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Jeff wrote:
So, there it is Ted . . . either the "tithe" is binding, i.e., the will of God (law) to which Christians must render obedience, or it was specific to the Israelic civil and ceremonial laws, being shadows of that which was to come and fulfilled by Christ in His perfect life and death. Is my relationship with God to be determined by my checkbook or by Christ's substitutionary sacrifice in my behalf and expressed by my love for Christ and my desire to become like Him, and do all that God commands of me in His moral law? (Jh 14:15; 15:10; 1Jh 5:3)

GREAT post, Jeff. Thanks for once again providing me much meat to chew on. I have spent quite a few precious moments reviewing articles online and Scripture passages regarding "The Law & The Gospel" and "Christian Liberty" and "The Law & Christian Liberty" and the like. What a blessed opportunity. Thank you!

As always, I will choose to take a contrary stance -- "confusing" as always, you might say. I pray that I have found a third way of looking at this.

Yes, I would agree that "the tithe" is NOT "binding" in the way that the Ten Commandments are. However, I am moved by Hebrews 12:1 to consider another way of looking at this topic.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)

In the light of this jewel of Scripture, consider the words of Donald Macleod as they might apply to our discussion:

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Then we ask: Will this be beneficial to my own spiritual life? Sometimes there are things that are not sins but which are weights or impediments. The writer to the Hebrews says, Lay them aside (12:1). Not only the sins that beset us but the weights, the things that hold us back.
- Christian Liberty by Donald MacLeod

<span style="background-color:#FFFF00">Might the failure to give a tithe (or greater) be just such a "weight?"</span>

Thank you, again, for the opportunity to discuss this weighty matter of Christian living. I pray it has been as much of a blessing to you and others as it has to me.

With love,
Ted