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(Introduction portion of Chapter 8 only)
8
New Testament Commands
This chapter introduces issues related to New Testament giving, or true Christian giving. Therefore, to bring closure to the previous chapters, a brief synopsis is provided here. Earlier chapters cover the existence of money in the Bible, the definition of biblical offerings, including firstfruits and tithes, freedom from the Old Testament law, and righteousness apart from the law. Chapter 2 clears up any ideas about society changing from a bartering society to a monetary one. Because it is important to accurately define the terms discussed in this book, Chapters 3, 4 and 5 define offerings, tithes, and firstfruit. These chapters show that today’s offerings, tithes, and firstfruits, do not correspond to their biblical definitions.
As Chapter 6 demonstrates, legitimate tithes and offerings are only mandated under Old Testament law. Since Christians enjoy freedom from that law, they are no longer required to give tithes and offerings. It also describes a new righteousness not of the law, but of God. This righteousness is freely given through faith in Christ Jesus (to those who believe in Him), and therefore, Christians should stop trying to obtain righteousness via Old Testament law. Furthermore, Chapter 7 shows why Christians should refrain from doing something simply because it was done prior to the law. The conclusion surrounding monetary offerings, tithes, and firstfruits, is that they are of human origin, and Christians should not give in the names of any of these terms.
Not all Christians know God’s will and rules for Christian living. As a result, they mistakenly turn to the Old Testament law for answers, even in the area of giving. This chapter shows that Christian stewardship, in respect to finances, does not resemble the legalistic rituals of the Old Testament. This chapter presents a new way to walk for those who convert to Christianity.
Christians need a relationship with God and with one another in order to walk under the influence of the Holy Spirit, not a relationship with Old Testament laws. Christ set Christians free from the law and made them slaves to righteousness. Therefore, they are obligated to give, and give responsibly within their freedom in Christ. Although Christians possess this freedom from the law, they are still bound to God’s requirements and the demands of love, some of which are listed in this chapter.
Throughout this chapter, emphasis is placed on how Old Testament laws are for the lawless and not for Christians. It shows a Christian’s requirement to support one another, and provides some correct motivational reasons for giving. In addition, this chapter demonstrates that each Christian knows the difference between right and wrong, good and evil - all without written rules and regulations to govern every details of one’s walk in Christ.
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