Does INC practice tithing?

What is tithing? Does INC practice tithing? Why and why not? If not, where does INC get funds for building houses of worship around the world?


ANSWER:

The Iglesia ni Cristo DOES NOT PRACTICE TITHING, we never, do not and will not practice tithing. If you may see in the internet that says the church does it, well its a false info from nonmembers.


What is TITHE?

"A tenth part of one's annual income contributed voluntarily or due as a tax, especially for the support of the clergy or church." source: thefreedictionary.com

Why does the INC do not practice tithing?

Let us just read this interesting article in gotquestions.org, it says:

"Many Christians struggle with the issue of tithing. In some churches tithing is over-emphasized. At the same time, many Christians refuse to submit to the biblical exhortations about making offerings to the Lord. Tithing/giving is intended to be a joy and a blessing. Sadly, that is sometimes not the case in the church today.

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).

The New Testament nowhere designates a percentage of income a person should set aside, but only says it is to be “in keeping with income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). Some in the Christian church have taken the 10 percent figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a “recommended minimum” for Christians in their giving.

The New Testament talks about the importance and benefits of giving. We are to give as we are able. Sometimes that means giving more than 10 percent; sometimes that may mean giving less. It all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the church. Every Christian should diligently pray and seek God’s wisdom in the matter of participating in tithing and/or how much to give (James 1:5).

Above all, all tithes and offerings should be given with pure motives and an attitude of worship to God and service to the body of Christ. “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7)."

INC does not practice tithing because it is not a commandment in the Christian Era, this law is from the Old testament so what the INC teaches to its members is to contribute wholeheartedly, and should give happily not forced. Our offerings are not compulsory but voluntary, we are not forced, manipulated and commanded to give as what the bible 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 ..." II Cor. 9:7, The Amplified Bible

Where does the INC get funds on its activities, building of houses of worship, buying of properties, maintenance of houses of worship, building infrastructure projects, and so on?

All of these came from only one source--> voluntary contribution of INC members. The church does not have any investments, or does have businesses which 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.