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ScubieNuc: I wasn't looking for a loop-hole when I did my research, rather a Biblical answer to an inquiring friend. What I found was another wonderful example of how Jesus has saved us from the burden of trying to fulfill the law.

So true. You understand well that nothing WE do can save us - tithing included. And certainly Christ is the only payment that will satisfy our sin.

Yet just because it does not have the power to save, does not mean tithing is unnecessary. Keeping the law does not save us, but the law still guides us in obedience. Obedience is the proper response to Christ's gift of salvation.

You say that tithing is not REQUIRED of Christians. Let me use a different illustration of obedience. The law says "you shall not steal". If you steal from someone, you can still be saved - Christ can cover the sin of stealing. But after you are saved, are you REQUIRED to not steal? Of course! The law is still in effect today! If you steal from someone after you are saved, Christ can STILL cover that sin. It does not mean that you can steal with reckless abandon.

Let me ask you this question. Do you think obedience is REQUIRED of Christians? Even though it does not save nor can you be perfectly obedient, it is REQUIRED of Christians.

"You say that tithing is not REQUIRED of Christians. Let me use a different illustration of obedience. The law says "you shall not steal". If you steal from someone, you can still be saved - Christ can cover the sin of stealing. But after you are saved, are you REQUIRED to not steal? Of course! The law is still in effect today! If you steal from someone after you are saved, Christ can STILL cover that sin. It does not mean that you can steal with reckless abandon. "

Since I don't I have a lot of time today to respond, I'll try to be quick. Stealing is a moral law, that has been "written on mens hearts." (Romans 2:14-16) Tithing was a ceremonial law, used to direct the Nation of Israel to build the Temple and take care of the priests. There is no command in the New Testament to tithe, there are commands to not steal in the New Testament.

"Let me ask you this question. Do you think obedience is REQUIRED of Christians? Even though it does not save nor can you be perfectly obedient, it is REQUIRED of Christians."

When Jesus was asked what the Greatest Commandment was he said....

Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Mat 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
Mat 22:39 And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

If you are looking for what we are required to do, it would be summed up in those verses.

When have you loved the Lord with ALL your heart? Have you ever lusted in your heart? You've committed adultery. (Matthew 5:28) Have you ever called a brother a fool? That's the same as murdering him. (Matthew 5:21-22)

Everything the law points to, whether it was ceremonial or moral, proves that we cannot fulfill the law to avoid sin. The thing is that Jesus fullfilled the laws and our new covenant is in Him. The new covenant in Him, written about in the new testament (testament means covenant), re-emphasis's moral laws, but does not emphasis ceremonial laws.

We do need to give our all for Him. However, our all is never enough. Am I advocating not giving because we never match up....NO! I am merely pointing out a small misunderstanding about an assumed requirement of tithing. I, in no way, am against giving, and we should try to give our all.

I will say this...I will accept the idea that tithing can be a good tool to use to get us to help get our finances pointed in a Godly direction. I will also say that I believe God will bless those who trust in Him. It is just not required.

Sincerely