Note: I acknowledge that there is no suppose private interpretation of the bible scripture (II Peter 1:20) hence, I subject this writing to other spirit. Should you find my writing to be totally wrong, I would then appreciate if you could correct me and or rebuke me (II Timothy 3:16). Let's reason together (Isaiah 1:18) so as to bring the matter into the light, I can be reach at sherwincablao@gmail.com.
The more we know the more we don't know. This quote in a sense is true. Once a question is answered, most often it leads to another new question and when we find the answer again, it will again lead to another question and so on. A never ending search of knowledge will end up us just being confused as we get deeper. This was proven to be true by the scientist themselves, the more they understand something the more they don't understand. In studying the scripture, in this case, tithing, we can only biblically prove so much that tithing is not applicable in the new testament but, this argument will just go round and round as one question will just produce or lead to another question unless we come up with a question that is indisputably have a common answer to both parties or everyone. For me, my go to question which leads to have no more further questions is this:
In Hebrew 7, the new priest becomes Jesus who is in the like of Melchizedek, no genealogy, no beginning, no end, living eternally. In oneness belief, if Melchizedek lives forever and Jesus is in the like of Melchizedek, it would follow that Jesus is Melchizedek since there can only be one who is living eternally, with no beginning and no end, believing that Melchizedek and Jesus is not the same, would seem like there are two who lives eternally-Jesus and Melchizedek, which would contradict that there is only one God and that Jesus and God are just one and the same (John 10:30). Having said this, If Abraham tithed to Melchizedek, we Christian are not exempted since we are spiritually seed of Abraham hence, we also ought to tithe to Jesus Christ which is also Melchizedek. I understand that in 1 Peter 2:9, we are royal priesthood, though we are royal priesthood, no mortal can reach the priesthood in the order of Melchizedek, this position has been filled and can be filled only Jesus Christ. In the history of the bible, there are only 3 who receive it, first Melchizedek which is also Jesus, 2nd the levites (the only mortals who were allowed to receive it), 3rd Jesus Christ (who replaces the Levitical Priest) and is living eternally. Since He lives eternally, no mortal will be able to qualify to receive it nor even ask for it. Why then pastors who are merely mortals are receiving and collecting it, are they also considered the priest who in the like of Melchizedek who will never die? Obviously everybody dies hence, no one ever will be qualified, so then why are pastors collecting it?
I understand that from the perspective of the giver, they have this strong conviction that it doesn't matter who receive it, what matter is, from their perspective they are giving it to Jesus Christ. The justification being, Abraham tithed to Melchizedek - Epiphany of Jesus, since we Christian are seed of Abraham in faith, we too need to tithe. While I respect this conviction, it has no basis biblically. Abraham did not anyhow gave to any priest did he? He did not gave to whoever priest and claim that it does't matter who the priest is, what matter is he give to God, did he did that? The description of who was Melchizedek in the bible was not vague rather it was clearly describe who He was. The truth is, if biblically based, the one who receive tithes matter and no mortal will be able to reach the priesthood in the order of Melchizedek hence, no mortal is qualified to receive it nor even ask for it. If your heart tells you that you are giving it to Jesus yet, the very hand that receive it is a mere mortal, you are being deceive by your own heart because it's not biblically based hence, it's merely just an emotion or a feeling or an idea or belief without basis.
Another biblical truth that I realised is that, there are actually two type of biblical tithing if we are to classify it by the manner it was given.
- The Abrahametic tithe- This tithe was voluntarily, this type of tithe can be correlated to giving, it's not an obligation as Abraham gave it without anyone prompting or commanding him (Genesis 14:18-20). Here, whats holy to God was not yet specified and or defined, for this reason the tithe can be anything not limited to money since Abraham giveth a tenth of all and the word "all-spoil of war" is broad. Also, this tithe was given in response because Abraham was blessed, not he gave so that he will be blessed. But, this tithe in the priesthood of Jesus Christ, in order for Him to receive it and in order for us to give to Him, it was implied to give what is for Him to the poor, stranger, in prison, in short give to those in need (Matthew 25:42-45). The 10% serve only as a guideline, we can give more or less of that as long as willing, cheerful and able.
- The levitical Tithe - This type of tithe was an obligation, whether they like it or not, this tithe has to be given to the levites. This was their lifeblood and payment for their priestly service, without this, levites will be force to work in the field. And, without giving the levites their portion thus, not able to give the tithe of tithe of what they receive to the priest as the Lord's portion, the people of Israel would be guilty of robbing God. Here, whats holy to God was clearly specified and or defined, according to (Leviticus 27:30) the tithe of the land, the agricultural produce are holy hence tithable, money was never allowed. Also, this tithe including the offerings was commanded to be given to the levites and priest so that the people will be blessed, failure to give this tithe and offering, God threatened that curses will be upon them. In todays time if Christians practice it, it will equate to salary of all the staff and minister of the church. But, this commandment of tithe to be receive by levites along with the offering rituals has been annulled when Jesus was officiated as High Priest replacing them. So by right, this tithe cannot and should not be practice by us Christians.
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