GREAT QUOTES on the "TITHING" ISSUE
Posted by: prophetic <prophetic@...>
"Malachi 3: 8-9 is probably the most misrepresented scripture
tithing advocates quote in the Bible. They contend that anyone
that does not pay tithe is robbing God and will be cursed. However,
Malachi was not speaking to the Jewish nation he was speaking
to the priests. The priests were the ones criticized for robbing God
and received the curse for failing to follow God´s ordinances. They
were withholding the best meats for themselves and offering God
"blemished" sacrifices." - Terrence Jameson
"Tithing was about food and never about money. There is not one
passage of Scripture telling any Jew or Christian to give 10% of
their money to a religious institution."
-Dale Partridge
"This was strictly a practice for the nation of Israel under the Old
Covenant which has been fulfilled by Jesus Christ in the New
Covenant. Furthermore, we do not see any instruction or example
of a New Testament Christian tithing. Lke temples, sacrifices,
dietary laws, and priests - tithing has been nailed to the cross
and no longer has an active role under the New Covenant. So if
tithing isn´t Christian, what do the New Testament Scriptures
instruct us to do in regards to giving? The short answer is: be generous. "
-Dale Partridge
"This certainly isn´t a matter over which believers should break
fellowship. Love is far more important than our view on tithing
(1 Cor. 13). Still, I would argue tithing isn´t required or even
encouraged for believers in Jesus Christ."
-Thomas Schreiner
"Nowhere is tithing mentioned when commands to give generously
are found in the New Testament. When Christians are instructed
to give to the poor, they aren´t commanded to give "the poor tithe."
Instead, they are instructed to be generous in helping those in
need (Acts 2:43-47; 4:32-37; 11:27-30; Gal. 2:10; 1 Cor. 16:1-4;
2 Cor. 8:1-9:15). For example, 1 Corinthians 16:1-4-a passage
often cited in popular circles in support-doesn´t mention tithing;
it relates to a one-time gift for poor saints in Jerusalem."
-Thomas Schreiner
"Give Generously. Even though tithing isn´t required today, it does
not follow that believers should hoard their possessions. We are
commanded to support those who preach the gospel (Matt. 10:10;
Luke 10:7; 1 Cor. 9:6-14; 1 Tim. 5:17-18). And while we should
enjoy the good things God gives us, we are also called to be
generous to those in need (1 Tim. 6:17-19; 2 Cor. 8-9). Wealth
can so easily become an idol, leading us to abandon the Lord.
Since God is to be our treasure, believers are to give generously
and freely. For many in the West, this will mean giving more than
10 percent. Still, Scripture doesn´t command Christians to give a
tenth-and Scripture, not tradition, is our rule and authority."
-Thomas Schreiner
"Some people think that simply being nice and not harming others
is morality; others think that following rules and tithing are morality.
But without Christ, all moral beliefs ultimately boil down to the one
sin which perpetually rails against the concept of grace: man's
lawful, religious, and futile attempt at establishing his own
righteousness." - Criss Jami.