THERE IS A PERSISTENT rumor among many people from other religions that Iglesia ni Cristo practice the giving of tithes or giving 10% of a member's income to the Church. This alleged practice of tithing is perpetuated by Church detractors who persistently sow rumors about tithing in the Church as a way to dissuade other people from joining the Iglesia ni Cristo. This, alleged practice of tithing, is also due to a common misconception among other people who are awestruck by the unceasing construction of beautiful and magnificent houses of worship or churches all over the world and now the majestic PHILIPPINE ARENA. These people cannot believe that the Iglesia ni Cristo can fund this large scale church building projects and facilities with only the voluntary contributions of its members, the great majority of which are ordinary people and most them are considered poor in the society. Thus, they assume (ACCEPT WITHOUT PROOF) that the Church is forcing or compelling its members to give tithes or 10% of their income so the Church can finance these massive church construction projects.
The Truth:
THERE IS NO TRUTH to the allegation that Iglesia ni Cristo members are forced, compelled, coerced or manipulated to give ten percent of their income to the Church. Contrary to what some people say or believe, the Church do not practice the giving of tithes. Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe was a requirement of the law in which all Israelites were to give 10 percent of everything they earned and grew to the Tabernacle/Temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5).
In fact, the Old Testament Law required multiple tithes which would have pushed the total to around 23.3 percent, not the 10 percent which is generally considered the tithe amount today. Some understand the Old Testament tithe as a method of taxation to provide for the needs of the priests and Levites in the sacrificial system.
The New Testament nowhere commands, or even recommends, that Christians submit to a legalistic tithe system. Paul states that believers should set aside a portion of their income in order to support the church (1 Corinthians 16:1-2).
Iglesia ni Cristo members give their offerings on a voluntary basis, out of their faith and understanding of the biblical teaching concerning religious offerings. Thus, Iglesia ni Cristo members faithfully follow God’s commandment to His servants in the Christian Era that says:
“Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, NOT reluctantly or sorrowfully or UNDER COMPULSION, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7, Emphasis Mine)
Guided by this biblical precept, the Church does not in any way dictate or set a quota on the offerings or voluntary contributions of its members. We do not practice the giving of tithes. And it is through these voluntary offerings that the Church is able to finance the construction of beautiful and magnificent houses of worship where they, the members themselves, happily congregate to worship the Lord God Almighty in utmost solemnity. THE CHURCH DOES NOT HAVE INVESTMENTS, or BUSINESSES PURPOSED TO MAKE PROFIT. And all of these are not for the purpose of extravagance or fame and whatsoever, but we always dedicate these for the glory of our Almighty God--the Father.
Many people may not believe nor may not come to understand that this happens in the Iglesia ni Cristo, simply because in their own religious organizations, many of which, cannot even put up a decent place of worship, and many still use public places such as cinemas, auditoriums, grandstands even after many years of giving tithes or offerings to their church leaders.
So how does the Iglesia ni Cristo attained this PHENOMENAL SUCCESS if not because of forced tithing?
Zoilo Galang, editor of Encyclopedia of the Philippines Vol.XX Manila, Phil. C1958, has this to say on p.466.
“…the Church of Christ in the Philippines has converted millions of people of various nationalities. The PHENOMENAL GROWTH and unchecked progress of evangelization have caught the imagination of many. Her achievements, both spiritual and temporal, ARE TOO MARVELOUS TO BE CONSIDERED AS THE WORK OF MAN.”
Definitely the success of the Church of Christ today should not be considered as the work of man. But it is the hand of God who is at work on all of these.
“I will do this so people will observe and recognize, so they will pay attention and understand that the LORD'S POWER HAS ACCOMPLISHED THIS, and that the Holy One of Israel has brought it into being." (Isaiah 41:20, Net Bible, Emphasis Mine)
To all my friends and family who are not yet members of the church, I invite everyone to observe and examine the doctrines and beliefs upheld by the Iglesia ni Cristo. God wants all people to be saved, but first they need to come to a knowledge of the truth. (I Tim. 2:3-4)
HAPPY CENTENNIAL TO ALL BRETHREN!
To know more about the church, visit the official Iglesia ni Cristo websites
These are also helpful sites to gain more information
Also I would like to give the credits to my beloved brethren who posted this first on facebook-
Ralph Joel Bayot
Ralph Joel Bayot
