We started discussion on this subject a day ago, and received some interesting, but contrasting comments from readers as you can see here. Indeed, the subject of tithes giving is serious matter among Christian denominations that often leads to contrasting argument. Being that as it may, the truth of the gospel about tithing must be told, and that's what Brother Eli Soriano teaches in this series.
According to Brother Eli, we don't have to pay anything because salvation is freely given to us by God. But, we can give to support the work of salvation. As we said in the first part of this discussion, Christ Jesus, the author of our salvation became the high priest in replacement for the levitical priesthood that couldn't continue as a result of death to those priests. The priesthood of Jesus Christ is perpetual l, which means it can never be changed.
As the priesthood order was changed, so the law was also changed, but the priesthood under the new law is an eternal priesthood. "And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: but this man, speaking of the man Jesus Christ, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood." Hebrews 7:23
So, the believers are now under the priesthood of the Lord Jesus Christ, and because the priesthood was changed, the law also changed. There is now another law to sustain the work of salvation, and in the new law collection of ten percent as tithes is not applicable.
What form of giving is allowed by the gospel if tithing no longer applicable?
The form of giving that is allowed or practice in the gospel is different from tithing. It's not ten percent or something in that manner. The gospel record according to the book of 11 Corinthians 9:7 tells us what manner of giving was practice by the early believers of the gospel.
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."
The manner of giving in the early church was according as a man proposed in his heart.. Not under obligations, but of a free will. It's not a fixed price or percentage, it's of a self yielding spirit from the heart. God gave them the liberty to decide what to give from their hearts. There is no curses or consequences for not giving a certain percentage.
Note that, the scripture says "every man" which means every Christian including you and me. So, every Christian "according as he proposed in his heart, should give, not grudgingly, or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver"
So, the biblical way of helping the work of God is not by paying of tithes, but by way of cheerful giving. Giving as you wish from your heart. The proof for this claim can be found in the book of II Corinthians 8:1-3, it says,
“Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.”
If you read the above scripture carefully, you can see that the Macedonian believers helped the church on their free will, not by tithes collection. They gave willingly and the Apostle Paul bear record of that. This is also in agreement with the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians as we read earlier. "According as you proposeth in your heart, so every man let him giy, not grudgingly, or of necessity, for God loveth a cheerful giver."
This is the biblical manner of supporting the work of God, not by tithes paying. So, tithes paying is not for the believers in Christ but giving willingly as you proposed in your heart cheerfully.
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I appreciate your in-depth analysis of the topic of tithing and the shift toward cheerful giving in the New Testament. It's essential to emphasize that tithing, as practiced in the Old Testament, is not a doctrine upheld by the Lord Jesus Christ. Instead, He encourages us to give willingly and from the heart, without any obligation or a fixed percentage.
Your post skillfully highlights the importance of understanding the difference between the Old and New Testament teachings on giving. Supporting God's work should come from a place of genuine love and generosity rather than following an outdated obligation. The focus on cheerful giving aligns with the teachings of Jesus Christ, allowing believers to connect more deeply with their faith and support the mission of the church in a more meaningful way.
Thank you for sharing this enlightening perspective and shedding light on the biblical manner of supporting God's work through heartfelt and voluntary contributions. God bless you brother @fexonice
Thanks for posting. God is always pleased with cheerful givers