Thursday, September 28, 2006
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
LETTING THE BIBLE SPEAK FOR ITSELF...An Evangelistic Outline
WE HAVE A SIN PROBLEM
Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man (Adam), and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned. (Romans 5:12)
Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. (Isaiah 59:1-2)
As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away; they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one."...(Romans 3:10-12)
For the wages of sin is death...(Romans 6:23a)
... man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment...(Hebrews 9:27)
WE CANNOT EARN OUR WAY TO GOD
All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. (Isaiah 64:6)
And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:12-16)
GOD PROVIDES A SAVIOR: JESUS CHRIST
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:1,14)
[Jesus]Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:6-8)
He [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:15-17)
God made him [Jesus] who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the Righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit (1Peter 3:18)
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-8)
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures...(1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
THERE IS NO OTHER SAVIOR EXCEPT JESUS CHRIST
Jesus replied: I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.(Acts 4:12)
But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. (Romans 3:21-28)
WE MUST COME TO GOD IN REPENTANCE & FAITH
I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. (Acts 20:21)
REPENTANCE: TURNING FROM SIN
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord (Acts 3:19)
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. (2 Corinthians 7:10)
Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. (Isaiah 55:6-7)
FAITH: TRUSTING IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST JESUS CHRIST ALONE FOR SALVATION
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16)
Know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified. (Galatians 2:16)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. (Romans 4:4-5)
The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame. (Romans 10:8-11)
The Consequences of trust:
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. (John 1:12-13)
And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. (1 John 5:11-13)
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2)
The consequences of unbelief:
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him. (John 3:36)
It is my prayer that God would grant you repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man (Adam), and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned. (Romans 5:12)
Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. (Isaiah 59:1-2)
As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away; they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one."...(Romans 3:10-12)
For the wages of sin is death...(Romans 6:23a)
... man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment...(Hebrews 9:27)
WE CANNOT EARN OUR WAY TO GOD
All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. (Isaiah 64:6)
And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:12-16)
GOD PROVIDES A SAVIOR: JESUS CHRIST
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:1,14)
[Jesus]Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:6-8)
He [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:15-17)
God made him [Jesus] who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the Righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit (1Peter 3:18)
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-8)
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures...(1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
THERE IS NO OTHER SAVIOR EXCEPT JESUS CHRIST
Jesus replied: I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.(Acts 4:12)
But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. (Romans 3:21-28)
WE MUST COME TO GOD IN REPENTANCE & FAITH
I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. (Acts 20:21)
REPENTANCE: TURNING FROM SIN
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord (Acts 3:19)
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. (2 Corinthians 7:10)
Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. (Isaiah 55:6-7)
FAITH: TRUSTING IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST JESUS CHRIST ALONE FOR SALVATION
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16)
Know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified. (Galatians 2:16)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. (Romans 4:4-5)
The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame. (Romans 10:8-11)
The Consequences of trust:
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. (John 1:12-13)
And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. (1 John 5:11-13)
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2)
The consequences of unbelief:
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him. (John 3:36)
It is my prayer that God would grant you repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
TITHING IS NOT A CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE
An Essay by Russell Earl Kelly, PH. D., March 05, 2006
www.shouldthechurchteachtithing.com
Introduction:
The following essay is a summary of my book, Should the Church Teach Tithing? A Theologian’s Conclusions about a Taboo Doctrine. The book itself is a greatly expanded version of my PH. D. thesis. I challenge Bible educators to be bold, to open up their seminary level research and to promote studies on this subject in the Masters, Doctorate and PH. D. levels. This doctrine is simply too important to ignore.
In many churches today the doctrine of tithing has reached the level of a modern scandal. While on the one hand, most seminary-level textbooks on hermeneutics and church theologians omit tithing, on the other hand, the practice is quickly becoming a requirement for church membership in the very denominations which insist on solid Bible-based doctrines. There is also increasing evidence that lay persons who question the legitimacy of New Covenant tithing are usually criticized as being troublemakers or weak Christians.
Modern Tithing is Based on Many False Assumptions
One denomination’s statement on stewardship is typical of what many others teach about tithing. It says that "tithing is the minimum biblical standard and the beginning point which God has established that must not be replaced or compromised by any other standard." It adds that the tithe is from gross income which is due to the church before taxes.
The following points of this essay contrast the false teachings used to support tithing with what God’s Word actually says.
Point #1 N. T. Giving Principles in Second Corinthians 8 and 9 Are Superior to Tithing.
The false teaching is that tithing is an assumed mandatory expectation which always preceded free-will giving.
Free-will giving preceded tithing. The following New Covenant free-will principles are found in Second Corinthians, chapters 8 and 9: (1) Giving is a "grace.” Second Corinthians, chapters 8, uses the word, "grace," eight times in reference to helping poor saints. (2) Give yourself to God first (8:5). (3) Give yourself to knowing God’s will (8:5). (4) Give in response to Christ’s gift (8:9; 9:15). (5) Give out of a sincere desire (8:8, 10, 12; 9:7). (6) Do not give because of any commandment to give (8:8, 10; 9:7). (7) Give even beyond your ability (8:3, 11, 12). (8) Give to produce equality. This means that those who have more should give more in order to make up for the inability of those who cannot afford to give as much (8:12-14). (9) Give joyfully (8:2). (10) Give because you are growing spiritually (8:3, 4, 7). (11) Give because you want to continue growing spiritually (9:8, 10, 11). (12) Give because you are hearing the gospel preached (9:13).
Point #2 In God’s Word, the Tithe is Always Only Food!
The false teaching is that biblical tithes include ALL sources of income.
Do not use Webster’s Dictionary! Use God’s Word to define “tithe.” Open a complete Bible concordance. You will discover that the definition used by tithe-advocates is wrong. In God’s Word “tithe” does not stand alone. Although money existed, the substance of God's "tithe" was never money. It was the “tithe of food.” This is very important. **True biblical tithes were always only food from the farms and herds of only Israelites who only lived inside God’s Holy Land, the national boundary of Israel.** The increase was from God's hand and not man's craft or ability.
There are 15 verses from 11 chapters and 8 books from Leviticus 27 to Luke 11 which describe the contents of the tithe. And the contents never (I repeat), never included money, silver, gold or anything other than food! Yet the incorrect definition of "tithe" is the greatest lie being preached about tithing today! (See Lev. 27:30, 32; Numb. 18:27, 28; Deut. 12:17; 14:22, 23; 26 12; 2 Chron. 31:5, 6; Neh. 10:37; 13:5; Mal. 3:10; Matt. 23:23; Luke 11: 42).
Point #3 Abraham’s Tithe to Melchizedek Reflected Pagan Tradition.
The false teaching is that Abraham freely gave tithes because it was God’s will.
However, for the following reasons, Genesis 14:20 cannot be used as an example for Christians to tithe. (1) The Bible does not say that Abraham "freely" gave this tithe. (2) Abraham’s tithe was NOT a holy tithe from God’s holy land produced by God’s holy people. (3) Abraham’s tithe was only from spoils of war common to many nations. (4) In Numbers 31, God only required 1% of spoils of war. (5) Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek was a one-time recorded event and Abraham moved often. (6) Abraham’s tithe was not from his own personal property. (7) Abraham kept nothing for himself; he gave everything back. (8) Abraham’s tithe is not quoted anywhere in the Bible to endorse tithing. (9) Genesis 14, verse 21, is the key text. Since most commentaries explain verse 21 as an example of pagan Arab tradition, it is contradictory to explain the 90% of verse 21 as pagan, while insisting that the 10% of verse 20 was God’s will. (10) If Abraham is an example for Christians to give 10% to God, then he should also be an example for Christians to give the other 90% to Satan, or to the king of Sodom! (11) Since neither Abraham nor Jacob had a Levitical priesthood to support, they had no place to bring tithes during their many moves.
Point #4 First-Tithes Were Received by Servants to the Priests.
The false teaching is that Old Testament priests received all of the first tithe.
The truth is that the "whole" tithe, the first tithe, did not go to the priests at all. Instead, according to Numbers 18:21-24 and Nehemiah 10:37, it went to the servants of the priests, the Levites. Next, according to Numbers 18:25-28 and Nehemiah 10:38, the Levites gave the best “tenth of this tithe” (1%) which they received to the priests who ministered the sin sacrifices and served inside the holy places. Priests personally did not tithe at all.
It is also important to know that, in exchange for receiving these tithes, both Levites and priests forfeited all rights to permanent land inheritance inside Israel (Numb. 18:20-26; Deut. 12:12; 14:27, 29; 18:1, 2; Josh. 13:14, 33; 14:3; 18:7; Ezek. 44:28). The Levites, who received the first tithe, were prohibited from ministering blood sacrifices under penalty of death (Numb. 18:3). There is no continuation in the New Covenant of this ordinance.
Point #5 The Phrase, "It is Holy to the LORD," Does Not Make Tithing an Eternal Moral Principle.
The false teaching is that Leviticus 27:30-32 proves that the tithe is an "eternal moral principle" because "it is holy to the LORD."
However, tithe-teachers must ignore the stronger phrase, "it is MOST holy to the LORD," in the immediate preceding verses 28 and 29. This is because verses 28 and 29 are definitely not eternal moral principles in the church. In its context, the phrases "it is holy to the LORD" and "it is MOST holy to the LORD" cannot possibly be interpreted as "eternal moral principles." Why? Almost every other use of these phrases in Leviticus has long ago been discarded by Christians. Similar phrases are also used to describe all of the festivals, the sacrificial offerings, the clean/unclean food distinctions, the old covenant priests and the old covenant sanctuary.
Point #6 There are Four Different Tithes Found in the Bible.
The false teaching ignores all other tithes and focuses on part of the first religious tithe.
In reality, the first religious tithe, called the "Levitical tithe," had two parts. Again, the whole first tithe was given to the Levites who were only servants to the priests (Numb. 18:21-24; Neh. 10:37). The Levites, in turn, gave one tenth of the whole tithe to the priests (Numb. 18:25-28; Neh. 10:38). According to Deuteronomy 12 and 14, the second religious tithe, called the "feast tithe," was eaten by worshipers in the streets of Jerusalem during the three yearly festivals (Deut. 12:1-19; 14:22-26). And, according to Deuteronomy 14 and 26, a third tithe, called the "poor tithe," stayed in the homes every third year and was used to feed the poor (Deut. 14:28, 29; 26:12,13). Also, according to First Samuel 8:14-17 the King collected the first and best ten per cent for political use. During Jesus’ time Rome collected the first ten per cent (10%) of most food and twenty per cent (20%) of fruit crops as its spoils of war. One wonders what "churches" are trying to hide when they only single out the one religious tithe which best suits their purposes and ignore the other two important religious tithes.
Another common error is to equate the tithe with the “first-fruit” or even the “best.” While the “tithe of the tithe” (1%) which was given to the priests was the “best” of what the Levites received, the tithe which the Levites received was only “one tenth” not necessarily the “best” (Lev. 27:32, 33). Also, while the first-fruit and firstborn of every clean animal was brought directly to the temple, the tithe was brought directly to the Levitical cities (Neh. 10:35-38). According to some historians, the first-fruit was an extremely small offering. Often an entire village’s first-fruit could be carried by one animal.
Point #7 Jesus, Peter, Paul and the Poor Did Not Tithe!
The false teaching is that everybody in the Old Testament was required to begin their giving to God at the ten per cent level.
In reality, the poor were not required to tithe at all! Neither did the tithe come from the results of man’s craft, hands and skill. Only farmers and herdsmen possessed what was defined as tithe increase. Jesus was a carpenter; Paul was a tentmaker and Peter was a fisherman. None of these occupations qualified as tithe-payers because they did not farm or herd animals for a living. It is, therefore, incorrect to teach that everybody paid a required minimum of a tithe and, therefore, that New Covenant Christians should be required to at least begin at the same minimum as Old Covenant Israelites. This common false assumption is very often repeated and completely ignores the very plain definition of tithe as food from farm increase or herd increase.
It is also wrong to teach that the poor in Israel were required to pay tithes. In fact, they actually received tithes! Much of the second festival tithe and all of a special third-year tithe went to the poor. In fact, many laws protected the poor from abuse and expensive sacrifices which they could not afford (see also Lev. 14:21; 25:6, 25-28, 35, 36; 27:8; Deu. 12:1-19; 14:23, 28, 29; 15:7, 8, 11; 24:12, 14, 15, 19, 20; 26:11-13; Mal. 3:5; Matt. 12:1, 2; Mark 2:23, 24; Luke 2:22-24; 6:1, 2; 2 Cor. 8:12-14; 1 Tim. 5:8; Jas. 1:27).
Point #8 Tithes Were Often Used as Political Taxes.
The false teaching is that tithes are never comparable to taxes or taxation.
However, in the Hebrew economy, the tithe was used in a totally different manner than it is preached today. Once again, those Levites who received the whole tithe were not even ministers or priests -- they were only servants to the priests. Numbers chapter 3 describes the Levites as carpenters, metal workers, leather-craftsmen and artists who maintained the small sanctuary. And, according to First Chronicles, chapters 23-27, during the time of King David and King Solomon the Levites were still skilled craftsmen who inspected and approved all work in the Temple: 24, 000 worked in the Temple as builders and supervisors; 6,000 were officials and judges; 4,000 were guards and 4,000 were musicians. As political representatives of the king, Levites used their tithe income to serve as officials, judges, tax collectors, treasurers, temple guards, musicians, bakers, singers and professional soldiers (1 Chron. 12:23, 26; 27:5). It is obvious why these examples of using biblical tithe-income are never used as examples in the church today.
It is important to know that Old Covenant tithes were never used for evangelism of non-Israelites. Tithing failed! See Hebrews 7:12-19. Tithes never stimulated Old Covenant Levites or priests to establish a single mission outreach or encourage a single Gentile to become an Israelite (Ex. 23:32; 34:12, 15; Deut. 7:2). Old Covenant tithing was motivated and mandated by Law, not love. In fact, during most of Israel’s history the prophets were God’s primary spokesmen – and not the tithe-receiving Levites and priests.
Point #9 Levitical Tithes Were Normally Taken to the Levitical Cities.
False teachers want us to think that all tithes were formerly taken to the Temple and should now be taken to the "church storehouse” building.
The “whole” tithe NEVER went to the Temple. In reality, the overwhelming majority of Levitical tithes never went to the Temple. Those who teach otherwise ignore the Levitical cities and the 24 courses of the Levites and priests. According to Numbers 35, Joshua 20, 21 and First Chronicles 6, Levites and priests lived on borrowed land in the Levitical cities where they farmed and raised (tithed) animals. And it is clear from Numbers 18:20-24, Second Chronicles 31:15-19 and Nehemiah 10:37 that the ordinary people were expected to bring their tithes to the Levitical cities. Why? That is where most of the Levites and priests lived with their families most of the time. See also Nehemiah 13:9.
Point #10 Malachi 3 is the Most Abused Tithing Text in the Bible.
The false teaching about tithes from Malachi 3 ignores five important Bible facts.
(1) Malachi is Old Covenant context and is never quoted in the New Covenant for the church (Lev. 27:34; Neh. 10:28, 29; Mal. 3:7; 4:4). (2) In 1:6; 2:1 and 3:1-5, Malachi is very clearly addressed to dishonest priests who are cursed because they have stolen the best offerings from God. (3) The Levitical cities must be considered and Jerusalem was not a Levitical city (Josh 20, 21). It makes no sense to teach that 100% of the tithe was brought to the Temple when most Levites and priests did not live in Jerusalem. (4) In Malachi 3:10-11 tithes are still only food (Lev. 27:30-33). (5) The 24 courses of Levites and priests must also be considered. Beginning with King David and King Solomon, they were divided into 24 families. These divisions were also put into place in Malachi’s time by Ezra and Nehemiah. Since normally only one family served in the Temple for only one week at a time, there was absolutely no reason to send ALL of the tithe to the Temple when 98% of those it was designed to feed were still in the Levitical cities (1 Chron. 24-26; 28:13, 21; 2 Chron. 8:14; 23:8; 31:2, 15-19; 35:4, 5, 10; Ezra 6:18; Neh. 11:19, 30; 12:24; 13:9, 10; Luke 1:5).
Therefore, when the context of the Levitical cities, the 24 families of priests, under-age children, wives, Numbers 18:20-28, Second Chronicles 31:15-19, Nehemiah 10-13, and all of Malachi are all evaluated, only about 2% of the total first tithe was normally required at the Temple in Jerusalem.
Both the blessing and the curse of Malachi 3:9-11 only lasted until the Old Covenant ended at Calvary. Malachi’s audience had willingly reaffirmed the Old Covenant (Neh.10:28, 29). “Cursed be he that confirms not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen” (Deut. 27:26 quoted in Gal. 3:10). And Jesus ended the curse. “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree” (Gal. 3:13).
Today the very lowest income class pays the largest percentage to charity. Yet most remain in poverty. Neither the lottery, nor the tithe is a magic get-rich-quick answer to replace education, determination and hard work. If Malachi 3:10 really worked for New Covenant Christians, then millions of poor tithing Christians would have escaped poverty and would have become the wealthiest group of people in the world instead of remaining the poorest group. Therefore there is no evidence that the vast majority of poor “tithe-payers” are ever blessed financially merely because they tithe. The Old Covenant blessings are no longer in effect (Heb. 7:18, 19; 8:6-8, 13).
Point #11 Tithing is not Taught in the New Testament.
The false teaching is that Jesus taught tithing in Matthew 23:23 which, they say, is clearly in the New Testament.
The New Covenant did not begin at the birth of Jesus, but at his death (Gal. 3:19, 24, 25; 4:4). Tithing is not taught to the church after Calvary! When Jesus discussed tithing in Matthew 23:23, he was only commanding obedience to the Old Covenant Law which he endorsed and supported until Calvary. In Matthew 23:2, 3 Jesus told his followers to obey the scribes and Pharisees "because they sit in Moses’ seat." Yet He did not command Gentiles whom He healed to present themselves to the priests.
There is not a single New Testament Bible text which teaches tithing after Calvary – period! Acts 2:42-47 and 4:32-35 are not examples of tithing to support church leaders. According to 2:46 the Jewish Christians continued to worship in the Temple. And according to 2:44 and 4:33, 34 church leaders shared what they received equally with all church members (this is not done today). Finally Acts 21:20-25 proves that Jewish Christians were still zealously observing all of the Mosaic Law 30 years later –and that must include tithing—otherwise they would not have been allowed inside the Temple to worship. Therefore, any tithes collected by the early Jewish Christians were given to the Temple system and not to support the church.
Point #12 Old Covenant Priests Were Replaced by Believer-Priests.
The false teaching is that New Covenant elders and pastors are simply continuing where the Old Covenant priests left off and are due the tithe.
Compare Exodus 19:5, 6 with First Peter 2: 9, 10. Before the incident of the golden calves, God had intended for every Israelite to become a priest and tithing would have never been enacted. Priests did not tithe but received one tenth of the first tithe (Numb. 18:26-28; Neh. 10:37, 38).
The function and purpose of Old Covenant priests were replaced, not by elders and pastors, but by the priesthood of every believer. Like other ordinances of the Law, tithing was only a temporary shadow until Christ (Eph. 2:14-16; Col. 2:13-17; Heb. 10:1). In the New Covenant every believer is a priest to God (1 Pet. 2:9, 10; Rev. 1:6; 5:10). And, as a priest, every believer offers sacrifices to God (Heb. 4:16; 10:19-22; 13:15, 16). Therefore, every ordinance which had previously applied to the old priesthood was blotted out at Calvary. Since He was not from the tribe of Levi, even Jesus was disqualified. Thus the original temporary purpose of tithing no longer exists (Heb. 7:12-19; Gal. 3:19, 24, 25; 2 Cor. 3:10).
Point #13 The New Covenant Church is Neither a Building nor a Storehouse.
The false teaching is that Christian buildings called "churches," "tabernacles" or "temples" replaced the OT Temple as God’s dwelling places.
God’s Word never describes New Covenant churches as "tabernacles," "temples" or "buildings" in which God dwells! God’s church, God’s dwelling place, is within the believers. Believers do not "go to church" -- believers “assemble to worship.” Also, since OT priests did not pay tithes, then tithing cannot logically continue. Therefore it is wrong to call a building "God’s storehouse" for tithes. (1 Cor. 3:16, 17; 6:19, 20; Eph. 1:22, 23; 2:21; 4:12-16; Rev. 3:12). For "storehouse" compare First Corinthians 16:2 with Second Corinthians 12:14 and Acts 20:17, 32-35. For several centuries after Calvary Christians did not even have their own buildings (to call storehouses) because Christianity was an outlaw religion.
Point #14 The Church Grows By Using Better New Covenant Principles.
The false teaching implies that principles of grace giving are not as good as Old Covenant principles of giving.
Under the New Covenant: (1) According to Galatians 5:16-23, there is no physical law which controls the fruits of the Holy Spirit. (2) Second Corinthians 3:10 says that the Old Covenant has "no glory" when compared to the "surpassing" glory and liberty of the Holy Spirit. (3) Hebrews 7 is the only post-Calvary mention of tithing and it is an explanation of why the Levitical priesthood must be replaced by Christ’s priesthood because it was weak and unprofitable. Study Hebrews 7 and follow the progression from verse 5 to verse 12 to verse 19. (4) The manner in which tithing is taught today reflects a failure of the church to believe and act on the far better principles of love, grace and faith. Mandatory giving principles cannot, has not and will not prosper the church more than principles guided by love for Christ and lost souls (2 Cor. 8:7, 8).
Point #15 The Apostle Paul Preferred That Church Leaders Be Self-Supporting.
The false teaching is that Paul taught and practiced tithing.
Yet, nothing could be farther from the truth. As a Jewish rabbi, Paul was among those who insisted on working to support himself (Acts 18:3; 1 Thess. 2:9, 10; 2 Thess. 3:8-14). While Paul does not condemn those who are able to receive full-time support, neither does he teach that full-time support is the mandatory will of God for advancing the gospel (1 Cor. 9:12). In fact, twice, in Acts 20:29-35 and also in Second Corinthians 12:14, Paul actually encouraged church elders to work to support needy believers inside the church.
For Paul, "living of the gospel" meant "living by gospel principles of faith, love and grace" (1 Cor. 9:14). While Paul realized that he had a "right" to some support, he concluded that his "liberty," or freedom to preach unhindered was more important in order to fulfill his calling from God (1 Cor. 9:15; 11:7-13; 12:13, 14;1 Thess. 2:5, 6). While working as a tent-maker, Paul accepted limited support but boasted that his pay, or salary, was that he could preach the gospel for free, without being a burden to others (1 Cor. 9:16-19).
Point #16 Tithing Did Not Become a Law in the Church Until A. D. 777.
The false teaching is that the historical church has always taught tithing.
Even in Acts 21:20-26, decades after Calvary, the early Jewish-Christians in Jerusalem were still zealously following the Old Covenant law and were still worshiping in and supporting the Jewish Temple. As obedient Jews, logic forces us to conclude that they must have still been sending any food tithes they had to the Temple system.
While disagreeing with their own theologians, most church historians write that tithing did not become an accepted doctrine in the church for over 700 years after Calvary. The earliest church fathers before A. D. 321 (when Constantine made Christianity a legal religion) opposed tithing as a Jewish-only doctrine. Clement of Rome (c95), Justin Martyr (c150), The Didache (c150-200), Irenaeus (c150-200) and Tertullian (150-220) opposed tithing. Even Cyprian’s (200-258) (rejected) introduction of tithing included distribution to the poor.
In fact, the early church leaders practiced asceticism. This meant that being poor was the best way to serve God. They patterned their worship after that of the Jewish synagogues which had rabbis who were self-supporting and usually refused to receive money for teaching God’s Word. See Schaff, History of the Christian Church, Vol. II, 63, 128, 198-200; 428-434.
According to the very best historians and encyclopedias, it took over 500 years before the local church Council of Macon, in the year 585, tried unsuccessfully to enforce tithing on its members and it was not until the year 777 that Emperor Charlemagne legally allowed the church to collect tithes.
Conclusion:
In God’s Word, “tithe” does not stand alone. It is the “tithe of FOOD.” The biblical tithe was very narrowly defined and limited by God Himself. True biblical tithes were always: (1) only food, (2) only from the farms and herds, (3) of only Israelites, (4) who only lived inside God’s Holy Land, the national boundary of Israel, (5) only under Old Covenant terms and (6) the increase could only come from God's hand.
Therefore, (1) non-food items could not be tithed; (2) clean wild game animals and fish could not be tithed; (3) non-Israelites could not tithe; (4) food from outside God’s holy land of Israel did not enter the Temple; (5) legitimate tithing did not occur when there was no Levitical priesthood; and (5) tithes did not come from what man’s hands created, produced or caught by hunting and fishing.
I invite church leaders into an open discussion of this subject. The careful and prayerful study of God’s Word are essential for church growth. May God bless you.
(This article may be duplicated without permission.)
Russell Earl Kelly left the Baptist church and became an Adventist in 1972.He received a B. A. in Theology from Southern Missionary College cum laude in 1976.While an Adventist Russ served seven churches in Georgia,North Dakota, and South Carolina. Returning to the Baptist church, he still takes every opportunity to preach, teach and sing the gospel. After becoming legally blind in 1989, Russ completed his education with a Th. M.,Th.D., and finally a PH.D. from Covington Theological Seminary in Ft.Oglethorpe, in 2000.Russ has written two books, Exposing Seventh-day Adventism, Should the Church Teach Tithing? A Theologian’s Conclusions about Doctrine. Both can be purchased from most Internet book stores. Primary web site is
www.shouldthechurchteachtithing.com.
www.shouldthechurchteachtithing.com
Introduction:
The following essay is a summary of my book, Should the Church Teach Tithing? A Theologian’s Conclusions about a Taboo Doctrine. The book itself is a greatly expanded version of my PH. D. thesis. I challenge Bible educators to be bold, to open up their seminary level research and to promote studies on this subject in the Masters, Doctorate and PH. D. levels. This doctrine is simply too important to ignore.
In many churches today the doctrine of tithing has reached the level of a modern scandal. While on the one hand, most seminary-level textbooks on hermeneutics and church theologians omit tithing, on the other hand, the practice is quickly becoming a requirement for church membership in the very denominations which insist on solid Bible-based doctrines. There is also increasing evidence that lay persons who question the legitimacy of New Covenant tithing are usually criticized as being troublemakers or weak Christians.
Modern Tithing is Based on Many False Assumptions
One denomination’s statement on stewardship is typical of what many others teach about tithing. It says that "tithing is the minimum biblical standard and the beginning point which God has established that must not be replaced or compromised by any other standard." It adds that the tithe is from gross income which is due to the church before taxes.
The following points of this essay contrast the false teachings used to support tithing with what God’s Word actually says.
Point #1 N. T. Giving Principles in Second Corinthians 8 and 9 Are Superior to Tithing.
The false teaching is that tithing is an assumed mandatory expectation which always preceded free-will giving.
Free-will giving preceded tithing. The following New Covenant free-will principles are found in Second Corinthians, chapters 8 and 9: (1) Giving is a "grace.” Second Corinthians, chapters 8, uses the word, "grace," eight times in reference to helping poor saints. (2) Give yourself to God first (8:5). (3) Give yourself to knowing God’s will (8:5). (4) Give in response to Christ’s gift (8:9; 9:15). (5) Give out of a sincere desire (8:8, 10, 12; 9:7). (6) Do not give because of any commandment to give (8:8, 10; 9:7). (7) Give even beyond your ability (8:3, 11, 12). (8) Give to produce equality. This means that those who have more should give more in order to make up for the inability of those who cannot afford to give as much (8:12-14). (9) Give joyfully (8:2). (10) Give because you are growing spiritually (8:3, 4, 7). (11) Give because you want to continue growing spiritually (9:8, 10, 11). (12) Give because you are hearing the gospel preached (9:13).
Point #2 In God’s Word, the Tithe is Always Only Food!
The false teaching is that biblical tithes include ALL sources of income.
Do not use Webster’s Dictionary! Use God’s Word to define “tithe.” Open a complete Bible concordance. You will discover that the definition used by tithe-advocates is wrong. In God’s Word “tithe” does not stand alone. Although money existed, the substance of God's "tithe" was never money. It was the “tithe of food.” This is very important. **True biblical tithes were always only food from the farms and herds of only Israelites who only lived inside God’s Holy Land, the national boundary of Israel.** The increase was from God's hand and not man's craft or ability.
There are 15 verses from 11 chapters and 8 books from Leviticus 27 to Luke 11 which describe the contents of the tithe. And the contents never (I repeat), never included money, silver, gold or anything other than food! Yet the incorrect definition of "tithe" is the greatest lie being preached about tithing today! (See Lev. 27:30, 32; Numb. 18:27, 28; Deut. 12:17; 14:22, 23; 26 12; 2 Chron. 31:5, 6; Neh. 10:37; 13:5; Mal. 3:10; Matt. 23:23; Luke 11: 42).
Point #3 Abraham’s Tithe to Melchizedek Reflected Pagan Tradition.
The false teaching is that Abraham freely gave tithes because it was God’s will.
However, for the following reasons, Genesis 14:20 cannot be used as an example for Christians to tithe. (1) The Bible does not say that Abraham "freely" gave this tithe. (2) Abraham’s tithe was NOT a holy tithe from God’s holy land produced by God’s holy people. (3) Abraham’s tithe was only from spoils of war common to many nations. (4) In Numbers 31, God only required 1% of spoils of war. (5) Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek was a one-time recorded event and Abraham moved often. (6) Abraham’s tithe was not from his own personal property. (7) Abraham kept nothing for himself; he gave everything back. (8) Abraham’s tithe is not quoted anywhere in the Bible to endorse tithing. (9) Genesis 14, verse 21, is the key text. Since most commentaries explain verse 21 as an example of pagan Arab tradition, it is contradictory to explain the 90% of verse 21 as pagan, while insisting that the 10% of verse 20 was God’s will. (10) If Abraham is an example for Christians to give 10% to God, then he should also be an example for Christians to give the other 90% to Satan, or to the king of Sodom! (11) Since neither Abraham nor Jacob had a Levitical priesthood to support, they had no place to bring tithes during their many moves.
Point #4 First-Tithes Were Received by Servants to the Priests.
The false teaching is that Old Testament priests received all of the first tithe.
The truth is that the "whole" tithe, the first tithe, did not go to the priests at all. Instead, according to Numbers 18:21-24 and Nehemiah 10:37, it went to the servants of the priests, the Levites. Next, according to Numbers 18:25-28 and Nehemiah 10:38, the Levites gave the best “tenth of this tithe” (1%) which they received to the priests who ministered the sin sacrifices and served inside the holy places. Priests personally did not tithe at all.
It is also important to know that, in exchange for receiving these tithes, both Levites and priests forfeited all rights to permanent land inheritance inside Israel (Numb. 18:20-26; Deut. 12:12; 14:27, 29; 18:1, 2; Josh. 13:14, 33; 14:3; 18:7; Ezek. 44:28). The Levites, who received the first tithe, were prohibited from ministering blood sacrifices under penalty of death (Numb. 18:3). There is no continuation in the New Covenant of this ordinance.
Point #5 The Phrase, "It is Holy to the LORD," Does Not Make Tithing an Eternal Moral Principle.
The false teaching is that Leviticus 27:30-32 proves that the tithe is an "eternal moral principle" because "it is holy to the LORD."
However, tithe-teachers must ignore the stronger phrase, "it is MOST holy to the LORD," in the immediate preceding verses 28 and 29. This is because verses 28 and 29 are definitely not eternal moral principles in the church. In its context, the phrases "it is holy to the LORD" and "it is MOST holy to the LORD" cannot possibly be interpreted as "eternal moral principles." Why? Almost every other use of these phrases in Leviticus has long ago been discarded by Christians. Similar phrases are also used to describe all of the festivals, the sacrificial offerings, the clean/unclean food distinctions, the old covenant priests and the old covenant sanctuary.
Point #6 There are Four Different Tithes Found in the Bible.
The false teaching ignores all other tithes and focuses on part of the first religious tithe.
In reality, the first religious tithe, called the "Levitical tithe," had two parts. Again, the whole first tithe was given to the Levites who were only servants to the priests (Numb. 18:21-24; Neh. 10:37). The Levites, in turn, gave one tenth of the whole tithe to the priests (Numb. 18:25-28; Neh. 10:38). According to Deuteronomy 12 and 14, the second religious tithe, called the "feast tithe," was eaten by worshipers in the streets of Jerusalem during the three yearly festivals (Deut. 12:1-19; 14:22-26). And, according to Deuteronomy 14 and 26, a third tithe, called the "poor tithe," stayed in the homes every third year and was used to feed the poor (Deut. 14:28, 29; 26:12,13). Also, according to First Samuel 8:14-17 the King collected the first and best ten per cent for political use. During Jesus’ time Rome collected the first ten per cent (10%) of most food and twenty per cent (20%) of fruit crops as its spoils of war. One wonders what "churches" are trying to hide when they only single out the one religious tithe which best suits their purposes and ignore the other two important religious tithes.
Another common error is to equate the tithe with the “first-fruit” or even the “best.” While the “tithe of the tithe” (1%) which was given to the priests was the “best” of what the Levites received, the tithe which the Levites received was only “one tenth” not necessarily the “best” (Lev. 27:32, 33). Also, while the first-fruit and firstborn of every clean animal was brought directly to the temple, the tithe was brought directly to the Levitical cities (Neh. 10:35-38). According to some historians, the first-fruit was an extremely small offering. Often an entire village’s first-fruit could be carried by one animal.
Point #7 Jesus, Peter, Paul and the Poor Did Not Tithe!
The false teaching is that everybody in the Old Testament was required to begin their giving to God at the ten per cent level.
In reality, the poor were not required to tithe at all! Neither did the tithe come from the results of man’s craft, hands and skill. Only farmers and herdsmen possessed what was defined as tithe increase. Jesus was a carpenter; Paul was a tentmaker and Peter was a fisherman. None of these occupations qualified as tithe-payers because they did not farm or herd animals for a living. It is, therefore, incorrect to teach that everybody paid a required minimum of a tithe and, therefore, that New Covenant Christians should be required to at least begin at the same minimum as Old Covenant Israelites. This common false assumption is very often repeated and completely ignores the very plain definition of tithe as food from farm increase or herd increase.
It is also wrong to teach that the poor in Israel were required to pay tithes. In fact, they actually received tithes! Much of the second festival tithe and all of a special third-year tithe went to the poor. In fact, many laws protected the poor from abuse and expensive sacrifices which they could not afford (see also Lev. 14:21; 25:6, 25-28, 35, 36; 27:8; Deu. 12:1-19; 14:23, 28, 29; 15:7, 8, 11; 24:12, 14, 15, 19, 20; 26:11-13; Mal. 3:5; Matt. 12:1, 2; Mark 2:23, 24; Luke 2:22-24; 6:1, 2; 2 Cor. 8:12-14; 1 Tim. 5:8; Jas. 1:27).
Point #8 Tithes Were Often Used as Political Taxes.
The false teaching is that tithes are never comparable to taxes or taxation.
However, in the Hebrew economy, the tithe was used in a totally different manner than it is preached today. Once again, those Levites who received the whole tithe were not even ministers or priests -- they were only servants to the priests. Numbers chapter 3 describes the Levites as carpenters, metal workers, leather-craftsmen and artists who maintained the small sanctuary. And, according to First Chronicles, chapters 23-27, during the time of King David and King Solomon the Levites were still skilled craftsmen who inspected and approved all work in the Temple: 24, 000 worked in the Temple as builders and supervisors; 6,000 were officials and judges; 4,000 were guards and 4,000 were musicians. As political representatives of the king, Levites used their tithe income to serve as officials, judges, tax collectors, treasurers, temple guards, musicians, bakers, singers and professional soldiers (1 Chron. 12:23, 26; 27:5). It is obvious why these examples of using biblical tithe-income are never used as examples in the church today.
It is important to know that Old Covenant tithes were never used for evangelism of non-Israelites. Tithing failed! See Hebrews 7:12-19. Tithes never stimulated Old Covenant Levites or priests to establish a single mission outreach or encourage a single Gentile to become an Israelite (Ex. 23:32; 34:12, 15; Deut. 7:2). Old Covenant tithing was motivated and mandated by Law, not love. In fact, during most of Israel’s history the prophets were God’s primary spokesmen – and not the tithe-receiving Levites and priests.
Point #9 Levitical Tithes Were Normally Taken to the Levitical Cities.
False teachers want us to think that all tithes were formerly taken to the Temple and should now be taken to the "church storehouse” building.
The “whole” tithe NEVER went to the Temple. In reality, the overwhelming majority of Levitical tithes never went to the Temple. Those who teach otherwise ignore the Levitical cities and the 24 courses of the Levites and priests. According to Numbers 35, Joshua 20, 21 and First Chronicles 6, Levites and priests lived on borrowed land in the Levitical cities where they farmed and raised (tithed) animals. And it is clear from Numbers 18:20-24, Second Chronicles 31:15-19 and Nehemiah 10:37 that the ordinary people were expected to bring their tithes to the Levitical cities. Why? That is where most of the Levites and priests lived with their families most of the time. See also Nehemiah 13:9.
Point #10 Malachi 3 is the Most Abused Tithing Text in the Bible.
The false teaching about tithes from Malachi 3 ignores five important Bible facts.
(1) Malachi is Old Covenant context and is never quoted in the New Covenant for the church (Lev. 27:34; Neh. 10:28, 29; Mal. 3:7; 4:4). (2) In 1:6; 2:1 and 3:1-5, Malachi is very clearly addressed to dishonest priests who are cursed because they have stolen the best offerings from God. (3) The Levitical cities must be considered and Jerusalem was not a Levitical city (Josh 20, 21). It makes no sense to teach that 100% of the tithe was brought to the Temple when most Levites and priests did not live in Jerusalem. (4) In Malachi 3:10-11 tithes are still only food (Lev. 27:30-33). (5) The 24 courses of Levites and priests must also be considered. Beginning with King David and King Solomon, they were divided into 24 families. These divisions were also put into place in Malachi’s time by Ezra and Nehemiah. Since normally only one family served in the Temple for only one week at a time, there was absolutely no reason to send ALL of the tithe to the Temple when 98% of those it was designed to feed were still in the Levitical cities (1 Chron. 24-26; 28:13, 21; 2 Chron. 8:14; 23:8; 31:2, 15-19; 35:4, 5, 10; Ezra 6:18; Neh. 11:19, 30; 12:24; 13:9, 10; Luke 1:5).
Therefore, when the context of the Levitical cities, the 24 families of priests, under-age children, wives, Numbers 18:20-28, Second Chronicles 31:15-19, Nehemiah 10-13, and all of Malachi are all evaluated, only about 2% of the total first tithe was normally required at the Temple in Jerusalem.
Both the blessing and the curse of Malachi 3:9-11 only lasted until the Old Covenant ended at Calvary. Malachi’s audience had willingly reaffirmed the Old Covenant (Neh.10:28, 29). “Cursed be he that confirms not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen” (Deut. 27:26 quoted in Gal. 3:10). And Jesus ended the curse. “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree” (Gal. 3:13).
Today the very lowest income class pays the largest percentage to charity. Yet most remain in poverty. Neither the lottery, nor the tithe is a magic get-rich-quick answer to replace education, determination and hard work. If Malachi 3:10 really worked for New Covenant Christians, then millions of poor tithing Christians would have escaped poverty and would have become the wealthiest group of people in the world instead of remaining the poorest group. Therefore there is no evidence that the vast majority of poor “tithe-payers” are ever blessed financially merely because they tithe. The Old Covenant blessings are no longer in effect (Heb. 7:18, 19; 8:6-8, 13).
Point #11 Tithing is not Taught in the New Testament.
The false teaching is that Jesus taught tithing in Matthew 23:23 which, they say, is clearly in the New Testament.
The New Covenant did not begin at the birth of Jesus, but at his death (Gal. 3:19, 24, 25; 4:4). Tithing is not taught to the church after Calvary! When Jesus discussed tithing in Matthew 23:23, he was only commanding obedience to the Old Covenant Law which he endorsed and supported until Calvary. In Matthew 23:2, 3 Jesus told his followers to obey the scribes and Pharisees "because they sit in Moses’ seat." Yet He did not command Gentiles whom He healed to present themselves to the priests.
There is not a single New Testament Bible text which teaches tithing after Calvary – period! Acts 2:42-47 and 4:32-35 are not examples of tithing to support church leaders. According to 2:46 the Jewish Christians continued to worship in the Temple. And according to 2:44 and 4:33, 34 church leaders shared what they received equally with all church members (this is not done today). Finally Acts 21:20-25 proves that Jewish Christians were still zealously observing all of the Mosaic Law 30 years later –and that must include tithing—otherwise they would not have been allowed inside the Temple to worship. Therefore, any tithes collected by the early Jewish Christians were given to the Temple system and not to support the church.
Point #12 Old Covenant Priests Were Replaced by Believer-Priests.
The false teaching is that New Covenant elders and pastors are simply continuing where the Old Covenant priests left off and are due the tithe.
Compare Exodus 19:5, 6 with First Peter 2: 9, 10. Before the incident of the golden calves, God had intended for every Israelite to become a priest and tithing would have never been enacted. Priests did not tithe but received one tenth of the first tithe (Numb. 18:26-28; Neh. 10:37, 38).
The function and purpose of Old Covenant priests were replaced, not by elders and pastors, but by the priesthood of every believer. Like other ordinances of the Law, tithing was only a temporary shadow until Christ (Eph. 2:14-16; Col. 2:13-17; Heb. 10:1). In the New Covenant every believer is a priest to God (1 Pet. 2:9, 10; Rev. 1:6; 5:10). And, as a priest, every believer offers sacrifices to God (Heb. 4:16; 10:19-22; 13:15, 16). Therefore, every ordinance which had previously applied to the old priesthood was blotted out at Calvary. Since He was not from the tribe of Levi, even Jesus was disqualified. Thus the original temporary purpose of tithing no longer exists (Heb. 7:12-19; Gal. 3:19, 24, 25; 2 Cor. 3:10).
Point #13 The New Covenant Church is Neither a Building nor a Storehouse.
The false teaching is that Christian buildings called "churches," "tabernacles" or "temples" replaced the OT Temple as God’s dwelling places.
God’s Word never describes New Covenant churches as "tabernacles," "temples" or "buildings" in which God dwells! God’s church, God’s dwelling place, is within the believers. Believers do not "go to church" -- believers “assemble to worship.” Also, since OT priests did not pay tithes, then tithing cannot logically continue. Therefore it is wrong to call a building "God’s storehouse" for tithes. (1 Cor. 3:16, 17; 6:19, 20; Eph. 1:22, 23; 2:21; 4:12-16; Rev. 3:12). For "storehouse" compare First Corinthians 16:2 with Second Corinthians 12:14 and Acts 20:17, 32-35. For several centuries after Calvary Christians did not even have their own buildings (to call storehouses) because Christianity was an outlaw religion.
Point #14 The Church Grows By Using Better New Covenant Principles.
The false teaching implies that principles of grace giving are not as good as Old Covenant principles of giving.
Under the New Covenant: (1) According to Galatians 5:16-23, there is no physical law which controls the fruits of the Holy Spirit. (2) Second Corinthians 3:10 says that the Old Covenant has "no glory" when compared to the "surpassing" glory and liberty of the Holy Spirit. (3) Hebrews 7 is the only post-Calvary mention of tithing and it is an explanation of why the Levitical priesthood must be replaced by Christ’s priesthood because it was weak and unprofitable. Study Hebrews 7 and follow the progression from verse 5 to verse 12 to verse 19. (4) The manner in which tithing is taught today reflects a failure of the church to believe and act on the far better principles of love, grace and faith. Mandatory giving principles cannot, has not and will not prosper the church more than principles guided by love for Christ and lost souls (2 Cor. 8:7, 8).
Point #15 The Apostle Paul Preferred That Church Leaders Be Self-Supporting.
The false teaching is that Paul taught and practiced tithing.
Yet, nothing could be farther from the truth. As a Jewish rabbi, Paul was among those who insisted on working to support himself (Acts 18:3; 1 Thess. 2:9, 10; 2 Thess. 3:8-14). While Paul does not condemn those who are able to receive full-time support, neither does he teach that full-time support is the mandatory will of God for advancing the gospel (1 Cor. 9:12). In fact, twice, in Acts 20:29-35 and also in Second Corinthians 12:14, Paul actually encouraged church elders to work to support needy believers inside the church.
For Paul, "living of the gospel" meant "living by gospel principles of faith, love and grace" (1 Cor. 9:14). While Paul realized that he had a "right" to some support, he concluded that his "liberty," or freedom to preach unhindered was more important in order to fulfill his calling from God (1 Cor. 9:15; 11:7-13; 12:13, 14;1 Thess. 2:5, 6). While working as a tent-maker, Paul accepted limited support but boasted that his pay, or salary, was that he could preach the gospel for free, without being a burden to others (1 Cor. 9:16-19).
Point #16 Tithing Did Not Become a Law in the Church Until A. D. 777.
The false teaching is that the historical church has always taught tithing.
Even in Acts 21:20-26, decades after Calvary, the early Jewish-Christians in Jerusalem were still zealously following the Old Covenant law and were still worshiping in and supporting the Jewish Temple. As obedient Jews, logic forces us to conclude that they must have still been sending any food tithes they had to the Temple system.
While disagreeing with their own theologians, most church historians write that tithing did not become an accepted doctrine in the church for over 700 years after Calvary. The earliest church fathers before A. D. 321 (when Constantine made Christianity a legal religion) opposed tithing as a Jewish-only doctrine. Clement of Rome (c95), Justin Martyr (c150), The Didache (c150-200), Irenaeus (c150-200) and Tertullian (150-220) opposed tithing. Even Cyprian’s (200-258) (rejected) introduction of tithing included distribution to the poor.
In fact, the early church leaders practiced asceticism. This meant that being poor was the best way to serve God. They patterned their worship after that of the Jewish synagogues which had rabbis who were self-supporting and usually refused to receive money for teaching God’s Word. See Schaff, History of the Christian Church, Vol. II, 63, 128, 198-200; 428-434.
According to the very best historians and encyclopedias, it took over 500 years before the local church Council of Macon, in the year 585, tried unsuccessfully to enforce tithing on its members and it was not until the year 777 that Emperor Charlemagne legally allowed the church to collect tithes.
Conclusion:
In God’s Word, “tithe” does not stand alone. It is the “tithe of FOOD.” The biblical tithe was very narrowly defined and limited by God Himself. True biblical tithes were always: (1) only food, (2) only from the farms and herds, (3) of only Israelites, (4) who only lived inside God’s Holy Land, the national boundary of Israel, (5) only under Old Covenant terms and (6) the increase could only come from God's hand.
Therefore, (1) non-food items could not be tithed; (2) clean wild game animals and fish could not be tithed; (3) non-Israelites could not tithe; (4) food from outside God’s holy land of Israel did not enter the Temple; (5) legitimate tithing did not occur when there was no Levitical priesthood; and (5) tithes did not come from what man’s hands created, produced or caught by hunting and fishing.
I invite church leaders into an open discussion of this subject. The careful and prayerful study of God’s Word are essential for church growth. May God bless you.
(This article may be duplicated without permission.)
Russell Earl Kelly left the Baptist church and became an Adventist in 1972.He received a B. A. in Theology from Southern Missionary College cum laude in 1976.While an Adventist Russ served seven churches in Georgia,North Dakota, and South Carolina. Returning to the Baptist church, he still takes every opportunity to preach, teach and sing the gospel. After becoming legally blind in 1989, Russ completed his education with a Th. M.,Th.D., and finally a PH.D. from Covington Theological Seminary in Ft.Oglethorpe, in 2000.Russ has written two books, Exposing Seventh-day Adventism, Should the Church Teach Tithing? A Theologian’s Conclusions about Doctrine. Both can be purchased from most Internet book stores. Primary web site is
www.shouldthechurchteachtithing.com.
A STATEMENT OF FAITH
Historic and Biblical Christianity has often sought to articulate its beliefs in the form of Creeds and Statements of Faith. Over the centuries, many great creeds have sought to summarize the major points of Christian beliefs and consequently, historical statements such as the Apostle’s Creed, the Athanasian Creed, and the Nicene Creed have been formulated. More recent statements include the Augsburg Confession of Faith, the Belgic Confession of Faith, The Second Helvetic Confession, The Westminster Confession of Faith , London Baptist Confessions of Faith, and the Baptist Faith and Message. The following is the personal statement of faith of the creator of this webpage which expresses in a concise manner his beliefs and positions on points of belief.
As all creeds go, it does not pretend to be inerrant in and by itself, and the author encourages the reader to search the Scriptures as the ancient Berean Christians (Acts 17:11) did to verify the truthfulness of these statements. As much as possible, the author has sought to provide verse references immediately following the statements.
Over all, the author embraces the basic principle of “In Essentials, Unity; In Non-essentials, Liberty; and In Everything, Charity” and believes that points of difference are occasions for honest dialogue, not division.
As all creeds go, it does not pretend to be inerrant in and by itself, and the author encourages the reader to search the Scriptures as the ancient Berean Christians (Acts 17:11) did to verify the truthfulness of these statements. As much as possible, the author has sought to provide verse references immediately following the statements.
Over all, the author embraces the basic principle of “In Essentials, Unity; In Non-essentials, Liberty; and In Everything, Charity” and believes that points of difference are occasions for honest dialogue, not division.
WHAT I BELIEVE
I believe that the Holy Bible is the Word of God: that it was written and uniquely inspired, that it is inerrant, absolutely trustworthy and has supreme authority in all matters of faith and practice. By "The Holy Bible" refers to that collection of sixty-six books, from Genesis to Revelation, which, as originally written does not only contain and convey the Word of God, but IS the very Word of God. By "inspiration" means that the books of the Bible were written by holy men of old, as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, in such a definite way that their writings were supernaturally and verbally inspired and free from error, as no other writings have ever been or ever will be inspired. (Psalm 19:7-11; 119:89,105,130,160; Proverbs 30:5-6; Isaiah 8:20; Luke 16:31; 24:25-27,44-45; John 5:39,45-47; 12:48; 17:17; Acts 1:16; 28:25; Romans 3:4; 15:4; Ephesians 6:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Revelation 22:19)
I believe in one Almighty and Sovereign God, the Creator, Preserver and Ruler of all things, holy and just, loving and compassionate, omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent, having in and of himself, all perfections, and being infinite in them all; and to Him all creatures owe the highest love, reverence and obedience. God is revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence or being. (Genesis 1:1,17:1; Exodus 20:2-3; 15:11; Deuteronomy 6:4, Psalm 83:18; 90:2; 115:3; 147:5; Isaiah 45:22; Jeremiah 10:10; Habbakuk 1:13; Matthew 5:48; 28:19; Mark 12:29-30; John 4:24; 10:30; 15:26; 17:5; Acts 5:3-4; Romans 11:23; 1 Corinthians 12:10-11; 8:6; 12:4-6; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 2:18; 4:6; Philippians 2:5-6; 1 Timothy 1:17; 1 Peter 1:16; 1 John 5:7; Revelation 4:11).
I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, second person of the Trinity, wholly God and wholly Man, conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, sinless in life, making particular atonement for the sins of man through His substitutionary, vicarious, redemptive and sacrificial death on the cross. I believe that there is no salvation for any man apart from Him. I believe in His bodily resurrection, His high priestly intercession for His people and a literal, pre-millennial and visible return to the world as King and Judge according to His promise. (Isaiah 9:6; 52:13-15; 53:1-12; Matthew 1:18-23; 12:1; 16:21; Mark 13:27; Luke 1:30-36; 9:22; 21:25-36; John 1:1-3; 1:14; 2:19-21; 14:6; 11:25-28; 17:5; 20:28; Acts 2:22-33; 4:11-12; Romans 1:4; 3:20-28; 4:25; 5:6-8; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:3-6; Ephesians 2:13; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:15-17; 2:9-10; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Hebrews 1:3; 2:14-16; 4:14-15; 9:15; 9:28; 10:10; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 3:18; 1 John 4:9-10; 5:12; 5:20)
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who came forth from God to convince the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, empower, and comfort those who believe in Jesus Christ. He indwells all believers, baptizes all believers at the moment they trust in Jesus Christ to be their only Savior and Lord. He controls and empowers all true believers to live the Christian life in response to their obedience, confession of sin, and submission to Him. Matthew 28:19; Mark 1:8; Luke 1:35; 3:16; 24:49; John 1:33; 3:5-6; 14:16-17,26; 15:26-27; 16:8-11,13; Acts 1:5; 1:8; 2:4; 5:30-32; 11:16; Romans 8:14,16,26-27; Ephesians 1:13-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:7,13; Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 1:2)
I believe in the literal Fall of Man, and henceforth all men born of the seed of Adam are by nature and by choice totally depraved sinners, spiritually dead, separated from God, and are by nature rightful objects of God’s holy wrath. As a consequence of man’s fall and sinfulness, he is destined physical death and, if one dies apart from Christ, he is destined eternal spiritual death. (Genesis 3:1-24; Psalm 37:9; 51:5; Isaiah 59:2; 64:6-7; 66:15-16; 66:24; Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 25:41; 25:46; Mark 9:44-48; Romans 3:10-18; 3:23; 5:12, 6:23, 8:6-8, Ephesians 2:1-5; 4:18-19; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 19:20; 20:10;20:14-15; 21:8)
I believe that, God, in His infinite mercy and grace, extends salvation to fallen, depraved and undeserving mankind. God sovereignly elects and calls people to Him according to the pleasure of His will and according to His grace and mercy, regenerating them through the Holy Spirit and enabling them to understand the gospel, repent of their sins and sinfulness and turn to Him faith, trusting in Jesus Christ alone as their Savior and Lord. I believe that a person is saved by God’s sovereign grace through faith in Christ, apart from works but made for good works. Saving faith is a gift from God, and a person who is truly born again and thus truly saved is kept by God, and is eternally and irrevocably secure in Christ forever. Repentance is more than just remorse for sin but a complete turning of the heart and mind, hating once-cherished sin, and forsaking sin and self for the Lord. A person in Christ is saved from the punishment of sin, adopted into the family of God; forgiven, justified, set apart for God’s use; made holy; sanctified, washed, made part of the royal priesthood of believers; sealed by the Holy Spirit and will be one day be glorified in Christ when He returns. Those who accept Him and believe in Him as Savior and Lord are guaranteed eternal life but those who reject Him stand condemned to eternal death. (2 Chronicles 6:26-27; Isaiah 30:15; 53:6; 55:1-7; Joel 2:13; Matthew 11:28-30; Mark 1:15; 16:16; Luke 13:3; 5, John 1:12-13; 3:3-7; 3:14-18; 3:36; 5:24; 6:40; 6:44; 10:27-29; 20:30; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 16:14; 16:31; 20:21; 26:18; Romans 3:21-30; 4:4-5; 5:1-2; 5:12-19; 6:23; 8:1-2,; 8:28-39; 9:15-21; 10:8-13; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 2:14; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Galatians 2:16; 3:11-13; 3:22-29; Ephesians 1:4-13; 2:1-10; Philippians 1:6; Colossians 1:22; 1 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 2:19; Titus 3:4-7; Hebrews 1:14; James 2:14-26; 1 John 3:1-3; 5:11-13)
I believe in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in two senses: It is universal, or composed of all the elect, born again believers of all ages, nations and races, including those now living and those who are in the presence of the Lord. It is also local in constitution and organization as a fellowship of believers meeting together for the purpose of fellowship and corporate worship. It is visible and invisible. The true church is composed of all called out elect believers who are of the Lord’s, born again by His grace, and called to be holy and made holy as the bride of Christ in His coming. I believe that men and women are spiritually equal in position before God but that God has ordained distinct and separate spiritual functions of men and women in the home and in the church. The husband is to be the leader of the home and men are to hold the leadership positions (pastors, elders and deacons) in the church. Accordingly, only men are eligible of licensure and ordination for pastor by the church. I believe that the church is called to worship God in spirit and in truth, in a manner that is orderly without necessarily restricting the expressions of individual and corporate worship in line with Scriptural examples. I believe in the Great Commission to the church, which is to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that Christ has commanded until He returns. (Matthew 16:16-19; 25:11-13; 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; John 1:12-13; 3:3-7; Acts 2:41-42; 6:5-6; 14:23; 15:22-23; 20:17-28; 1 Corinthians 5:11-13; 6:1-3; 11:2; 12:4,8-11; 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:11-13; 5:23-25; 5:32; Colossians 1:18; 3:15; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 1:9-12; Hebrews 10:25)
I believe in the two ordinances instituted by Christ for the church: baptism of believers and the communion.
Christian Baptism is the outward symbolism of the inward reality of regeneration and the confession of faith of the believer before the church and the world. Biblical baptism is properly done by immersion (Gr. Baptismo or baptizo, lit. immersion), symbolizing the identification the identification of the believer with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Baptism does not save, nor is it a requirement for salvation, but is a step of obedience to the Lord’s example and identification with the visible local church. (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 2:41; 8:34-38; 9:15-18; 10:34-48; 16:31-34; 18:8; Romans 6:3-5; Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:19-21)
Communion or the Lord’s Supper is a memorial meal symbolically commemorating the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ for our sins and as a proclamation of His second coming. The elements do not become the body and blood of Christ but are rather symbols thereof, proclaiming the Lord’s death until He comes again. (Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 1:19-20; Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29)
I believe in the literal Devil, Or Satan, the adversary who was once holy, and enjoyed heavenly honors; but through pride and ambition to be as the Almighty, fell and drew after him a host of angels; that he is now the malignant prince of the power of the air, and the unholy god of this world. He is man's great tempter, the enemy of God and His Christ, the accuser of the saints, the author of all false religions, the chief power back of the present apostasy; the lord of the antichrist, and the author of all the powers of darkness - destined however to final defeat at the hands of God's own Son, and to the judgment of an eternal justice in hell, a place prepared for him and his angels. (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:14-17; Matthew 4:1-3; 13:25; 25:41; 27:39; Mark 13:21-22; Luke 22:3-4; John 14:30; Ephesians 2:2; 2Corinthians 11:13-15; 1 Thessalonians 3:5; 2 Thessalonians 2:8-11; 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Peter 2:4; 1 John 2:22; 3:8; 4:3; 2 John 7; Jude 6; Revelation 12:7-10; 13:13-14; 19:11,16,20; 20:1-3,10)
I believe that the civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society; that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ; who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the coming Prince of the kings of the earth. I believe in the functional separation of church and state, without prejudice to the believer’s calling to be a salt and light to the world. (Exodus 18:21-22; 2 Samuel 23:3; Psalm 72:11; Daniel 3:17-18; Matthew 10:28; 22:21; 23:10; Acts 4:19-20; 23:5; Romans 13:7; Philippians 2:10-11; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-14,17)
SOLAGRATIA; 2006 All Rights Reserved.
I believe that the Holy Bible is the Word of God: that it was written and uniquely inspired, that it is inerrant, absolutely trustworthy and has supreme authority in all matters of faith and practice. By "The Holy Bible" refers to that collection of sixty-six books, from Genesis to Revelation, which, as originally written does not only contain and convey the Word of God, but IS the very Word of God. By "inspiration" means that the books of the Bible were written by holy men of old, as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, in such a definite way that their writings were supernaturally and verbally inspired and free from error, as no other writings have ever been or ever will be inspired. (Psalm 19:7-11; 119:89,105,130,160; Proverbs 30:5-6; Isaiah 8:20; Luke 16:31; 24:25-27,44-45; John 5:39,45-47; 12:48; 17:17; Acts 1:16; 28:25; Romans 3:4; 15:4; Ephesians 6:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Revelation 22:19)
I believe in one Almighty and Sovereign God, the Creator, Preserver and Ruler of all things, holy and just, loving and compassionate, omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent, having in and of himself, all perfections, and being infinite in them all; and to Him all creatures owe the highest love, reverence and obedience. God is revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence or being. (Genesis 1:1,17:1; Exodus 20:2-3; 15:11; Deuteronomy 6:4, Psalm 83:18; 90:2; 115:3; 147:5; Isaiah 45:22; Jeremiah 10:10; Habbakuk 1:13; Matthew 5:48; 28:19; Mark 12:29-30; John 4:24; 10:30; 15:26; 17:5; Acts 5:3-4; Romans 11:23; 1 Corinthians 12:10-11; 8:6; 12:4-6; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 2:18; 4:6; Philippians 2:5-6; 1 Timothy 1:17; 1 Peter 1:16; 1 John 5:7; Revelation 4:11).
I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, second person of the Trinity, wholly God and wholly Man, conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, sinless in life, making particular atonement for the sins of man through His substitutionary, vicarious, redemptive and sacrificial death on the cross. I believe that there is no salvation for any man apart from Him. I believe in His bodily resurrection, His high priestly intercession for His people and a literal, pre-millennial and visible return to the world as King and Judge according to His promise. (Isaiah 9:6; 52:13-15; 53:1-12; Matthew 1:18-23; 12:1; 16:21; Mark 13:27; Luke 1:30-36; 9:22; 21:25-36; John 1:1-3; 1:14; 2:19-21; 14:6; 11:25-28; 17:5; 20:28; Acts 2:22-33; 4:11-12; Romans 1:4; 3:20-28; 4:25; 5:6-8; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:3-6; Ephesians 2:13; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:15-17; 2:9-10; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Hebrews 1:3; 2:14-16; 4:14-15; 9:15; 9:28; 10:10; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 3:18; 1 John 4:9-10; 5:12; 5:20)
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who came forth from God to convince the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, empower, and comfort those who believe in Jesus Christ. He indwells all believers, baptizes all believers at the moment they trust in Jesus Christ to be their only Savior and Lord. He controls and empowers all true believers to live the Christian life in response to their obedience, confession of sin, and submission to Him. Matthew 28:19; Mark 1:8; Luke 1:35; 3:16; 24:49; John 1:33; 3:5-6; 14:16-17,26; 15:26-27; 16:8-11,13; Acts 1:5; 1:8; 2:4; 5:30-32; 11:16; Romans 8:14,16,26-27; Ephesians 1:13-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:7,13; Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 1:2)
I believe in the literal Fall of Man, and henceforth all men born of the seed of Adam are by nature and by choice totally depraved sinners, spiritually dead, separated from God, and are by nature rightful objects of God’s holy wrath. As a consequence of man’s fall and sinfulness, he is destined physical death and, if one dies apart from Christ, he is destined eternal spiritual death. (Genesis 3:1-24; Psalm 37:9; 51:5; Isaiah 59:2; 64:6-7; 66:15-16; 66:24; Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 25:41; 25:46; Mark 9:44-48; Romans 3:10-18; 3:23; 5:12, 6:23, 8:6-8, Ephesians 2:1-5; 4:18-19; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 19:20; 20:10;20:14-15; 21:8)
I believe that, God, in His infinite mercy and grace, extends salvation to fallen, depraved and undeserving mankind. God sovereignly elects and calls people to Him according to the pleasure of His will and according to His grace and mercy, regenerating them through the Holy Spirit and enabling them to understand the gospel, repent of their sins and sinfulness and turn to Him faith, trusting in Jesus Christ alone as their Savior and Lord. I believe that a person is saved by God’s sovereign grace through faith in Christ, apart from works but made for good works. Saving faith is a gift from God, and a person who is truly born again and thus truly saved is kept by God, and is eternally and irrevocably secure in Christ forever. Repentance is more than just remorse for sin but a complete turning of the heart and mind, hating once-cherished sin, and forsaking sin and self for the Lord. A person in Christ is saved from the punishment of sin, adopted into the family of God; forgiven, justified, set apart for God’s use; made holy; sanctified, washed, made part of the royal priesthood of believers; sealed by the Holy Spirit and will be one day be glorified in Christ when He returns. Those who accept Him and believe in Him as Savior and Lord are guaranteed eternal life but those who reject Him stand condemned to eternal death. (2 Chronicles 6:26-27; Isaiah 30:15; 53:6; 55:1-7; Joel 2:13; Matthew 11:28-30; Mark 1:15; 16:16; Luke 13:3; 5, John 1:12-13; 3:3-7; 3:14-18; 3:36; 5:24; 6:40; 6:44; 10:27-29; 20:30; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 16:14; 16:31; 20:21; 26:18; Romans 3:21-30; 4:4-5; 5:1-2; 5:12-19; 6:23; 8:1-2,; 8:28-39; 9:15-21; 10:8-13; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 2:14; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Galatians 2:16; 3:11-13; 3:22-29; Ephesians 1:4-13; 2:1-10; Philippians 1:6; Colossians 1:22; 1 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 2:19; Titus 3:4-7; Hebrews 1:14; James 2:14-26; 1 John 3:1-3; 5:11-13)
I believe in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in two senses: It is universal, or composed of all the elect, born again believers of all ages, nations and races, including those now living and those who are in the presence of the Lord. It is also local in constitution and organization as a fellowship of believers meeting together for the purpose of fellowship and corporate worship. It is visible and invisible. The true church is composed of all called out elect believers who are of the Lord’s, born again by His grace, and called to be holy and made holy as the bride of Christ in His coming. I believe that men and women are spiritually equal in position before God but that God has ordained distinct and separate spiritual functions of men and women in the home and in the church. The husband is to be the leader of the home and men are to hold the leadership positions (pastors, elders and deacons) in the church. Accordingly, only men are eligible of licensure and ordination for pastor by the church. I believe that the church is called to worship God in spirit and in truth, in a manner that is orderly without necessarily restricting the expressions of individual and corporate worship in line with Scriptural examples. I believe in the Great Commission to the church, which is to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that Christ has commanded until He returns. (Matthew 16:16-19; 25:11-13; 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; John 1:12-13; 3:3-7; Acts 2:41-42; 6:5-6; 14:23; 15:22-23; 20:17-28; 1 Corinthians 5:11-13; 6:1-3; 11:2; 12:4,8-11; 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:11-13; 5:23-25; 5:32; Colossians 1:18; 3:15; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 1:9-12; Hebrews 10:25)
I believe in the two ordinances instituted by Christ for the church: baptism of believers and the communion.
Christian Baptism is the outward symbolism of the inward reality of regeneration and the confession of faith of the believer before the church and the world. Biblical baptism is properly done by immersion (Gr. Baptismo or baptizo, lit. immersion), symbolizing the identification the identification of the believer with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Baptism does not save, nor is it a requirement for salvation, but is a step of obedience to the Lord’s example and identification with the visible local church. (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 2:41; 8:34-38; 9:15-18; 10:34-48; 16:31-34; 18:8; Romans 6:3-5; Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:19-21)
Communion or the Lord’s Supper is a memorial meal symbolically commemorating the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ for our sins and as a proclamation of His second coming. The elements do not become the body and blood of Christ but are rather symbols thereof, proclaiming the Lord’s death until He comes again. (Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 1:19-20; Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29)
I believe in the literal Devil, Or Satan, the adversary who was once holy, and enjoyed heavenly honors; but through pride and ambition to be as the Almighty, fell and drew after him a host of angels; that he is now the malignant prince of the power of the air, and the unholy god of this world. He is man's great tempter, the enemy of God and His Christ, the accuser of the saints, the author of all false religions, the chief power back of the present apostasy; the lord of the antichrist, and the author of all the powers of darkness - destined however to final defeat at the hands of God's own Son, and to the judgment of an eternal justice in hell, a place prepared for him and his angels. (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:14-17; Matthew 4:1-3; 13:25; 25:41; 27:39; Mark 13:21-22; Luke 22:3-4; John 14:30; Ephesians 2:2; 2Corinthians 11:13-15; 1 Thessalonians 3:5; 2 Thessalonians 2:8-11; 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Peter 2:4; 1 John 2:22; 3:8; 4:3; 2 John 7; Jude 6; Revelation 12:7-10; 13:13-14; 19:11,16,20; 20:1-3,10)
I believe that the civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society; that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ; who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the coming Prince of the kings of the earth. I believe in the functional separation of church and state, without prejudice to the believer’s calling to be a salt and light to the world. (Exodus 18:21-22; 2 Samuel 23:3; Psalm 72:11; Daniel 3:17-18; Matthew 10:28; 22:21; 23:10; Acts 4:19-20; 23:5; Romans 13:7; Philippians 2:10-11; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-14,17)
SOLAGRATIA; 2006 All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Recharging my BLOG…
I will be reusing my BLOG beginning today....
Soli Deo Gloria!
To those interested, here are my websites:
http://www.freewebs.com/solagratia_berean/
http://www.freewebs.com/seeker_of_the_right/
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