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Are Christians required to tithe?: Difference between revisions
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===Tithing in the Rest of the New Testament=== | ===Tithing in the Rest of the New Testament=== | ||
Heb 7:1–3 demonstrate the greatness of Melchizedek. Hebrews 7:4–10 provides three specific reasons (or proofs) that Melchizedek’s priesthood was superior to the Levitical priesthood. First, Melchizedek is shown to be greater than Abraham on account of Abraham’s voluntary offering to him. The fact that Melchizedek received a tithe from Abraham is the central argument for Melchizedek’s superiority. Levi and Aaron were both ancestors of Abraham. When the author of Hebrews says that “even Levi … paid tithes,” the superiority of Melchizedek’s priesthood is proved. Therefore Melchizedek’s priesthood is superior to the Levitical one. | The only other place that tithing is mentioned in the New Testament is in Hebrews 7. Heb 7:1–3 demonstrate the greatness of Melchizedek. Hebrews 7:4–10 provides three specific reasons (or proofs) that Melchizedek’s priesthood was superior to the Levitical priesthood. First, Melchizedek is shown to be greater than Abraham on account of Abraham’s voluntary offering to him. The fact that Melchizedek received a tithe from Abraham is the central argument for Melchizedek’s superiority. Levi and Aaron were both ancestors of Abraham. When the author of Hebrews says that “even Levi … paid tithes,” the superiority of Melchizedek’s priesthood is proved. Therefore Melchizedek’s priesthood is superior to the Levitical one. | ||
Those that use this passage to argue for tithing essentially concur with the above analysis regarding the primary meaning of Heb 7:1–10. However, they continue the analysis as follows - If Melchizedek is greater than the Levites and a type of Christ, then of whom is Abraham a picture? The answer supplied is “Christians.” However, this interpretation has several problems. First, if Abraham were a picture of Christians, his tithe was voluntary. It was offered as “a thanksgiving for victory.” This is not the picture of tithing during the Mosaic covenant, and neither is it the picture painted by many tithe supporters today. | Those that use this passage to argue for tithing essentially concur with the above analysis regarding the primary meaning of Heb 7:1–10. However, they continue the analysis as follows - If Melchizedek is greater than the Levites and a type of Christ, then of whom is Abraham a picture? The answer supplied is “Christians.” However, this interpretation has several problems. First, if Abraham were a picture of Christians, his tithe was voluntary. It was offered as “a thanksgiving for victory.” This is not the picture of tithing during the Mosaic covenant, and neither is it the picture painted by many tithe supporters today. | ||