The subject of giving and receiving from God holds great significance for individuals, families, and the church. Abraham gave tithes of all he had to Melchizedek, a prominent Old Testament figure without father or mother, who abides as a priest continually. Melchizedek served as a representative of the Almighty God, being made like unto the Son of God (Hebrews 7:3). This is why Christ declared, Abraham rejoiced to see my day, and he saw it and was glad (John 8:56). This event occurred approximately 430 years before the Law of Moses, demonstrating that tithing is not based on the law.
Faith Precedes Giving
Faith comes before giving, which must be done scripturally and in righteousness. Our journey with God begins with having faith in Him for salvation and eternal life, not by giving our money, time, talent, or skill. Just as Abraham was called to go out to a place he would later receive as an inheritance, the Lord calls everyone today to come out from among them and be separate (2 Corinthians 6:17). Like Abraham believed, obeyed, and came out, and it was counted to him for righteousness, sinners and backsliders must do the same to become sons and daughters of God. Then the Holy Spirit bears witness in their hearts that they are now children of God.
The Role of Faith in Salvation
New believers in Christ must note that reconciliation with God, walking with Him, abiding in the Kingdom, and living the Kingdom life is of faith. The scriptures emphasize that Abraham believed God. He did not give to God as a corrupt idolater still immersed in worldly traditions. Similarly, those who are of faith, who are born again and recognize that their relationship with God is not based on religion but on believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, are the children of Abraham. The Jews claimed to be Abraham's children, but Jesus countered them. If they were truly Abraham's children, they would have believed in Him as the only begotten Son of God. Paying tithes and fasting regularly does not make anyone a child of Abraham; it is repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that does.
Salvation Through Faith, Not Works
A nominal churchgoer does not become a child of God by the works of his hands. No religious person can save himself, because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). One becomes a member of the family of God when he believes in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. For you are all children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. After salvation, both Jew and Greek, bond and free, male and female are all one in Christ Jesus and have equal opportunity to receive physical and spiritual blessings from Him.
The Principle of Giving Back to God
As heirs according to the promise, we have an inheritance from God. Out of all He has blessed us with, we should, like Abraham, give back a portion to Him in recognition that He is the Giver and our Redeemer. And as we honor God with our possessions and inheritance, He blesses us abundantly. If tithes and offerings were not important, God would not have concerned Himself with them or accused defaulting Israel of robbery. Leaders must not be too sanctimonious and spiritual to the point they fail to talk about tithes and offerings, as this will leave the membership ignorant of their responsibility and cause them to rob God.
To reverse the curse for robbing God, He commands, Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and I will pour out a blessing so great that there will not be room enough to receive it. When we give our tithes and offerings willingly, God appreciates it because He loves cheerful givers.
Further Reading
For deeper study, consider the following scriptures: Genesis 14:18-20; Hebrews 11:8; Romans 4:3,9,16,22-25; Galatians 3:6-9,11,26-29; Genesis 28:20-22; Malachi 3:8-10; 1 Chronicles 29:9,12-14; Nehemiah 9:7,8; Luke 16:10-13; 1 Corinthians 4:1,2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8; Proverbs 3:9,10; Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 21:1-4; 1 Timothy 6:17-19; Isaiah 51:1,2; 2 Corinthians 8:5; 1 Kings 17:8-16.
