is tithing scriptural for the church today???

Answer 1

Tithing is an issue that many Christians struggle with. In many churches tithing is over-emphasized. At the same time, many Christians refuse to submit to the Biblical exhortation in regards to making offerings to the Lord. Tithing / giving is intended to be a joy, a blessing. Sadly, that is rarely the case in the church today.



Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe was a requirement of the law in which all Israelites were give 10% of everything they earned and grew to the Tabernacle / Temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5). Some understand the Old Testament tithe as a method of taxation to provide for the needs of the priests and Levites of the sacrificial system. The New Testament nowhere commands, or even recommends that Christians submit to a legalistic tithe system. Paul states that believers should set aside a portion of their income in order to support the church (1 Corinthians 16:1-2).



The New Testament nowhere assigns a certain percentage of income to set aside, but only says it is to be “in keeping with his income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). The Christian church has essentially taken the 10% figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a “recommended minimum” for Christians in their giving. Although the New Testament does not identify a specific amount or percentage to give, it does talk about the importance and benefits of giving. They should give as they are able, “in keeping with his income.” Sometimes that means giving more than a tithe, sometime that may mean giving less than a tithe. It all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the church. Each and every Christian should diligently pray and seek God’s wisdom as to whether to participate in tithing and/or for how much he or she should give (James 1:5). “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Answer 2

Tithing was scriptural for Israel. Now in our present dispensation of Jesus Christ, we have more of the promise than the Israelites did. The Israelites had laws written on stone tablets. Our laws are supposed to be written on our heart.

If Israel tithed, then even moreso the church should tithe and be thankful to God.

Answer 3

Yes, I believe so. The pastor of my church often preaches on tithing. After all, everything we have belongs to the Lord Himself. We are just managers of these things for a short time. All that Christ requires is 10% of our earnings, so that is what I do. But, you also have to give with a joyful heart.

Answer 4

The Bible does not Teach We are to Give any Fixed % (Such as 10%) of Our Salary or Property

Tithes were required by God from the Israelite farmers and ranchers (see Deuteronomy 14:22 and Leviticus 27:30). Tithes were agricultural produce and not money (and they had money back in those days). The tithes were used in the temple, for festivals and for helping the poor.

There were 3 tithes from some of the Israelites and a 4th from the Levites to the Levite priests.

1) The Levitical tithe required those who raised crops (not everyone and not all professions – just those who raised crops) to give 10% of that to the Levites. This tithe occurred 6 years out of the 7 year cycle. It also required those that raised 10 or more animals to give each tenth animal that passed under the rod to the Levites. If a person raised less than 10 animals, they were not required to tithe.

2) From what was given to them, the Levites in turn had to give a tenth of the very best to the priests.

3) The festival tithe required that those who raised crops or animals to set aside 10% for the annual festivals.

4) The Poor tithe occurred only in the 3rd year of the seven year cycle. This was set aside for the poor.

Now about Christians and tithing, God never established a set standard for Christians to give. The principle of 10% of earnings being required of believers is not taught in the Bible. Giving should be done out of freewill and love and sometimes God puts it in our hearts to give much more than 10% and it doesn’t have to be just money. We are to be led by the Holy Spirit. Giving should be done cheerfully from the heart (2 Corinthians 9:7) for the honour and glory of God, to help the needy (Hebrews 13:16, Acts 20:35, Matthew 25:35-45, Acts 6:1-4, 1 Timothy 5:1-16) and to support true pastors and ministries (1 Corinthians 9:7-14, 1 Timothy 5:17-18, Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37, 1 Corinthians 16:1-3, 2 Corinthians 8:1-13, 1 Timothy 6:17-19). This is the true principle to be learnt.

It’s clear that God never told us that we should be giving 10% (or any fixed %) of our salaries. Those who preach that Christians are to give 10% (or any fixed %) are wresting the Scriptures to conform to their belief at the expense of the truth. An individual may teach this false doctrine due to one or more of the following:

• Ignorance

• Fear of ridicule or disapproval of others who support this teaching

• Not wanting to admit what they always taught was wrong

• Love of money (1 Timothy 6:10)

Applying Old Testament practices in the New Testament is in essence, placing those who hear them under the bondage and curse of the Mosaic Law (Galatians Ch. 3).

If you’re teaching others that God commands this no matter how good the intentions are, it’s a sin. It’s time to break free from the false doctrine of believers being required to give 10% of their earnings, and take a stand against it.

2 Corinthians 9:7
7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

http://www.cnview.com/on_line_resources/christians_and_the_tithe.htm

http://www.letusreason.org/doct54.htm


REDEMPTION BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH

Because mankind is incapable of meeting God’s standard of perfection necessary to abide in God’s presence (Romans 3:19-20,23), God sent His Son Jesus Christ to pay the total debt for the believer’s sins and mercifully credits to his account Christ’s righteousness (Romans 3:21-28,5:1-11; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21). Jesus’ gracious act of atonement was complete and covers all sin (Colossians 2:13-14; 1 John 1:9). Salvation is not based on good deeds but according to the mercy of God (Titus 3:4-5). Believers are justified by faith; it is a gift by God’s grace (Romans 4:3-8; Ephesians 2:8-9). A true, living faith will result in a desire to live a holy, loving life of good works (Ephesians 2:10; Galatians 5:6; James 2:14-26), but failure to be absolutely successful at righteous living does not negate the believer’s justified status.

If you sincerely say this prayer, your sins will be washed away, you will be redeemed to God, be saved from eternal torment and inherit the Kingdom of God:

"Dear Jesus,

I am a sinner.
I repent of my sins.
Please forgive me and save me by your shed blood;
come into my heart.
I want to receive you as my own personal Lord and Savior.

Amen"

https://victoryinjesuschrist.wordpress.com/

Answer 5

Absolutely. Giving back to God is always part of being in his kingdom. If nobody gave to God, there would be no $ to upkeep the physical side of the kingdom. There would be no nice place to worship God, no missions, etc. People need to stop being so cheap and be rich towards God as Jesus taught.