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Are Christians required to tithe?: Difference between revisions
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Tithing proponents typically fail to recognize that tithing is an integral part of the OT sacrificial system that has been once and for all fulfilled in Christ. The Epistle to the Hebrews, Rom 10:4, and Matt 5 all point to this reality. This may be the best reason why tithing is not commanded in the new covenant era: it was fulfilled in Christ. Some tithing supporters view the OT teaching on tithing as an act one must perform to show honor and respect to God, regardless of its possible fulfillment in Christ. Yet, in the OT tithing is commanded for the support of the priests and Levites who are in charge of the temple. It is also linked with offerings that, despite how this may be taught today, do not refer to the amount above ten percent. An offering in the OT did not refer to adding a “tip for God,” as it were, after one had fulfilled the tithe but to “the peace offerings and other sacred gifts, in the form of the breast of the wave offering, the thigh of the ram of ordination (Exod. 29:27, 28; etc.), cakes of leavened bread, etc. (Lev. 7:14).” | Tithing proponents typically fail to recognize that tithing is an integral part of the OT sacrificial system that has been once and for all fulfilled in Christ. The Epistle to the Hebrews, Rom 10:4, and Matt 5 all point to this reality. This may be the best reason why tithing is not commanded in the new covenant era: it was fulfilled in Christ. Some tithing supporters view the OT teaching on tithing as an act one must perform to show honor and respect to God, regardless of its possible fulfillment in Christ. Yet, in the OT tithing is commanded for the support of the priests and Levites who are in charge of the temple. It is also linked with offerings that, despite how this may be taught today, do not refer to the amount above ten percent. An offering in the OT did not refer to adding a “tip for God,” as it were, after one had fulfilled the tithe but to “the peace offerings and other sacred gifts, in the form of the breast of the wave offering, the thigh of the ram of ordination (Exod. 29:27, 28; etc.), cakes of leavened bread, etc. (Lev. 7:14).” | ||
'''The case for tithing ultimately rests not on the exegesis of biblical passages on tithing but on arguments from a theological system or tradition.''' We have attempted to show that the text of Scripture contains no | '''The case for tithing ultimately rests not on the exegesis of biblical passages on tithing but on arguments from a theological system or tradition.''' '''We have attempted to show that the text of Scripture contains no basis for tithing. What is more, arguments from theological systems or traditions have been shown to be unpersuasive as well.''' | ||
Are the demands and the promises of Malachi 3 | Are the demands and the promises of Malachi 3 still applicable in the NT dispensation, as they were under the OT dispensation? Based on scripture as discussed above, our answer must be “No.” | ||
For this reason we conclude that NT believers should not be required to give ten percent or more, but not less, of their income. This does not mean that we are left with nothing. Those who do not hold to the position that tithing is obligatory for Christians have been charged with teaching that believers need not give to the church. But this charge is similar to charging Paul with encouraging believers to sin when he teaches salvation by faith through grace apart from the Law (Rom 3:23). As discussed below, the NT provides more than sufficient guidance for giving. In fact, it sets a considerably higher (albeit more complex) standard than merely giving ten percent of one’s income.<ref>Andreas Köstenberger, “Reconstructing a Biblical Model for Giving: A Discussion of Relevant Systematic Issues and New Testament Principles,” Bulletin for Biblical Research, Vol. 16, 2006, 244–245.</ref> | |||
====Does Paul discuss tithing?==== | ====Does Paul discuss tithing?==== | ||