The Tithe is Not for Today – Part II

Happy Thanksgiving!
One of the arguments I get supporting the Tithe is this: The tithe existed before the law and they give Abram (Abraham) giving 10% to Melchizedek in Genesis 14. The problem here is that Abram gave Melchizedek 10% and the other 90% to the King of Sodom.
Gen 14 : 22-23 “22 Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have sworn to the LORD God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, 23 that I will not take a thread or a sandal thong or anything that is yours, for fear you would say, 'I have made Abram rich.' NIV
It was also the spoils of war that this addresses. So the next time I capture war booty I’ll be sure to give 10% to the church and 90% to Uncle Sam. 

The other example they give is Cain and Abel. The problem here is that no amount or percentage is mentioned. The only thing I draw from this account is that Abel’s offering was given in such a manner as to be acceptable to God as he gave the best of the firstborn of his flocks, while Cain’s was given grudgingly. Sounds like a good place to reference
2 Corinthians 9: 6-8
. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. NIV
Cain gave what he decided in his heart to give and did so cheerfully. Cain gave grudgingly.
The tithe was part of the law, a set of laws with multiple tithes amounting to somewhere around 30%. The purpose was to run the government(sound familiar?) and support the temple. Exodus 25 : 1-2 further supports the concept of 2 Corinthians 9: 7. In some Bibles this comes under the heading of the Tabernacle Offering.
Exodus 25: 1-2
1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 “Tell the Israelite's to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give. NIV
For those who argue about consistency of biblical concepts, I think this one is as clear as can be. Give what you have decided in your heart to give and give cheerfully. If you decide to tithe, go for it. If not, and you give cheerfully, it’s all good, you are not robbing God.
I reiterate my point form last week, Malachi was written to the Israelites and they were still under the law, we are under grace. Malachi 3 : 8-12, which is used like a sledge hammer by some, erroneously in my humble opinion, does not apply to us today. The law was fulfilled when Christ died on the cross.
Praise be to God for his mercy.

Until the next time, may the LORD bless us and keep us, in Jesus name I pray.