Israelites used to give up to twenty two percent of the proceeds to Levites. It is the Levites who took ten percent to the storehouse. This is a pointer that sacrifice has been confused with tithing. In fact, in the New Testament, Jesus and his disciples did not mention tithing.
The first sacrifice made in the bible is that of Cain and Abel who were following the example of their father. Other sacrifices are conducted by Isaac and Jacob, among other fathers of faith. Does there exist any prove to suggest that Abraham did not tithe? With this in mind, is it right to say that sacrifice has been confused with tithing?
Evangelical churches are insisting on planting seeds in order to get blessings or be shielded from affliction. Job would have been the beneficiary of such schemes considering what he went through. It is Abram who made tithing to gain the prominence it has today.
Genesis fourteen records that Abram offered a sacrifice from what he got from conquering his enemies in war. The sacrifice included what Lot and the people around him had. A similar sacrifice is made after Lot was rescued from his enemies. These cases indicate sacrifice from war plunder but not personal possession.
All the sacrifices made by Abram were voluntary. When asked to keep what he had captured in war, Genesis chapter twenty records that he declined. The reason given is that he did not want to be considered rich through war plundering. He allows the army to share what they had captured after giving a portion of it to the high priest.
The regularity of tithing seen in present day church lacks backing in the bible. Despite being very wealthy, Abraham is only said to tithe whatever came from war. In fact, tithing was a way of honoring God by the Israelites. This meant that it was mandatory but the portion depended on individual preference. It also is during sacrifice that one was required to give the best.
The lingering question is, should the New Testament have eliminated the element of tithing? Present day church insists that Christians must give up their best. What has never been clear is whether the preachers and ministers give the best of their possession. While they own the best cars, pieces of land and buildings, are they donated to the church?
Moses is considered to have introduced the ten percent rule. He wanted to provide Levites with something to eat when he said that the first proceed of every harvest must be offered to God. This rule did not spare the priests. That it does not apply to present day priesthood raises questions.
Malachi 3 is where tithing seems to be founded. God would punish Israelites if they failed to sacrifice. They would face drought and famine for failing to give to God. Jesus flips the coin by condemning those who tithe at the expense of feeding the poor. This is recorded in Mathew 23.
The first sacrifice made in the bible is that of Cain and Abel who were following the example of their father. Other sacrifices are conducted by Isaac and Jacob, among other fathers of faith. Does there exist any prove to suggest that Abraham did not tithe? With this in mind, is it right to say that sacrifice has been confused with tithing?
Evangelical churches are insisting on planting seeds in order to get blessings or be shielded from affliction. Job would have been the beneficiary of such schemes considering what he went through. It is Abram who made tithing to gain the prominence it has today.
Genesis fourteen records that Abram offered a sacrifice from what he got from conquering his enemies in war. The sacrifice included what Lot and the people around him had. A similar sacrifice is made after Lot was rescued from his enemies. These cases indicate sacrifice from war plunder but not personal possession.
All the sacrifices made by Abram were voluntary. When asked to keep what he had captured in war, Genesis chapter twenty records that he declined. The reason given is that he did not want to be considered rich through war plundering. He allows the army to share what they had captured after giving a portion of it to the high priest.
The regularity of tithing seen in present day church lacks backing in the bible. Despite being very wealthy, Abraham is only said to tithe whatever came from war. In fact, tithing was a way of honoring God by the Israelites. This meant that it was mandatory but the portion depended on individual preference. It also is during sacrifice that one was required to give the best.
The lingering question is, should the New Testament have eliminated the element of tithing? Present day church insists that Christians must give up their best. What has never been clear is whether the preachers and ministers give the best of their possession. While they own the best cars, pieces of land and buildings, are they donated to the church?
Moses is considered to have introduced the ten percent rule. He wanted to provide Levites with something to eat when he said that the first proceed of every harvest must be offered to God. This rule did not spare the priests. That it does not apply to present day priesthood raises questions.
Malachi 3 is where tithing seems to be founded. God would punish Israelites if they failed to sacrifice. They would face drought and famine for failing to give to God. Jesus flips the coin by condemning those who tithe at the expense of feeding the poor. This is recorded in Mathew 23.
About the Author:
You can visit www.abraham-did-not-tithe.com for more helpful information about Is It True That Abraham Did Not Tithe?.
No comments:
Post a Comment