The Tithing Dilemma and the Triumphs of Love

© 2013 by Leonard C. Bupanda. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 12/27/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4772-4641-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-4639-9 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-4640-5 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Acknowledgements

Foreword

Introduction

1. The Origin Of The Tithe

Abram’s Tithe

What We Find In Abraham

Misplaced Priorities And Reversed Importance

2. The Loveless And Unforgiving Environment

The Difficulty Of Tithing

3. Then Came Jesus

Sending The Twelve Disciples

Three Main Types Of Pastors

4. The Lord’s Public Ministry

Our New Relationship In Christ

The Law And The Past

Then Are The Children Free

Rendering To Caesar The Things That Are Caesar’s

The Measure You Give

5. Christ’s Authority

The Triumph Of The Cross

6. The Tithe Vs. Giving Alms

Tithing, The Easier Option

My Experience In South Africa

Giving Out Of Love, Consideration, Compassion And Care

The Challenges Of Giving Alms

The Grace And Peace From God Our Father And Our Lord Christ Jesus

7. Thus Saith The Lord

8. Brotherly Love

Had All Things Common

The Perfect Demonstration Of Oneness

God’s Care

9. Alienated From Old Covenant Promises

10. The Apostles’ Doctrine And Practice

The Apostle’s Boldness

Hear Ye Him

11. Christ’s Priesthood

The Power Of The Mind

The Misguided Wise Men

12. False Prophets

Great Words Of Falsehood

False Teachers, Not For Nothing

A Last Glance At Charity

13. Final Reflections

Figures

Figure 1. Our Every Blessing Is In Christ Jesus Our Lord

Figure 2. From The Law To Christ

Figure 3. The Superiority Of Christ’s Priesthood

Tables

Table 1. Concealed, Ceased And Revealed

Table 2. Found In, Through, By, From And With Christ

Appendices

The Values Of Justice And Judgment

The Abandoned Spiritual Values

The Christian’s Love And Giving Checklist

Acknowledgements

First and foremost, I thank God the Father and my Lord Jesus Christ who, through the Holy Spirit, have enabled me to put in print such insights as are humanly impossible to realise and know regarding this seemingly divisive topic.

Now I thank my wife who, despite her bad health, has been a great inspiration during the writing of this book, Sister Yvonne for provoking the writing of this book, Brother Tuzzle for his help in many areas, Brother and Sister Abel and Josephine Kalonda for their valuable observations and comments, and Sister Mildred Sensele for her consistent encouragements at every stage of the writing. Last, but not the least, I thank my Sister and Brother Dorothy and Lee Ban field for their encouraging comments and support in many various ways.

Finally, I thank you the reader for finding interest in this book and pray that you will find it beneficial. Please, pass it on to someone else and encourage them to read it.

Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift, CHRIST JESUS the Lord

Foreword

I have known Leonard Bupanda for a good number of years, during which time he has faithfully preached the Word of God in Churches local to the area where he lives. He has a very good understanding of Biblical Truth and has studied the Bible extensively.

In this book he draws on his knowledge and understanding of Scripture to discuss a question which has often produced dissent both in Churches and among believers, Should Christians today be expected to tithe? You will find a detailed analysis of all relevant Scriptures and carefully thought out conclusions, which will give you—whether you agree with his conclusions or not—a deeper understanding of Biblical teaching on this subject. You will then be able to make up your mind as to what you believe God’s requirements are for today.

Christine M. Ryder

Introduction

Writing of this book has been prompted by the number of questions I have been asked and the discussions I have had with and heard from many Christians regarding the validity of the tithe in the New Testament as well as its place in the new covenant. I must stress right from the outset that when writing this book I sought no other source of materials rather than the Bible. Therefore, any similarities with any book on the tithe that may be in existence are not deliberate but a confirmation of how believers can hold the same views in the same way because it is the same Holy Spirit who has revealed these things.

Many people are disillusioned regarding this matter. Therefore, in this book I trace the origin of the tithe, the people involved and the reasons why the tithe was finally introduced and effected. This book puts the tithing argument to rest for those who have been truly saved, who understand what went into their salvation and know what it cost God the Father to save a sinner like you and me.

God loved us and gave us His Son; His Son loved us and gave Himself a ransom for us. God has never been known to make partial deliverance or delivery, as some sections of Christians are made to believe. There are no part measures either in the Father or in the Son. Their gift of eternal life to you and me is full and complete. Your and my salvation was paid for in full by the Lord Jesus Christ when He said; It is finished. Does He deserve only a tenth? Not even the offerings so-called can in any way match the cost of your salvation either. The Lord Jesus Christ has left them out in all His teachings. Hence, I shall never cease to insist in this book on the fact that the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are not associated with the tithe in any way and form.

In that light, therefore, my primary aim is to exalt the name of our Lord Jesus Christ who does not appear to have a say over the tithe. It appears so because His words have been undervalued and ignored. He has been completely sidelined and His authority undermined. I believe that if Christians accorded the Lord with the authority due to Him and treated the authority of all His words with the gravity they earnestly deserve, the issue of the tithe should have been left where it belongs—to the old covenant shadows that only pointed to Him. The Lord made it very clear in John 5:45-47 where He said: "Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuses you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?" To every discerning Christian these words must prompt us to start searching our hearts to see whether these words mean anything to us at all.

In this book, I present the Lord Jesus as the Father sees Him, that is, the WORD and the Father’s approved spokesman. Moses provided the outline only, but it is Jesus who provides the details. As many of the things in the Old Testament were only shadows of the things to come, and since all the shadows have ceased, what is so special about the tithe that it alone should be allowed to outlast all the other shadows, if I may ask?

Therefore, if you believe that Jesus Christ is God, you will be very much at peace with this book as long as you do not approach it with the I know-it-all attitude. I would like every reader of this book to see or meet the Christ of yesterday, today and forever, the Rock of ages, the word and God’s own spokesman. I am very convinced that because we do not associate the Lord Jesus with the happenings of the Old Testament, its covenants make us think of Him as lesser than the God He really is. I hope the illustrations I have included have provided a greater understanding of Jesus Christ, His authority and the authority of His word.

Also, the book unveils the undeniable fact that the tithe has overshadowed many things of greater significance essentially needed to increase our knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the main thrust of the entire New Testament. Besides, the tithe these days has been a source of deep mistrust between some of the tithers and their leaders. More importantly, it has become the false teachers’ key instrumental source of personal wealth, hence making the gospel of Christ evil spoken of. Moreover, it has caused some people to lose interest in the things of God, besides making the preaching of the Gospel very difficult. To this end, I have highlighted the fact that a true servant of the Lord who is well grounded in the word cannot abandon the gospel of Christ for anything else and I have provided scriptural evidence in this book.

Finally, I urge the reader to check all the scriptural references I have used in this book to see whether I stand on a solid ground or not. My honest warning, though, is that those who are the kind that trusts their church leader more than the word of God must learn to be analytically open minded to avoid over-reaction. By reading the word of God as given will help us to see the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit’s position on this seemingly divisive issue and on giving alms, hospitality, clothing the naked etc . . . This is the kind of giving God, through His Son Jesus Christ as well as through the Holy Spirit and the Apostles, has instructed, directed or clearly commanded us to do.

Therefore, as you read this book, bear in mind that I am bringing certain scriptural facts that have either not been noticed before or treated as trivial or insignificant. The bottom line is that this book will help you to determine whether you have obeyed the Lord Jesus’ commandments to love, and whether you take Him as Lord and God or not. The best way of knowing this is by checking what is taught by men, including myself, with the scriptures, besides checking the conduct and character of some of the teachers. It is important that Christians take time to read the Lord’s words carefully. He, as the word, reveals His will and purpose for all who are His.

Through this book I seek to encourage you to take some time to read Christ’s promises, none of which includes emphasis on earthly gains. Moreover, I have raised a number of challenges that may look like repetitions, but are a deliberate attempt to probe your memory and mind regarding the Lordship of Jesus Christ and His authority over His word, which some Christians have either ignored or rejected, in preference for the things He has never said or taught or commanded. His commandments of loving one another, loving our enemies, giving alms and helping the needy have all gone unnoticed or have proved too hard. Consequently, we have opted for the easier option, the tithe. I strongly believe that people choose paying the tithe due to the fact that they can only see God. As such, they cannot see Jesus Christ His Son as God.

Unless you know Jesus, you cannot know the Father. Equally, unless you know the Father, you cannot recognise the Son and His authority. The Lord in the Gospel of John makes the Father-Son relationship very clear, while the apostles in their epistles uphold it as one of the fundamental doctrines. So, whether or not men accept my observations on the Lordship of the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me, I am more than comforted by the fact that all of us shall appear before the judgment seat of Christ one day, where all our works shall be tested by fire. Then shall we see and know that Jesus Christ is the Judge, Lord and God in whom there is no tithe, to the glory of the Father.

Lastly, please note that all the scriptures, unless otherwise indicated, are from the King James Version. It is, therefore, advisable that you use KJV for checking as some things may not come out clearly in other versions, e.g. justice and judgment, charity (love) and tithe (tenth). Also, I have chosen to go against normal grammatical rules by reserving the use of capital letters only for the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit and their corresponding personal pronouns such as He, Him and His. There are no capitals for satan as he is only a created being and does not rank the same as the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.

CHAPTER ONE

The Origin of the Tithe

Before discussing the tithe (tenth or ten percent), it is important that we trace and examine its origin. This is important because I have come across many Christians who tithe either because they claim it is God’s command or it is in the word of God. Others tell me that they tithe because, not only is it a command by God, but also because Abram and Jacob both tithed. I certainly do agree with these views. However, in view of these and many other peoples’ convictions, the observations in this book need paying special attention to, because there are so many things written in the word of God, including the ones we are required or commanded to do, but we do not do.

Therefore, it is essential that we avoid reading between the lines of scriptures. Instead we must seek the Holy Spirit to guide us through them. By so doing, we will discover how much God’s grace abounded even in the Old Testament, although the word grace seems to be not too apparent. For those who may be coming across the term grace for the first time, it is described as God’s unmerited favour or amnesty to all sinners to find unmerited forgiveness through faith in Christ Jesus.

Now, in Hebrews 7:1, 2, and 7, Abraham is said to have given to Melchizedek, tithes of his spoils (Gen. 14:17-20). Abram, as he was known at that time, was never instructed or commanded to give tithes, but rather purposed in his heart to give to Melchizedek. Abram decided on his own will. Nevertheless, it is here that we get the first mention of the tithe or the tenth in the Bible. Two generations later, Jacob, Abraham’s grandson, seeking God’s protection from his brother Esau, promised to give a tenth to God. So, he also purposed in his heart (Gen. 28:22, Lev. 27:30; Isa.6:13). But if you critically look at the characters of both Abram and Jacob, you will notice that they both lived in a troubled world. Abram was just returning from the slaughter of kings when he met Melchizedek, the King of peace. The fighter meets the peacemaker. Even the things Abram gave the tenth from were not originally his. They were part of the things he acquired through the fight. This makes Abram’s tithe questionable.

There are a few other facts we need to consider concerning the two men mentioned above. One of the striking facts is that at the time of giving the tithe, Abraham was just an ordinary man known only as Abram. Jacob also was in the same situation. The meaning of the name Jacob has a lot to say about his character, too. I urge you again to look at the limited blessings of our natural efforts compared with the definite promises of our new nature. Abram’s blessings were unspecified and Jacob’s life was not an easy one either. But God, through His mercy that endures forever, was able to bless and protect them. God never neglects those who seriously and faithfully seek Him such as Ruth (Ruth 1:16-17), Saul and Cornelius (Acts 9 and 10). But when God changed Abram’s name to Abraham, the name acquired a new meaning of immeasurable blessings and specific promises with added responsibilities as we shall soon find out.

On the other hand, Jacob’s name was not changed as such. God renamed him Israel, which also was accompanied by specific promises that extended beyond his expectations. Similarly, Christians who do not have a proper fellowship with the Lord tend to set their minds on trivial blessings, mostly earthly things. It is the clear and intimate fellowship based on a genuine encounter with Christ that produces lasting rewards (John 1:12; 1Cor.5:17). As God upgraded His fellowship and relationship with Abraham and Israel, He saw it fit to give them names whose meanings He was comfortable with. With the new names, even the quality of their blessings changed for the better as blessings were translated into specific promises.

In these two scenarios, I personally discovered that God has decisively drawn a line between the blessings for the natural man and the blessings reserved for the spiritual man. Also, I learnt that there are limited blessings for the unregenerate, but limitless blessings for the saved (1Cor.2:9, 10; 2Cor.5:17). In the New Testament, I appreciate the reason why the Lord had to give Simon Bar-jo-na a new name. The Lord Jesus as God of both Testaments had and has the authority to give you a new nature and change your character. If you take a keen interest in evaluating the blessings and promises God made to Abraham and to Israel against those He made to Abram and to Jacob, you will be surprised by the marked difference both in quality and quantity. Therefore, as clearly demonstrated by the two men, the natural man has only temporary earthly blessings while the blessings of the children of God are much more heavenly and permanent (John 14:1-6, 27; Phil.4:7). Please keep this in mind, as we shall refer to Abraham most of the time.

Jacob’s case was a flight from his brother Esau. He sought God for peace and protection from identity fraud. God named him Israel, a name that gave him a proper and a lasting identity change. Abram and Jacob both found peace in the gracious God. Abram offered a tenth, but with blood on his hands, while Jacob’s proposed tenth was made with guilt of deception (Gen. 32:6-12). This sets the environment in which the tithe was offered thus making it a shaky principle. In sharp contrast, though, Abram’s astonishing rejection of the king of Sodom’s offer shows the man who fully depended on God for his wealth. If I were in his shoes, would I have rejected such an offer? (Romans 8:12-14).

Now, I agree with the fact that Abram determined in his heart to give a tenth, but it was not from his own original wealth. He left his original wealth intact. Jacob only proposed to do, as we earlier discussed. However, it is also true that none of the two men is reported to have paid a tithe after their names were changed. Therefore, I have come to a revelation that a tithe was not required of those who came face to face with God and obeyed Him. In the same way, the tithe cannot be required of those who have come face to face with the Son of God, as they have received a new nature and established a definite relationship with God as Father (Matt.17:24-27). These are simple observations that the teachers of the tithe either do not know or have deliberately overlooked. However, those who are genuine shall find joy and peace in these new truths.

Moreover, Abram’s and Jacob’s tithes have a lot more to reveal. As I studied the lives of the two men, I found out that only the former gave a tenth, while the latter only promised to give. It is not recorded that Jacob fulfilled the promise. Now, since believers are children of Abraham by promise, and if his tithe were legitimate, then it would have been right to assume that Abram paid the tithe on our behalf only once so that we, his children by faith, need not give a tenth again. Where does this leave the children of Jacob? You may ask. Well, rarely does God refer to Israel as children of Abraham. Rather, He addresses them as children of Jacob or of Israel even though they are direct descendants of Abraham. To be precise, the New Testament Jews addressed themselves as Abraham’s seed, and the Lord who cannot lie agreed (John 8:33, 37).

Because Jacob failed to deliver on his promise, God made him pay the tithe through his children who had emerged later as a nation after his new name Israel. When Israel emerged as a nation, God’s promise to Jacob began to be fulfilled. Until they became a nation, Jews never paid the tithe. This is a very important observation because it is clear that God did not want Abraham’s descendants to tithe and neither did Abraham want them to do so. If the tithe were that important Abram’s tithe should have been followed by Isaac’s and then by Jacob’s and on. Moreover, the fact that tithing was not passed on by Abraham down the generations as a requirement underlines the folly of perpetuating it just because Abram tithed. What would we say about Isaac who is not connected to tithing?

Abram had Melchizedek to give the tithe to, but no such chance arose for Jacob, I have observed. So, when the fullness of time had come, and when it was best needed, God revived Jacob’s pledge of the tithe through Israel his children. Hence, the tithe was restricted strictly to Israel only and God required it only from Israel (Mal.3:9). I believe that is the reason why it applied within the confines of the Promised Land only. However, in both cases we can very clearly see believers linked to Abraham and the children of Israel to Jacob their father. But there is only one distinctive line by which all believers (Jews and Gentiles) are connected to Abraham; it is by faith in Jesus Christ only, the only way to the Father who gives abundantly and His promises and gifts are greater than the old covenant promises.

Abram’s Tithe

It has been pointed out in this book that Abram gave a tenth to Melchizedek (Gen.14:20). But that took place after Abram had received bread and wine and the confirmation that his victory was the act of God. It was important that Abram knew where the victory came from otherwise the story would have been different. On hearing this, Abram showed appreciation by giving tithes of all. If we take the word blessed to mean happy, then indeed, happy was Abram for the Lord had delivered Abram’s enemies into his hands, brought him bread and wine and confirmed his priesthood (Gen14:18-20). This clearly rules out the notion that Abram gave the tithe in order to be blessed. Rather, it is the other way round.

Thereafter, Abram decided to have nothing to do with any goods from the war. But when Abram met God face to face, he had his name changed. The name change affected Abraham’s character, too. This means that no one can have an encounter with the Lord and still remain the same. Abram and Jacob both had visions prior to each man’s specific personal encounter with the Lord that brought them wonderful results. They both abandoned the tithe after their names were changed. This strengthens my belief that there must be no tithe in the changed man.

Why has Abram’s tithe become such an issue today? Abram’s tithe has become an issue today because:-

1. He is the originator of the tithe;

2. It is believed that his tithe came before the law;

3. He is the point of reference for those who prefer to tithe;

4. Melchizedek, to whom Abram gave the tithe, is the type of the Lord Jesus Christ;

5. He is the father of nations; and

6. It is the easiest option to do.

I do not seek to feed you with my own thoughts and understanding. I am backing all my observations with the word of God because I trust the authenticity of scripture. Starting with the way I am addressing Abraham, you might have noticed that I have used the name Abram as it relates to events that took place before his name was changed. Similarly, the name Abraham relates to God’s dealings with him after his name was changed. Therefore, I have drawn the distinction between the two names to ensure that we do not mix up the facts.

Now, one of my observations is that by being the first to give a tithe, Abram showed a remarkable insight and judgment to determine who deserved to receive the tithe. The spirit within him signified that Melchizedek was worth the tithes. I do not think that is the case today in which anybody can call for the tithe or receive it. Another observation is that Abram gave tithes of all only once (Gen.14:17-20), as already mentioned somewhere in this book. This is because Abram’s encounter with Melchizedek took place only once. My other curious observation is that Melchizedek did not ask for the tithe either. If this proves difficult to take in, then we need to read the scriptures again.

It is conclusively clear that no recipient of the Old Testament tithe ever demanded or commanded it as today’s preachers and beneficiaries do. Abram’s tithe was voluntary, while that of the children of Israel was commanded by God on behalf of the Levitical tribe. Not even the priests asked for it. However, the cardinal point here is that Abram’s tithe, when put under serious scrutiny, has a lot of flaws as it was given in the flesh as you will discover later. The proof is that it did not continue after the tithers’ (Abram and Jacob) names were changed.

Therefore, in view of the above observations, I do vehemently believe it is erroneous to attribute the tithe to Abraham. This is a misrepresentation of facts that has lead many of us to believe that Abraham was the first to give the tithe. No, Abraham never gave a tithe, but Abram did as a pagan practice of that time. So, if you cannot see the difference between these two names, then you cannot grasp what I am talking about either. Moreover, scripture does not tell us that man must command or demand the tithe. Only God did when He, in His infinite and manifold wisdom, saw the appropriate moment for it. Perhaps the following paragraphs will throw more light on this subject.

What we find in Abraham

Perhaps we should rewind a bit and see how the change of Abram’s name affected his perception of God. From that specific personal encounter with God, Abram became Abraham. He graduated to a name that meant more to God than it perhaps did to Abraham himself. He was given a name full of tangible and faithful promises. Above all, it became a name full of new insights and values devoid of pagan influence. He became stable and more focussed on God. This friend of God never looked back (Heb.11:8-20).

As Abraham, he received more specific promises from God than he did when he was Abram. In Genesis 18, he fed strangers, after which deed God confirmed the promise of a son by his own wife besides revealing Abraham’s other qualities. Two of these qualities are justice and judgment (Gen.18:17-19), which are normally associated with dealing with people’s social problems. Abraham, as the future father of all nations, badly needed these values. Ideally, they stand for fairness for all in a society. Those responsible for executing justice and judgment in a society are expected to reward the right and punish the wrong, release the just and condemn the unjust, protect the law abiding and imprison the law-breaker or criminal.

However, God’s demand for justice and judgment goes beyond that. He includes freeing the oppressed from the oppressor, protecting the vulnerable from the powerful and empowering individuals to exercise mercy (Zech.7:9-10; Jer.5:26-31). In many societies, including churches, very few men can execute justice and judgment to the letter fairly. The rich and powerful in society have bought their freedom out of and from prison, leaving the poor to their own fate. I am persuaded to believe that the All-Knowing God foreknew the kind of nation or nations that would emerge under Abraham. Therefore, God entrusted Abraham with the responsibility of introducing, upholding and teaching his family and household after him all that he received from the Lord. However, Christ Jesus our Lord went far beyond what Jeremiah 23:5 and Peter in Acts 10:34-38 said. Although not all of us can heal, every believer ought to imitate Christ in doing good for unto such were we saved (Acts 10:38).

Unfortunately, many exponents of tithing and those who practise it have failed to recognise Abraham’s more important qualities and values which God saw in him. If they did, they would have been teaching and practising the same important things God told Abraham to instruct his children and his household to do. But as it is, all they can see is the tithe. There is a need for each one of us to think about this very seriously. I believe Abram and Abraham are two separate entities of the same man and that they are miles apart in terms of how God saw and regarded them. It is, indeed, very saddening that many believers have failed to see these God’s way.

In sharp contrast to Abram’s character, Abraham demonstrated the power and triumph of love through love, hospitality and intercession. Unfortunately, we fail to embrace the things that promise better prospects. Instead, we hang on to the tithe which has little or no value as discussed somewhere in this book. Here, it is necessary to bring to your knowledge that God saw in Abraham justice or fairness which Abraham was required to command his children and his household after him. So then, where is the place of the tithe in Abraham? I personally see none at all. It had a place in Abram but not in Abraham, if you can see what I mean. In Abraham, godly values were upgraded.

Unless we are able to draw a distinction between Abram and Abraham, we may easily confuse the differentiating aspects of the two characters. Abraham’s characteristics were also ignored by the Jews (his household after him) (Luke 18:8-14) in that they took the tithe to be more important than justice and judgment on one hand, and faith and mercy on another (Matt. 23:23). I wonder how many of us have been caught up in this!

Again, without much thought, but with great conviction, many well meaning Christians argue that the tithe came before the law. Did it really? While that may seem to be true, I wonder what you can say about hospitality, justice, judgment and faith, all of which were not only found in Abraham, but also do reflect God’s nature! You must provide stronger evidence to prove that these did not come before the law.

Critically analysing Abraham’s relationship with God, I put the question to myself. If the tithe were that important, why did Abraham decide not to intensify the frequency of giving after coming face to face with God? Evidently, not even God raised the issue of the tithe with Abraham at any time all. Instead, God demanded a better proof of Abraham’s higher degree of obedience and faith when God requested Abraham to give Him Isaac, his only son, as a sacrifice. This underscores the fact that even though we may not see the difference between the names Abram and Abraham, God did. Otherwise He would have not changed the name if, indeed, there were nothing wrong with it.

God saw it fit to change Abraham’s name to fit his more important future role; that is, to command his children and household to keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment (Gen.18:17-19), the key requirements of a righteous life. The entire law, secular or otherwise, is based on these two principles—justice and judgment. Therefore, it is in this plan that we must endeavour to fit ourselves rather than in Abram’s. Are you then surprised why God did not tell Abraham to command his children to tithe? It is because there is no tithe in Abraham whose appreciation of God had been elevated.

Subsequently, as we, the children of Abraham through faith, seek to emulate him, we must pay attention to the things that make us his effective spiritual children. For example, Abraham’s male children were required to be circumcised on the eighth day. On the contrary, those who have eagerly accepted the tithe in Abram have not been seen to be keen to emulate Abraham on circumcision, which was God’s covenant with him and his descendants. In fact, men who prefer to tithe because Abram tithed have failed to discern the difference between man’s natural efforts and his choice and ability to do what God commands. The Abrahamic circumcision on the eighth day was of great significance to the Jews. It may not be that significant to me, but Jews still do perform this up to this day. It was in this light that some believing Jews tried to extend circumcision without success to gentiles as a legal requirement for salvation. Here, we can see how the Jews jumped on this physical element and neglected all other major spiritual requirements of salvation such as repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. They upheld the tithe and neglected the weightier things indeed (Matt.23:23).

Regarding the eighth day, it is what is known today as the first day of the week or the Lord’s day which is also commonly known as Sunday on which the Lord rose from the dead and three weeks in succession appeared to His disciples on the first day of the week (John 20:1,19,26). The physical dedication of male children to the Lord was pointing to the first day of the week when the Lord’s resurrection would produce, for the first time, Abraham’s children purely by faith in Christ Jesus rather than through physical mutilation. The Bible says: For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh (Phil. 3:3) and again:

For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

And you, being dead in your sins and the Uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross. (Col. 2:9-14)

The verses above clearly show that the Abrahamic circumcision and the day on which it was carried out all pointed to our salvation through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ on the eighth day, which actually is the first day of the week and, ultimately, the Lord’s day. I doubt if Abraham himself knew what it all pointed to. The picture becomes clearer as the eighth day, or the morrow after the Sabbath day, or indeed the fifteenth day of the month cited in Leviticus 23. All these are no coincidences. God is, in fact, telling us that what began as the circumcision day for Abraham’s first male children was pointing to our salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord, the son of God. So, the first day of the week comes directly after the seventh day. The eighth day circumcision, therefore, denotes the new beginning in Christ Jesus purely through faith in Him.

The fact that it came exactly seven days after physical birth, circumcision also was the shadow of the Christian’s new birth. The fifteenth day of the month automatically becomes the second first day of another week. While verses eleven and twelve of Leviticus 23 depict the breaking of bread, in my view, the day of Pentecost is very accurately presented in a mathematical fashion (7x7+1=50) in verse 16. But for a full picture on this, I urge you to read Leviticus chapter 23 and you will see how the first day of the week is clearly presented just after the day of rest. It is presented as a day of a new beginning and experience just like in the circumcision case.

We know that circumcision leaves an indelible mark or scar on one’s body. Moreover, when one is circumcised, they feel it, see it, know it and live with it. Therefore, it is impossible to be saved without knowing it. It is very difficult for anyone who is saved not to know that they are saved for the marks of Christ’s suffering and death are too evident to be ignored by anyone who confesses Christ as Lord. Besides, His resurrection from the dead on the first day of the week brought a brand new beginning and being to the believers, as the disciples became the first witnesses of that remarkable day, that signalled the beginning of a new life in Christ and a new relationship with the Father (John 20:1-18,19, 26). It all started with God’s covenant of circumcision on the eighth day with Abraham (Phil.3:5). Henceforth, just as the circumcision mark is permanent, and so is our salvation. But again, as scripture points out, circumcision also terminated in Christ Jesus our Lord.

While the physical circumcision might have been painful, ours is sweet because Christ Jesus bore the pain on our behalf. He drank the bitter cup on our behalf. However, like many other good things in Abraham, this, too, has been overshadowed by the tithe. It is highly likely that some people may find other ways of explaining these things, but it is ultimately your full responsibility to check the scriptures and determine how they connect one to another for Jesus Christ, our circumcision, rose from the dead on the first day of the week and appeared to His disciples on the eighth day according to the scriptures, which again is the first day of the week. Moreover, it is fascinating to know that not many doctrines of men have upheld the circumcision path even though God demanded it through Abraham. Not even the most ardent followers of the law would entertain the thought of circumcision in the same way and degree they pursue the tithe.

There are many better things in which we can emulate Abraham. For instance, Abraham had a spiritual insight that could distinguish a supernatural visitation from an ordinary one (Gen. 14.19-21; 18:1-3). As Abraham, he acquired hospitality, a perfect pre-requisite for eldership. He also earned God’s confidence so that God could make him the father of all nations (Gen. 18:17-19; 22:17-19; 26:3-5). He was totally obedient to God’s word. Moreover, by choosing to keep the way of the Lord through justice and judgment, Abraham reflected the true nature of God, practised it in his own household and then passed it on down