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Tithing is a moral command, not a ceremonial one; it is simply about financially supporting the Christ’s Church, which of course continued in the New Testament. That’s why years ago it was expected. The difference is that in the New Testament we see it more clearly revealed that tithing does not merit salvation in any way.

What Christ found so wrong in the Temple practices regarding money and sacrifices is that the system had been grossly corrupted, taking advantage of the opportunity available to the priesthood. Since part of the priesthood’s purview was determining whether an animal was fit for sacrifice, and since everyone travelling a distance bringing their own animals with them would be much more challenging than buying one in the city once they arrived, a system of “inside” vendors developed, “conviently” right inside the Temple, however they gave in to temptation and began reaping significant profits from this “trade”. It was taking a “cut” for themselves out of the Temple sacrificial system that was instituted by God.

Note carefully how “some” denominations have what could be argued is essentially the same category of offence today, and that there have been similar corruptions over the years.

There are many actions that the Bible exhorts and commands the believer, moral laws, but here’s the New Testament clarification of understanding (which actually can be construed from the Old Testament but it was not accurately understood and had been perverted) - things that are offered to God but not out of willing, joyful obedience - are sin !

We are not to give to God begrudgingly - it is sin.

Only those things offered to God that are given willingly, joyfully - only those things God finds pleasing. We see in the New Testament a much simpler, clearer understanding, with the benefit of hindsight and all that is revealed by the New Testament. For example, if we are completely broke, and earning little or no money - we can’t at that moment tithe. But in no way does that lack of tithe mean that we are destined for hell because of that lack of tithe. We should realize - we ARE at that point the poor. We need help ourselves lol ! Now, if we’re earning enough to get along if we are wise with our money (so not that much) - God knows our decisions with our money. Even though we may not be earning a ton of money, just getting by, people used to be very frugal - and we can be. We have to ask ourselves if we had a person we really, really loved, cared about, thought the world of - would we find the money to care for that person if they needed food and a place to live ? Of course. So we can scrimp and make room in our budget; we can forgo eating out, cut down on new clothes, etc., etc., since God should be the most important of ALL to us. Remember how Jesus said that the small amount of money the poor woman tithed was much more than the amount the wealthy tithe ? Since the wealthy can easily provide for their needs and wants and have plenty left over, their tithes don’t cause them financial pain. They’re not debating whether to pay the electric bill or tithe. They don’t have to sacrifice anything difficult to sacrifice in order to come up with the tenth part to tithe.

Our motivation for tithing under the NT should be coming from our hearts - not from being told by pastors that our tithing can possibly “make or break” our salvation. It’s logically the cart before the horse; it’s really the other way around. Those who ARE saved WILL have the desire to support their Church in their heart. They will be driven to listen to the Word of God to find out how much God wants; when they find out he wants the tenth part, they will steadfastly make it their business to set that aside FIRST, according to the Scriptural model. God wants the first fruits - not our leftovers after we get done buying our necessities and then all our fun things, and then say, gee, here’s the change, I’ll tithe that. This idea of first fruits of course is a consistent model throughout the Bible.

Also very important is that if we are in a state of sin we need to repent first before offering anything to God. This is consistent in OT and NT. For OT, see Isaiah 1, for example. NT the concept is all over, the first thing we need to do is repent. This includes admitting that we sin - and turning away from our sin as we ask God to forgive us we are covenanting with God that we have turned away from that particular sin and that we will not any more defile ourselves with that sin. We must never take such repentance lightly, of course. If we never examine ourselves, that is, our words, thoughts and deeds, we would never see our own sins. We should know that the Bible exhorts us to be mindful of what we say, do and think. Also, to be open when our brothers in Christ come to us privately, in Christian love and compassion, and point out what they see as sin in our lives, to respond to them truthfully (perhaps they are correct, perhaps not, but the truth needs to be discerned, as we should be thankful of knowing that we have sinned so that we can repent and get right with God).

In any case, I think it is important for Christians to realize that, as you say, the only path to salvation is in Christ Jesus; the Bible is clear, there is no other way. And it is also clear that those who do not accept Christ as their Lord and Savior are haters of God. It’s hard for people to see that with all the misleading preaching that goes on and the heretical doctrines that are taught.