Are we instructed to tithe in the New Testament?

[God_Owned]

Q. Are we instructed to give in the New Testament?
A. Yes

Q. Are we instructed to tithe in the New Testament?
A. ?

Comments?

 

[RevJdK]

Yes...we are instructed to tithe in the New Testament...Jesus himself told us to. If you want chapter and verse, just let me know...I`ll get it to you...

 

[Christina M]

YES! NT does not obliterate obligation to tithe!

Matthew 23:23
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.

 

[RevJdK]

Very good Christina...LOL...I was feeding my 2 year old earlier and didnt have time to post it....
Thanks!!
God bless,
RevJ

 

[God_Owned]

YES! NT does not obliterate obligation to tithe!

Matthew 23:23
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.

Mt 23:23 does illustrate that the scribes and Pharisees were under the law and were evidently obeying it, after a fashion. Mt 23:23 was also stated prior to the New Covenant being established by Jesus' shed blood. I don't that the point Jesus was making in MT 23:23 was that tithing is a tenant of the New Covenant, but rather pointing out the hypocrisy of the religious people of His day.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8
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.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

I see the tithe as an example as many other things are to be used as an example in the Old Covenant, not a hard and fast rule/command by which we prosper under the NT. Jesus was the fulfillment of the law and the tithe, being part of the law. I know the tithe was around before Levitical law, but it had always been legalistic in nature and was incorporated into the law.

2 Cor 9:6-8 provides the key for NT prosperity. It appears that 2 Cor 9:6-8 is concerned with the attitude of the heart and the amount, which is not specified. Further, I don't see this verse restricting giving to money. I think 10% may well be a good starting point but I don't see where it is an instruction or a command in the NT.

I also believe that tithing has been ushered into the NT Church and taught as a legalistic principle which has actually been expanded on from its original OT roots. What sets tithing apart form other WOF teachings is that almost every teaching I've ever heard on tithing is based on OT scripture, not NT verses.

Scripturally based thoughtfull comments are welcome from all.

 

[CPilgrimRealtor]

There is also a verse in Hebrews...

Hebrews 7:2 to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated "king of
righteousness," and then also king of Salem, meaning "king of peace,"

Hebrews 7:4 Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham
gave a tenth of the spoils.

Great question.

 

[Brucea]

Malachi 3:7 Yet from the days of your fathers You have gone away from My ordinances And have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you," Says the LORD of hosts. "But you said, 'In what way shall we return?'

Notice, The Jewish people had left the ordinance of the law.

Ephesians 2:14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,
15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace,

Notice, Jesus abolished the law of commandments contained in ordinances!

Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,
14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

Notice, Jesus has wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us. (the law)

The only place tithing was Commanded is under the law! It is commanded no where else!!!

Hebrews 8:6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.
7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second.

We have a better convenant established on better promises!

Hebrews 7:18 For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness,
19 for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

Tithe all you want to. It will not bring you nearer to God! It is never commanded in this Covenant of grace and truth.

Our motivation for giving should be that Jesus Christ became poor that we might become rich. We are brought near to Jesus by his marveluos blood that He shed for us.

If that is not motivation to be a giver it is time for you to grow in this grace of giving!

 

[God_Owned]

Malachi 3:7 Yet from the days of your fathers You have gone away from My ordinances And have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you," Says the LORD of hosts. "But you said, 'In what way shall we return?'

Notice, The Jewish people had left the ordinance of the law.

Ephesians 2:14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,
15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace,

Notice, Jesus abolished the law of commandments contained in ordinances!

Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,
14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

Notice, Jesus has wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us. (the law)

The only place tithing was Commanded is under the law! It is commanded no where else!!!

Hebrews 8:6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.
7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second.

We have a better convenant established on better promises!

Hebrews 7:18 For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness,
19 for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

Tithe all you want to. It will not bring you nearer to God! It is never commanded in this Covenant of grace and truth.

Our motivation for giving should be that Jesus Christ became poor that we might become rich. We are brought near to Jesus by his marveluos blood that He shed for us.

If that is not motivation to be a giver it is time for you to grow in this grace of giving!

I'm in your camp on this.

 

[psalms 91]

I have seen this debated many times and i just dont debate it any more all I will say is that if you dont want to give it then keep it but if you do then do so gladly unto the Lord and you will be blessed, you really cant outgive God.

 

[wmc1982]

Even if the scriptures didn't instruct us to give/tithe, I think Christian principles in themselves should lead us to do so.

 

[God_Owned]

I have seen this debated many times and i just dont debate it any more all I will say is that if you dont want to give it then keep it but if you do then do so gladly unto the Lord and you will be blessed, you really cant outgive God.

So if you don't want to debate it then why are you debating it now by voicing your opinion in contrast to other opinions. This is debating.

 

[God_Owned]

Even if the scriptures didn't instruct us to give/tithe, I think Christian principles in themselves should lead us to do so.

Can you give NT scripture that instructs us to tithe.

There is a reason to give rather than tithe, which is we should not practice tithing which was part of the law that Jesus died to set us free from.

 

[DMW]

Tithing was never initiated as part of the law, but it began in the garden with the principal of "firstfruits."
Also, Abraham, the father of faith and the spiriutal father of us all, paid tithes to Melchizedec, a type of Christ. The verse in Hebrews shows that the the father of our faith paid tithes to the Captain of our salvation long before the law. "He receives them" the scripture says. He still receives them.

If you want to play the game of saying there is no verse comanding us to tithe, go ahead. It is a doctrine supported by thousands of Word of Faith pastors and ministers, along with the vast majoirty of other Bible believing Preachers.
Frankly, if I couldnt see it in the scripture, I would be inclined to believe it by the near unanimous conviction of all the ministers who teach it.

Its funny that this forum went through a little crisis a month or two back about people bringing non-Word of Faith doctrines up in their posts. To me, the tithe is an important Word of Faith doctrine, so why does it have to come under attack on such a regular basis?

 

[God_Owned]

Tithing was never initiated as part of the law, but it began in the garden with the principal of "firstfruits."

I agree with you on this, but tithing was still legaistic in nature and was incorporated into the law.

Also, Abraham, the father of faith and the spiriutal father of us all, paid tithes to Melchizedec, a type of Christ. The verse in Hebrews shows that the the father of our faith paid tithes to the Captain of our salvation long before the law. "He receives them" the scripture says. He still receives them.

The father of faith wasn't a born-again-Christian, a New Covenant Christian. Jesus now receives our gifts.

If you want to play the game of saying there is no verse comanding us to tithe, go ahead. It is a doctrine supported by thousands of Word of Faith pastors and ministers, along with the vast majoirty of other Bible believing Preachers.

Game? I know it is supported by many WOF Clergy, so is pleading the blood which is also not to be found in the NT or even in the OT. Then again there are those WOF clergy who don's ascribe to tithing. I have seen both. It would not be the first commonly held error the Church has swallowed. I go with the Word, not man. This is why I wanted a scriptural NT based conversation.

Frankly, if I couldn't see it in the scripture, I would be inclined to believe it by the near unanimous conviction of all the ministers who teach it.

I don't decide the truth based on a consensus of Clergy, but rather I choose to find it in God's revealed word.

Its funny that this forum went through a little crisis a month or two back about people bringing non-Word of Faith doctrines up in their posts. To me, the tithe is an important Word of Faith doctrine, so why does it have to come under attack on such a regular basis?

I have yet to see a WOF doctrine. Refer to my recent thread concerning the definition and purpose of WOF. Giving is WOF. You call it what you want, but I refuse to practice the law from which Jesus died to set us free from.

 

[DefendingWordOfFaith]

I refuse to practice the law from which Jesus died to set us free from.

Sorry but I just have to ask you this question.

Do you believe Jesus' death on the cross totally did away with all of the commandments?

I am well aware of the fact that Jesus' death on the cross did away with all of the ceremonial laws and rituals related to the sacrifices by the Old testament Israelites for the atonement for their sins, BUT there are some Old Testament laws that have to remain applicable.

As far as tithing is concerned, I believe it is a necessary effort of every Christian to be faithful in giving their tithes to their local body.

No I do not attend an organized denominational church, BUT my wife and I give our tithes, secretly, to different local churches as God leads us to give them.

 

[God_Owned]

Sorry but I just have to ask you this question.

Do you believe Jesus' death on the cross totally did away with all of the commandments?

I am well aware of the fact that Jesus' death on the cross did away with all of the ceremonial laws and rituals related to the sacrifices by the Old testament Israelites for the atonement for their sins, BUT there are some Old Testament laws that have to remain applicable.

As far as tithing is concerned, I believe it is a necessary effort of every Christian to be faithful in giving their tithes to their local body.

No I do not attend an organized denominational church, BUT my wife and I give our tithes, secretly, to different local churches as God leads us to give them.

Jesus stated the great commandment in the NT. Tithing is not an act of Godly love, but rather an act of legalistic obedient sacrifice that OT people could understand. God used it so he could get blessings into their lives, call it working around the curse. I see nowhere where Adam and Eve tithed. God could give them as he would without the tithe. We have been spiritually restored to a sinless pre-fallen state.

God gives to us in accordance with our willingness to yield to his love and our giving is part of that love. The tithe is an OT example which should be looked at. I believe that giving starts at 10%. If you will read back through my posts, you will see my other points clearly stated.

If you believe in tithing, then I guess you better tithe even though I personally do not see a New Covenant requirement to do so.

 

[psalms 91]

So if you don't want to debate it then why are you debating it now by voicing your opinion in contrast to other opinions. This is debating.

Stating what I believe is different from debating as you can see I have let this thread roll along quite nicely without me lol

 

[Tcelt12]

Somwhere in Hebrews it also says that here on earth men receive tithes,but in Heaven Christ(our High Priest)receives them..if Christ is receiving these tithes,doesn't it stand to reason that the tithe(given with the right heart attitude)is still expected and welcomed in heaven?
sounds like the principle of the tithe is still in effect for the new testament church...

 

[God_Owned]

Somwhere in Hebrews it also says that here on earth men receive tithes,but in Heaven Christ(our High Priest)receives them..if Christ is receiving these tithes,doesn't it stand to reason that the tithe(given with the right heart attitude)is still expected and welcomed in heaven?
sounds like the principle of the tithe is still in effect for the new testament church...

Hebrews 7:5 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:

Hebrews 7:9 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:

In the OT there was a legal commandment to take tithes. There is no commandment in the NT.


Hebrews 7:8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.

It does seem to indicate that tithes are received in heaven, but it is extremely vague about how and from whom etc etc. It is one of the scriptures that people use to claim that tithing is still mandatory today. I give at least 10%, but I am convinced that under our covenant, tithing is not compulsory.


Hebrews 7:12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.

This indicates that since there was a change in the Priesthood, meaning that Jesus is who we answer to now, that there is was a needful change in the law concerning tithing.

Hebrews 7:16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.

All of these verses in this part of Hebrews are talking about the law/tithing and it says that the law, in this case tithing, made nothing perfect. Giving from the love of God in our heart is much better.

Hebrews 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

 

[Eila]

Sorry but I just have to ask you this question.

Do you believe Jesus' death on the cross totally did away with all of the commandments?

I am well aware of the fact that Jesus' death on the cross did away with all of the ceremonial laws and rituals related to the sacrifices by the Old testament Israelites for the atonement for their sins, BUT there are some Old Testament laws that have to remain applicable.

Yes, yes, and yes!! Jesus fulfilled the Old Covenant when he died on the cross. Yes, tithing was ingrained in the Old Covenant. The Old Covenant did not only include the ordinances and rituals but the 10 commandments too. In Exodus 34:28 it says "Moses was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he ate no bread and drank no water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments." That covenant is referred to in 2 Corinthians 3:6-7 "6[It is He] Who has qualified us [making us to be fit and worthy and sufficient] as ministers and dispensers of a new covenant [of salvation through Christ], not [ministers] of the letter (of legally written code) but of the Spirit; for the code [of the Law] kills, but the [Holy] Spirit makes alive. 7Now if the dispensation of death engraved in letters on stone [the ministration of the Law], was inaugurated with such glory and splendor that the Israelites were not able to look steadily at the face of Moses because of its brilliance, [a glory] that was to fade and pass away,..."


Paul calls the 10 commandments and the law/the old covenant the dispensation of death. Tithing is ingrained in the old covenant. Not all people were expected to tithe in the old covenant either. Are there principles ingrained in the Old Covenant that still apply today? Yes, God does not want us to go around killing anyone. But we no longer go by the written code which was against us. Now we are lead by His Spirit within. His Spirit will not guide us to kill or steal and we can trust Him to guide us in our giving.



Not tithing isn't being cheap or keeping your money to yourself. As a believer in Christ Jesus all we have belongs to Him. We should seek God and His guidance in how we handle His money and give as He directs.



Just my perspective