2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. [The holy bible]
It is a question that most earnest seekers of truth have asked: is tithing binding 0n Christians and the old testament people? The dust has remained unsettled ever since the bishop of a popular denomination in Nigeria came out to say via his twitter handle: “Tithing is an inescapable covenant obligation”. Prosperity not just wealth is impossible without tithing, because when you’re not paying your tithe, you’re under a financial curse. #Tithe #Breakinglimits. many of his members buy into this interpretation, many other Christians find the “curse”‘; offensive and the demand not biblical. A known antagonist of him was quick to fault this .
Utter nonsense! Are you one percent as prosperous or as wealthy as Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett who don’t tithe? I find this unscriptural statement manipulative and cruel.
“Christ didn’t collect tithe, neither did the disciples, yet no one was cursed! Tithing is the old law, obeying the old law partially, without obeying all the 613 laws of Moses is what carries a curse. That’s why to us Christians, it’s referred to as the law of sin and death!”. Ifedayo Olarinde, aka Daddy Freeze, who often clashes with foremost preachers in Nigeria over this subject, is the leader of an online ministry called Free The Sheeple, said that Oyedepo’s message was wrong. Quoting from Hebrews 7:5, Daddy Freeze added that the law of Moses required that the priests, who are descendants of Levi, must collect a tithe from the rest of the people of Israel, who are also descendants of Abraham. This is not the first time that both men have clashed over doctrinal differences with The bishop having the upper hand via his massive members of over two hundred thousands in Nigerian alone. The bishop who was name sometime ago, as the richest bishop in Nigeria and one of the richest in Africa by a reputable magazine. Perhaps no one gave us food for thought than the tweet from one observer. He said,
“But Jesus Christ, our Lord, the owner of the church never threatened nor forced anyone to tithe… he who comes to me shall by no means be cast away.
How will he now curse those who believe in him because of 10 percent of their salaries? God is a merciful and loving God. God is love. Both the bishop and those who disagree with him have their opinion based on the bible. To better understand the scriptures, the first task is to know that there is a background for all the books of the bible and a time. Second task you should not also overlook context and time in history when interpreting them. Let us look at some old testament passages that talk about tithing. Numbers 18:21-24 And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die. But the Levites shall do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they shall bear their iniquity: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations, that among the children of Israel they have no inheritance. But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.
It is important to quote the passage quoted by the bishop and see without preconceive idea what it says about tithing. Malachi 3:10-11 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. Without mincing words, it is obvious in these passages that the tithe was to take care of those who gave their lives to lead the Israel like the levites and the priests. The storehouses in the above passage was a place that was set apart in the temple for the storage of tithe paid in by the children of Israel. Let us note that these tithes most of the time was paid in kinds _ through what they do for a living. Quoting this passage for the new testament to pay their tithe is not base on an accurate knowledge of this text. the construction of a temple differs from a church. It is noteworthy that none of the apostle of the new testament spoke about the tithe in the new testament, but a mode of giving was clearly spelt out in the book of 2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
One is compelled then to ask why then is this controversial quote from the book of Malachi being used by these pastors? the answer is not far-fetched: the passage is powerful to coerce and put fear into parishioners. Malachi 3:8-9 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein, have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
1, you are under a curse for not paying.
2, you are a robber for not paying.
3, you are a sinner for not paying.
With this tripartite weapon, they make the parishioners feel unworthy and inadequate in God’s plan for mankind, and your measure of giving is the only yardstick to show you are blessed of the lord.
Another passage they refer to is Genesis 14:20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. This passage has a symbolic related to christ priesthood as seen in the book of Hebrews 7:6-10 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. And without all contradiction, the less is blessed of the better. And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. Finally apostle paul says, 2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
As born again, the first blessing we receive is the forgiveness of sin. This is a blessed state that admits you into God’s family.1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. It is being born into an eternal family. Psalms 32:1-2 A Psalm of David, Maschil. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
Sapphire strokes 