Plain answers
What does the Bible say?
The questions people ask most, each answered in a few minutes of reading, straight from Scripture.
Tithing and giving
- Do Christians have to tithe 10%?No. The tithe was part of the Law of Moses, given to Israel for a land, a temple and a priesthood. Christians are called to give, but freely and with joy, not by a ten percent rule.
- Is tithing in the New Testament?The word shows up, but only about the Law before the cross, about Pharisees, or about Abraham and Melchizedek. No apostle ever tells a church to tithe. The New Testament teaches generous, cheerful giving instead.
- What does Malachi 3 mean for Christians today?Malachi 3 was God speaking to Israel under the Law about food for the temple storehouse. It shows God’s faithfulness, but its curse is not on Christians. Jesus took the curse of the Law on Himself.
- Is it a sin not to tithe?No. The tithe belonged to the Law of Moses, and Jesus took the curse of the Law on Himself. Not tithing is not a sin for Christians. Refusing to love and give at all is the real problem.
- How much should a Christian give?The New Testament sets no percentage. Decide in your heart with God, give regularly, give in step with what you have, and give with joy. Love often gives far more than ten percent.
The Sabbath
- Is Saturday the true Sabbath?Yes, the Sabbath of the Law was the seventh day, Saturday. But it was the sign of God’s covenant with Israel, and the New Testament says no one may judge Christians over a Sabbath. Our true rest is Jesus.
- Do Christians have to keep the Sabbath?No. The Sabbath was the sign of God’s covenant with Israel and a shadow pointing to Jesus. Christians rest in Him every day. Taking a day off is still wise, but as a gift, not a law.
- Is Sunday the Christian Sabbath?No. Sunday is not a new Sabbath law. Christians gather on Sunday because Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week. It is a celebration of an empty tomb, not a new Mount Sinai.
- What does Colossians 2:16 mean?Colossians 2:16 says no one may judge Christians over food, festivals, new moons or a Sabbath. Those were shadows that pointed to Christ. Now that He has come, the shadow has no hold on you.
The Law
- Are Christians under the Law of Moses?No. The Law of Moses was a covenant God made with Israel. It was a guardian that led people to Christ. Now that faith has come, believers are not under it. They live under the law of Christ, which is love.
- What did Jesus mean by “I came to fulfill the law”?In Matthew 5:17 Jesus said He came not to tear down the Law but to fill it all the way up and bring it to its goal. Everything in it pointed to Him, and on the cross He said, “It is finished.”
- What is legalism in Christianity?Legalism is trying to earn God’s love, or stay right with Him, by keeping rules. Jesus was hard on religion that loads people down with rules, and gentle with the people stuck under it.
Being saved
- How is a person saved according to the Bible?By believing in Jesus. When a jailer asked, “What must I do to be saved?” Paul answered, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” Salvation is a free gift of grace, received by faith, not earned by works.
- Do you have to be baptized to be saved?No. The Bible says we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus. Baptism is commanded and beautiful, but it follows faith, like a wedding ring shows a marriage that already exists.
More short answers are on the hard questions page. Still wondering? Write to The Apostle.