Christians and the Law
The Law of Tithing is a very ancient law that can be traced back to the days of Moses in the Old Covenant-Old Testament days. There is nothing more important for a Christian than to know how to function between the Old and New Testament (Covenants) in such a way they are not just choosing certain aspects of the law to adhere to with a disingenuous heart toward others. The relationship between Christians and the law, specifically as it pertains to tithing and how the Old Testament may not be applicable to what this concept has implied requires an explanation.
Pastors have done such a thorough work of convincing congregants they are no longer living under the Old Testament laws--rather the New Covenant where Jesus Christ has given them a freedom from being punished for their sins. However, why is it when it comes time for offerings, pledges, or tithes these pastors seem to revert back to Old Testament beliefs?
There are many pastors who will resort to this scripture, “You are under a curse, your whole nation because you are robbing me" (Malachi 3:9, NIV). Some pastors also require their church members to pledge a certain amount of income regularly to the church. The argument here is that when Christ hung on the cross, He became the curse (Galatians 3:13). These pastors either show they are insincere or they have a misunderstanding of the New Covenant.
Broyles, (2001) says, “Faced with the challenge of doing responsible study of the OT in its original language(s), many pastors simply give up.” (p. 101) Many pastors will resort to using the law as a method to instill either fear or guilt into the congregants, especially if they are interested in fundraising. When it comes time for fundraising, the truth is ignored and they are taught this way in seminary so it seems to have become an unquestioned tradition that is practiced with regularity. In fact, it has become so entrenched that believers feel fearful if they do not take this approach rather than trusting that God will provide. This is very unfortunate for any kind of newcomer into a church that may be poor, hurting or in great need of healing. This kind of unfortunate soul may not have enough scriptural knowledge to realize they are being misinformed.
Unfortunately, the Word is preached in such a way that the church is told they must under no uncertain terms give 10 percent or even more. However, what is also not made clear is that if a believer is told they must follow that part of scripture, there are also others laws that would apply. It would seem that Christians are choosing which parts of scripture to adhere to and others they are ignoring. No pastor or church leader has the right or authority to take out some parts of the law only to bring in others. No man is able to change the law of God. Interesting that it also says in Galatians, “All who rely on observing the law are under a curse for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the book of the Law” (Galatians 3:10, NIV).
Under the Old Testament Law, if a church member is going to tithe not only must he give all of the tithes required but also the other 3 to 4 kinds of tithes related to the Mosaic law. A man is not able to change the law of God. The other requirement would be to find a Levitical priest and give tithes to that priest. Pastors of the Protestant persuasion or from modern U.S. sectors aren’t Levitical priests.
Then, tithes would need to be brought to a temple or storehouse. You’d need to travel to Jerusalem to do this. The temple is no longer there and hasn’t been for a very long time. Tithes would also need to be given in the form of livestock and agricultural produce. This wouldn’t be possible for many who live in the city. Giving completely under the law in present time is completely impossible.
In order to give under the New Covenant or New Testament, it is not related to any kind of condemnation. To give under the New Testament principle brings peace and joy. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is indwelling. Under this Covenant we are to give as we are led by the Holy Spirit. If the Spirit prompts us to give 20, 30 or even just 10, then that is what believers should give. The point is, not to be giving under the law, rather under the direction of the Holy Spirit. The Israelites during the Old Covenant days did not have the Holy Spirit the way that New Testament believers do.
In some ways, the presence of the Holy Spirit may require more of us than adhering to following the law. However, the Holy Spirit does brings joy, peace and love. Although it is sacrificial it elicits cheerfulness and joy. It is important that each believer give what he feels in his heart he should give. As it is written, “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever. Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” (1 Corinthians 9:6, NIV).
References
Broyles, C. (2001). Interpreting the Old Testament. Baker Academic: Grand Rapids, MI.
The Holy Bible: New International Version. (2012). Zondervan. (Original work published 1984).
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