Question: The pastor at my church recently gave a sermon on tithes and offerings. He stated specifically that unless you were giving 10% in a tithe, you had never really given an offering (the offering being anything over and above the 10%). He basically said we were "cursed" if we weren’t doing it this way. His scriptural references were from Malachi 3:8-9. After reading some of your other comments on this subject, I was curious what you thought about what my pastor said. It did leave me wondering.

Thanks for your response!

Leslie

Answer: Dear Leslie,

While stating that I did not hear all of what your pastor said, your report is not a biblical one. The Christian is not required to give any exact percentage – exact percentages are of the Old Covenant. This is not the New Testament teaching.

If, for example, we are required to pay the 10% tithe, then the other tithes – (there are two others under the Old Covenant) would be required as well – and, of course, we would have to adhere to all other regulations such as Hebrew holy days, dietary laws, clothing and hygiene regulations having to do with ritual, purity, etc.

In regard to giving, the New Testament does not set any regulations - other than to tell us that we are bought with a price, that we are not our own and that all of our time, talents and treasures belong to God – not just 10%! But, the New Testament does not enjoin any strict percentage of giving and there is no biblical justification for demanding it of Christians.

In Christ,

Greg Albrecht