Was tithing a requirement in the new testament?

Answer 1

There is nothing in the N.T. that says how much to give, we use the amount of 10% because they traditionally were told to give 10% in the O.T.

Answer 2

In a word - No.


Tithing was a requirement under the Mosaic Law, which only applied to the Nation of Israel in the first place. After Jesus' death and resurrection, the Christian 'law of love', which basically implied that everything falls into place if some1 whole-heartedly loves God and his neighbor, many of the specific stipulations of the Mosaic Law became obsolete.

Jesus himself showed that what God really treasures is the motive behind the offering, as pointed out when the widow dropped the two coins at the temple. These days the amount of whatever you donate to God (time, $$$, resources) is a matter of conscious; He knows whether or not you can afford it and whether or not you're being sincere.

Any1 that insists on 10% probably hasn't read too much of the Bible... (yeah I said it)

Answer 3

It was not a requirement of the law when Abraham did it (the law wasn't delivered until Moses). Galatians states we are "heirs of the promises of Abraham". Malachi states that one of the promises of Abraham is that if you tithe, God will rebuke the devourer. It also says you can test Him to honor His word.

This is the only time in the entire Bible where you can test God.

So, what does this mean? The New Testament states that you are supposed to give willingly and cheerfully. If you cannot tithe without being willing or cheerful, then do not do so.

But take the leap of faith and watch God honor his word.

Answer 4

In the Gospels we see tithing taught. But Jesus was talking to Jews that were "still" under the law. Tithe means 10% of your increase and was required of Jews. Christians are not under that law. We are to give as we feel led. Some give 2%, others give 20%, and some even give 90%.
The Christian churches do not have an income source (at least they are not supposed to). The church can not operate without the offerings of the congregation. Unfortunately some churches do buy and sell, but this is a sin. Also bare in mind, many who call themselves Christian, and many so-called churches, are not really Christian. Just look at some of them. You can tell.

Answer 5

The requirement of tithing was established by the Mosaic Law covenant between God and the nation of Isreal along with 600+ other laws.

No one could abide by those laws as we are all imperfect.

Jesus came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it. By his death, he fulfilled the law and established 2 new commandments : Love God, Love your neighbor. Those 2 laws sum up the 600+ laws of the Mosaic Laws.

Tithing was fulfilled, as was animal sacrifices, passover, pilgrmages to Jerusalem, the festival of boothes etc etc. If as Christians we maintain that tithing is still an obligation, then so are the other 600+ laws. I maintain that Jesus fulfilling the Law, freed us from it.

I do however contribute to the church with my money and time, but I do it as my heart moves me not because I have been commanded to give a specific amount.

Answer 6

Tithing is an old testament mandate that is not canceled in the new testament. In fact, giving in the NT is joyful (hilarious!). Thus, one would expect NT christians to give more than 10%!

Answer 7

Definitely not! Tithing was for the Israelites at the time of the law of Moses. Now , in Christian dispensation, we should follow the law of Christ. And the law of Christ says:

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
II Corinthians 9:7
King James Version

Any preacher enforcing tithing in Christian dispensation is a false preacher!!!

http://esoriano.wordpress.com/2007/07/05/the-faulty-covenant-of-the-seventh-day-adventist-church/

Answer 8

This is the passage that is used to describe NT giving.

2 Corinthians 9:6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written, "He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way for all your generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

Tithing is a legal formula for giving. Christians are called to recognize that God owns 100% of everything in all creation and that we are called to be good stewards over what He puts under our control. Tithing is a good start for giving but it is a matter between each individual and God according to their faith and as God speaks to their heart.

Check out "Giving God's Way" @ http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Enduring_Truth/archives.asp for some excellent teaching on this subject with practical examples and the trade mark humor that Paul Sheppard is known for across this country.

Answer 9

Obeying the Holy Spirit is the answer.

Answer 10

No. It also wasn't ever cash, nor was it 10% of gross. At one period it applied that people where to give 10% surplus grain to the grainery, this no longer applies.

Its good to donate. However, anyone who says you have to give 10% of your gross to the church because "god told you to" is a liar and a charlatan.