Is Tithing a Requirement for Bible believing Christians?

[GoldenEagle]

It seems there's a part 2 to Omegaman's teaching on tithing... Worth the read and found it today:

 

 

Source http://omegazine.com/biblestudy/tithe_2.html
 

Are Christians Required to Tithe?

 

In a word, no. Not by the Bible anyway. Remember that the laws on tithing were specifically given to the twelve tribes of Israel. This was not a case of the tribes merely being who was present to receive the law, it was a case of God choosing them out of all mankind, that these laws would apply specifically to these twelve tribes. To apply these laws to any other group, is to strip the verses from their contexts, something we have no right to do. The question then becomes:

 

Can we the Church, legitimately apply these laws, or at least these principals, to ourselves, as also a people of God. The short answer is yes. We have freedom in Christ, to tithe if we want to. People who believe in tithing, often belong to denominations where tithing is encouraged or in some cases required. If you believe that you are convicted by the Holy Spirit to tithe, then by all means do so. Be very cautious however, about placing your convictions as a burden upon someone else, who is not likewise convicted. Be aware that there is not one verse in the New Testament, that instructs gentile (non Jewish) believers to tithe. What about Jewish believers in Christ, are they to tithe as members of the twelve tribes to whom the tithing laws were given?

 

I would of course, leave that up to them to decide between themselves and God. However, I would point out that the Levitical priesthood and the Temple, no longer exist to be supported. The roles of government have been given to others and these others implement their own taxes for support. Further, the the death of Christ for our sins, has done away with the need for such a priesthood, we have a high priest now, Jesus, who does not need to make a living, and we ourselves are priests of God.

 

I would suggest, for those interested in the topic of priesthood, and it even relates to tithes, though that is not the topic, read Hebrews 7. There it points out, that the old priesthood is obsolete, and with the change of priesthood, a change is needed in the law, a better covenant. In this covenant, we are not under the old law, and of course, Gentiles, were never under the law. Now, they have been included in the family of God, under grace.

 

So, in the New Testament, are Christians ever required to pay? The answer is yes. 

 

Rom 13:1-7
13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4 For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.

6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
NIV

 

Now, there you have the requirement to pay for your government, just as the Israelites paid their tithes to support their government. Of course, those tithes also went to supporting the ministers of their spiritual care as well. Were I live, in the United States of America, it is rare for the government to provide religious service, there are exceptions such as chaplains in the armed services. Yet we Christians generally are still under some religious care, most of us who are serious about our walks with God, usually attach ourselves to a local body of believers, a church. Churches usually have at least one full time pastor, and some sort of facilities, in other words, churches have expenses. We have already seen that tithes were required of Israel, but what is the model for the church?

Thoughts?

Btw, Ome I don't see a link to this in your blog?

God bless,
GE