when they did mete [it] with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating." Exodus 16:18]

Be without covetouness. This is not denying Tithe in any sense, since the Tithe is the Lord's and [thank/praise] offerings unto Him are freewill, and anything else is in addition to even these... sacrifice... and this speaks to those things.

2 Corinthians 9 is speaking not of the Tithe, or Offerings, but rather the "ministering to the saints" [ie the poor among them, and the needy and fatherless and widow]

For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: 2 Corinthiand 9:1

Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as [a matter of] bounty, and not as [of] covetousness. 2 Corinthians 9:5

But this [I say], He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 2 Corinthians 9:6

This is speaking about "sowing", ie sacrificial love giving. It is separate from the Tithe, which is for the living/hire of the priests/Apsotles/pastors [1 Corinthians 9 and 1 Timothy 5:18]

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

See, that this is different from Tithe ["If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother:" Deuteronomy 15:7

But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, [in that] which he wanteth. Deuteronomy 15:8

Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee. Deuteronomy 15:9

Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto. Deuteornomy 15:10

For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land. Deuteronomy 15:11]

1 Timothy 5, was already given previously.

2 Thessalonians 3 Paul is again saying that he is able to receive of the wages due unto him as one Apostle in the Lord, but he put it aside by his choice, to not place a burden upon the poor churches and to be an example of one in due diligence and stewardardship of time and means, for Paul worked in addition to preaching, and that was his personal choice [Acts 6:2 and see previous link]:

Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: 2 Thessalonians 3:8

Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. 2 Thessalonians 3:9

None of the passages which are cited are abolishing Tithe, which is the Lord's, but is revealing examples above and beyond even that... for all is the Lord's, and especially the Tithe, and it is a matter of faith to return it. To refuse this, is sin, for whatsover is not of faith is sin, sin is the trasngression of the Law, and whosoever knoweth to do good and doeth it not it is sin, and all unrighteousness is sin [for it is robbery of God!]; and sin is the trasngression of the Law.

Leuko Petra said:

Spoils automatically belong to the victor.

See Joshua chapter 7, of the faithful and of the one which defrauded [Achan], and

"Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the LORD." 1 Chronicles 26:27

All that Abraham brought back was legally his.

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One cannot take a passage out of Joshua and justify the claim that the spoils were Abrams. Especially since Abram himself said he promised God he would not take the spoils unto himself.

Repent... give back unto God that which is rightfully His... lest the curse come upon thee...

The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper [as white] as snow. 2 Kings 5:27

Studious One said:

One cannot take a passage out of Joshua and justify the claim that the spoils were Abrams. Especially since Abram himself said he promised God he would not take the spoils unto himself.

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It is not taken out, but utilized line upon line, even the firstfruits, and that which rightfully belongs unto God, the spoils, for the victory is His...

Even of the Gentiles, it is written...

Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Acts 14:16

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Acts 17:30

And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, Acts 15:15

After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: Acts 15:16

That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. Acts 15:17

Notice, not Gentiles refusing the will of God [Psalms 40:8], but those repentant, willing to do His will:

"...among the Gentiles are turned to God:" Acts 15:19

Where would they turn to hear this Word of the Lord?

For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. Acts 15:21

And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. Acts 13:44

etc...

Sorry Nuntius, but you are totally taking Scripture out of context to prove something the Bible never endorses.

Studious One said:

Sorry Nuntius, but you are totally taking Scripture out of context to prove something the Bible never endorses.

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As Judas... which claimed to follow Christ Jesus, there are those even today which are now keeping back part of the bag for themselves...

...in the Day of "reckoning" and of "accounts" it will be too late to throw the money into the treasury...

the "wages" for sin is the 2nd death, and sin is the transgression of the Law, "Thou shalt not covet ... thou shalt not steal..." and even "defraud not..."

And as the Pharisees, there are those who teach for doctrine the commandments of men.

God never instructed the Church to tithe its money.

If Yahweh doesn't have our money, it's obvious, we're not totally His. All of it needs to belong to Him. A better question is What if He asks for you to give everything? So far He hasn't ask us to do that as He has from some.

Tithing was just a shadow. It was to keep men from becoming greedy. Now that we have Christ we can see that the whole earth is His and that anything we have is just a tool to use for our God and to be blessed by God. For He doesn't need our money. He owns it all. What He needs are those who will give their all to Him for it belongs to Him anyway. Money is just money. It comes it goes. But there is no greater love than a man lay down His life for another. Our time and ambitions are to be spent doing the will of God. Money we have been blessed with is not even our money lol. It is Gods and He has just used it to bless us and to flow through our hands to those who are in need. Kind of like pay it forward. It is those who balk at even the tithe and want to hang on to money as if it has some saving factor. I do not believe in giving one tenth of all I own to the Lord. I believe all I have here on earth is the Lords and those who are good stewards with it will be blessed with more. Not for themselves but for the Glory of God.