Tithing is unscriptural in the New Covenant

[AmariYah]

TITHING IS UNSCRIPTURAL IN THE NEW COVENANT

What is taught and practiced in our churches today concerning 'tithing' cannot be found in the pages of the Bible. Even worse is the fact that many preachers actually twist the Scriptures in Malachi and tell you that you are going to be cursed if you don't bring all of your tithes into thier storehouse. (Nevermind the fact that none of them have an actual storehouse, much less an active Temple.)

What is being taught is: If we don't give 10% of our gross wages than we are supposedly robbing God and are therefore cursed with a curse. Right? Wait a minute though... Didn't Jesus pay the price, did he not become a curse for us, did he not become poor so that we might be rich? If we are under the blood of the Lamb, saved by grace, freed from the curse of the law... then how is it possible that we can now be cursed? My friends it is not possible that we can be cursed unless we accept false teachings and put oursleves back under the law!!!

Now for our study;

Before we begin I want you to know that I am personally all for giving to and helping good causes. (Including taking care of the poor and widows and orphans...) As well as giving generously to the church and church leaders. Paul was inspired by God's Holy Spirit to declare that "God LOVES a cheerful giver" (II Cor.9:7). Cheerfully giving from the heart is a virtue. However, fraudulently fleecing the flock by exacting ten percent of parishioner's paychecks under fear of breaking an Old Testament law of tithing, is a sin!

Will a man ROB God?" How many untold tens of thousands of men will give account one day for teaching this verse in Malachi 3:8 totally out of context for their own sordid gain. I couldn?t count the times I have heard self-appointed ministers of the gospel berate their congregations and listeners for "robbing God" in tithes and offerings. This verse in Malachi certainly means what it says. Someone was defrauding God of tithes and offerings, but wait until you find out who it is that God blames for this act.

There is no need for people to feel guilty over any religious doctrine, particularly when it is not even based upon sound doctrine from the Bible. It is time to rid ourselves of the condemnation and guilt which is being used against the Body of Christ. Did you not know... Haven't you ever heard the verse;

"Thus, condemnation will never come to those who are in Christ Jesus, because the law of the Spirit which gives life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death."

Just how much do most people (or their ministers) really know about God's teaching on tithing?

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT WHAT TITHING REALLY IS

Here are just a few things you will learn about tithing directly from the Scriptures:

1. It was the ministers, Levitic Priests, in the book of Malachi that God blamed for defrauding Him, not the tithe payers themselves! (This is the context of the book of Malachi!) And, as there is no Levitic Priesthood today, no one can tithe under the New Covenant.

2. Contrary to popular misconceptions, the Scriptures do not show that Abraham tithed on a regular basis from his personal property or livestock. Abraham gave one tithe only from the booty of war to Melchizedek the priest of God! There is no evidence that he ever tithes again.

3. God did not tell Jacob that if he tithed He would bless Jacob, but rather Jacob told God that if God blessed him first, then Jacob would give God a tithe! (You know, I have never, ever, even heard tell of, a sermon given by self-appointed tithe-collectors, on the tithing habits of Jacob).

4. Jesus Christ did not support His ministry through tithes. Furthermore, He told His apostles NOT to take money from ANY source when He sent them out to preach the gospel. After Christ's resurrection, the apostles did not collect tithes or "tithe money" from the people either.

5. Only Levites could collect tithes. Christian televangelists and modern preachers are not "Priests of Levi!" They can accept freewill offerings; they dare not collect "tithes!" There are NO priests of Levi anywhere on earth today. It is a SIN for anyone to exact "tithe money" from anyone! And the wages of sin is DEATH! (Rom. 6:23).

6. If one was a poor farmer in ancient Israel and didn't have an increase in his harvest, then such were NOT REQUIRED TO TITHE AT ALL!

7. Our apostle, Paul, often went without and labored with his own hands for sustenance. Yet, he never taught tithing. Paul knew full well that "tithing" is not for believers and the true Israel of God today. Paul absolutely never took one penny of "tithe money" to support his lifelong ministry! If Paul had taken just one hundredth of the salaries and wages of the converts under his care, he would have never gone hungry, but would have been a super wealthy man..

8. The priests (Levites) were not to live a life of worldly splendor above even that of the king, but rather were given portions of the tithe of the increase of the land that was also given to the strangers, the widows, and the fatherless. This tithe consisted of things like crops, oil and live stock, not huge amounts of MONEY.

9. Not all of the tithes were given to the Levites, fatherless, widows, and strangers. Some tithes were eaten by the tithe payer and his family, in communion with the Lord. (Read the Scriptures! I haven't ever heard any preacher teach on this either.)

10. "The first tenth belongs to God" is not a Scriptural statement or principle. God did not require the first tenth, but the tenth tenth!

11. In ancient Israel, under the Levitical priesthood, money was not a tithable commodity. No one was required to tithe on money! All ministers know that tithing money is unscriptural! If they don't, they haven?t even read these scriptures on tithing.

12. All ministers who teach that the Bible gives them authority to exact the collecting of money as a tithe to God are doing so without God's instructions. In the History of the world, God Almighty has NEVER authorized any man or organization, for any religious purpose, to exact ten percent of another man's wages!

(Unless of coarse you believe that the Mormon church ever heard from God... Not!)

[AmariYah]

"But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. SO LET EACH ONE GIVE AS HE PURPOSES IN HIS HEART, NOT GRUDGINGLY OR OF NECESSITY: for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Please note the underlined portion of the above scripture... "each one give as he purposes", in other words not a pre-determined or set percentage which would take away the freedom to decide in your own heart. "Not grudgingly or of necessity", another version says "not under compulsion". Unfortunately a majority of preachers who teach this doctrine make giving 10% a law and through various methods of coercion they compel this "tithe" of born again Christians, thus attempting to place believers back under the law. (Read Galatians about that...)

I just want to point out that these 2 very different types and models for giving are completely oppoiste and are in fact mutually exclusive! One simply cannot give freely as he has purposed or decided in his own heart while at the same time giving 10% of his gross pay-check!

Also envision if you will an individual who is exceptionally blessed by God- He/she may have a heart to give very generously into God's work- in fact they make so much money that they could easily live on only 5-10% of their total income. However let's just say that their church teaches very strongly that they must "tithe". So being caught in a limiting doctrine they simply give the required 10% and perhaps some other generous offerings because that is what they have been taught- But, they missed God's real intention for their wealth which was to give perhaps 80-90% of their income into the gospel.Or how about an average believer who really want's to give to God- Let's just say that he makes 40k annually. So based upon what he has been taught he gives $4000. in tithes and perhaps another $1000 in various offerings each year for a grand total of $5000. given to spread the gospel each year. This individual says to himself- you know I would really like to give a lot more into the Kingdom but simply cannot- Let's just say that this believer want's to give $50,000. into the Kingdom next year- how much would he have to earn to accomplish this based upon the commonly taught doctrines? Yes, about $400,000. However if we begin to teach sound doctrine based upon the Bible and New Testament giving- He may come to understand that God will provide everything he and his family needs to live- perhaps $30-$40k and whatever The Lord brings in above and beyond this is to be sowed into the Kingdom of God. So, in light of balanced New Testament teaching on giving generously from the heart, this individual could earn 90k and then be able to sow ten times the former amount quite cheerfully and without any necessity or compulsion. Just a couple of thoughts to begin to understand the vast difference between 'tithing" and New Testament giving.

Be careful not to put born again believers into any boxes- they may well be far too small for the Holy Spirit living inside of them!

Edited August 12, 2004 by AmariYah

[Botz]

Good interesting post Amari...I agree with virtually all you have stated and find that the doctrine of 'Tithes and Offerings' as taught by many Pastors these days is completely unbiblical and divorced from its original context.

I also agree that we should support the Church and the various ministries and outreaches that flow from the Church...but lets be open and frank about how we do this and derive our example from the New Covenant Church and Pauls various examples...rather than building up some half-baked doctrine based on a hotch-potch of Scriptures randomly selected week after week to promote the un-biblical modern day doctrine that is called 'Tithes and Offerings.'

10. "The first tenth belongs to God" is not a Scriptural statement or principle. God did not require the first tenth, but the tenth tenth!

I was interested in comment number 10...could you elaborate and give the relevant Scriptures please.

I think a point also needs to be added concerning the way that many times Tithing is promoted it is issued with veiled threats and un-Scriptural promises.

The threat being if you don't tithe G-d will not bless you and you are being disobedient.

The so-called promise being that if you give $100...then you can expect G-d to give you earthly riches in the here and now...a 10,20,100 fold cash increase...a new car...an extra holiday...When in reality Scripture talks about laying up treasures for ourselves in Heaven...and there is not a single New Covenant indication that present day riches determine how blessed a Believer truely is by G-d.

[One Way]

I agree that the "tithe and offering" doctrine today is unbibilical. For that matter, the coporate church building could rightly be argued as being unbibilical.

In any event, God is able to put on the hearts and to raise up people who will give financially to what He wants to do. God is not broke and He doesn't need our help in doing anything, but we have the blessed opportunity of being a partaker in His work.

My church does not pass a plate or bag, rather they have an agape box placed in teh back of the sanctuary where you can leave your gifts. I find this to be a much better way of providing the opportunity to partake in what God is doing, rather than "just wanting to get the plate in front of everyone each service."

[Orr v'emet]

I agree that the "tithe and offering" doctrine today is unbibilical. For that matter, the coporate church building could rightly be argued as being unbibilical.

In any event, God is able to put on the hearts and to raise up people who will give financially to what He wants to do. God is not broke and He doesn't need our help in doing anything, but we have the blessed opportunity of being a partaker in His work.

My church does not pass a plate or bag, rather they have an agape box placed in teh back of the sanctuary where you can leave your gifts. I find this to be a much better way of providing the opportunity to partake in what God is doing, rather than "just wanting to get the plate in front of everyone each service."

One-Way, please don't think I am trying to be antagonistic. I am asking with sincere curiosity. Your church doesn't do an offering in the traditional sense of passing the plate and such, instead you have a box? How are the finances of the church? Are they able to pay their ministers appropriately? Pay their bills with out problem? Grow the church? Aid the community? I'm curious how this works.

I attend a Southern Baptist church who preaches Malachi, your robbing God etc. I wonder if our pastor didn't preach it if the church would be supported financially.

Edit: Might I just add that It suprises me that most (so far) say that the "tithe and offering" doctrine is unbiblical. I don't think I have ever been to a church that believes that (and I haven't just been to baptist churches).

[Dad Ernie]

Greetings One Way,

My church does not pass a plate or bag, rather they have an agape box placed in teh back of the sanctuary where you can leave your gifts. I find this to be a much better way of providing the opportunity to partake in what God is doing, rather than "just wanting to get the plate in front of everyone each service."

I appreciate the fact that many saints have begun to recognize the falseness of "the law of the tithe" and I thank our initial poster for bringing this up.

But my question for you is, does your church also post or present to its members a tally of the church's income and outgo? I have seen one Baptist church that posts a monthly tally of their collections and expenditures on their church bulletin board, and I appreciated that, as I felt this was an encouragement to the congregation that the finances were being ministered according to God's purposes and not mans. However, this could be easily manipulated and I would never know. I would have to "experience" the pastor/elders ministry for myself to determine if the appropriate "fruit" was being produced.

Also, does your church find that by allowing God to "bring in the sheaves", is it MORE or LESS than what is collected in churches that preach "tithing"? I think I heard somewhere that of the total wealth of the individuals of a particular church, only about 2-10% or less make up the vast majority of the contributions to that church. How do you find this to be at your church?

Thank you and God Bless,

Dad Ernie

[Kabowd]

I certainly believe that the concept of tithes and offerings has been distorted and tainted by the "prosperity" message often preached today (and by greedy ministers). HOWEVER, I think what you are teaching here is perhaps no better. Why? Because we are blessed people. God has blessed us so that we can be a blessing. Giving a percentage of your income is a discipline that teaches us dependence on God. I agree that the amount should not be pre-set, but that each person should give according to how the Holy Spirit leads. But lets not forget, if we sow sparingly, we reap sparingly.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

You may not find the mandate to tithe in the New Testament, but what you will find is believers living under the covenant of Grace. Something my brother has said is, "If they could give under the law, I can certainly give under grace". The ppl in the old covenant were required to give and make sacrifices. We, on the other hand, have the blessing of giving freely ..and should do so REGULARLY out of a heart of gratitude. We have so much more reason to give than they did in the Old Covenant...we have been set free!. Romans 12: 1 tells us we should be living sacrifices. Every part of our lives (including finances) should be lived as an offering back to God.

The problem I have with this type of topic/teaching (that tithing is unbiblical), is that it seems to come from a spirit of ungratefulness. I'm not saying you're ungrateful, but it appears that some are searching for loopholes to free them from something they see as an obligation, rather than an honor. Not only that, but it also seems to possess an attitude of "what i have is mine to keep if i choose". Um, no. Everything you have belongs to God in the first place, not you.

Also, according to Scripture (Galatians 3 to be exact) those of us in Christ are heirs to the promises God made to Abraham. What were those promises? That we would be blessed ... so that we could BE a blessing. There's no getting around the fact that we are called to give and to give abundantly.

Therefore, I see no point in wasting time and energy trying to disprove tithes and offerings. In my opinion, time could be better spent reminding ppl how blessed they are and how they can use that blessing. I'm concerned that teaching ppl that tithing is "unbiblical" sends the message that "you don't owe God" ...when in all reality, we owe Him absolutely everything. Truth be told, we should be willing to lay everything down...not just 10% but 100% ... none of it really belongs to us anyway.

[Guest Called]

I certainly believe that the concept of tithes and offerings has been distorted and tainted by the "prosperity" message often preached today (and by greedy ministers). HOWEVER, I think what you are teaching here is perhaps no better. Why? Because we are blessed people. God has blessed us so that we can be a blessing. Giving a percentage of your income is a discipline that teaches us dependence on God. I agree that the amount should not be pre-set, but that each person should give according to how the Holy Spirit leads. But lets not forget, if we sow sparingly, we reap sparingly.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

You may not find the mandate to tithe in the New Testament, but what you will find is believers living under the covenant of Grace. Something my brother has said is, "If they could give under the law, I can certainly give under grace". The ppl in the old covenant were required to give and make sacrifices. We, on the other hand, have the blessing of giving freely ..and should do so REGULARLY out of a heart of gratitude. We have so much more reason to give than they did in the Old Covenant...we have been set free!. Romans 12: 1 tells us we should be living sacrifices. Every part of our lives (including finances) should be lived as an offering back to God.

The problem I have with this type of topic/teaching (that tithing is unbiblical), is that it seems to come from a spirit of ungratefulness. I'm not saying you're ungrateful, but it appears that some are searching for loopholes to free them from something they see as an obligation, rather than an honor. Not only that, but it also seems to possess an attitude of "what i have is mine to keep if i choose". Um, no. Everything you have belongs to God in the first place, not you.

Also, according to Scripture (Galatians 3 to be exact) those of us in Christ are heirs to the promises God made to Abraham. What were those promises? That we would be blessed ... so that we could BE a blessing. There's no getting around the fact that we are called to give and to give abundantly.

Therefore, I see no point in wasting time and energy trying to disprove tithes and offerings. In my opinion, time could be better spent reminding ppl how blessed they are and how they can use that blessing. I'm concerned that teaching ppl that tithing is "unbiblical" sends the message that "you don't owe God" ...when in all reality, we owe Him absolutely everything. Truth be told, we should be willing to lay everything down...not just 10% but 100% ... none of it really belongs to us anyway.

You hit the nail on the head, Tess...good post! I agree!

[Guest yod]

I have seen one Baptist church that posts a monthly tally of their collections and expenditures on their church bulletin board, and I appreciated that, as I felt this was an encouragement to the congregation that the finances were being ministered according to God's purposes and not mans.

I've seen this at a lot of churches. Great idea.

I think that all churches should do this...some do it privately in church business meetings though.

[One Way]

I agree that the "tithe and offering" doctrine today is unbibilical. For that matter, the coporate church building could rightly be argued as being unbibilical.

In any event, God is able to put on the hearts and to raise up people who will give financially to what He wants to do. God is not broke and He doesn't need our help in doing anything, but we have the blessed opportunity of being a partaker in His work.

My church does not pass a plate or bag, rather they have an agape box placed in teh back of the sanctuary where you can leave your gifts. I find this to be a much better way of providing the opportunity to partake in what God is doing, rather than "just wanting to get the plate in front of everyone each service."

One-Way, please don't think I am trying to be antagonistic. I am asking with sincere curiosity. Your church doesn't do an offering in the traditional sense of passing the plate and such, instead you have a box? How are the finances of the church? Are they able to pay their ministers appropriately? Pay their bills with out problem? Grow the church? Aid the community? I'm curious how this works.

I attend a Southern Baptist church who preaches Malachi, your robbing God etc. I wonder if our pastor didn't preach it if the church would be supported financially.

Edit: Might I just add that It suprises me that most (so far) say that the "tithe and offering" doctrine is unbiblical. I don't think I have ever been to a church that believes that (and I haven't just been to baptist churches).

KMB, my pleasure to answer your questions!

First: All I know is that the Church is growing! We just finished our new sanctuary about 6 months ago and it is already full to the point where we will need to do another expansion soon! God is faithful and He will bless those that honor them!

I don't have a problem with Malachi 3:10. I do believe that God will bless you if you give financially of your resources:

Pro 3:9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

Pro 3:10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

2Co 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

2Co 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

2Co 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

I agree that God will not be a Debtor to anybody. He will repay whatsoever you give to Him.

I don't think you "are robbing God" is you don't tithe. Rather, you are missing out on opportunities to store up treasure in heaven.

Most churches are not going to come against the tithe and offering as being "unbibical" because it isn't, per se. It is in the Bible. But, it is in the Bible in a different context.

Lastly, since "a church" and the ministers are paid through these funds, do you really find it odd that they want to pass the plate? I'm not saying that passing the plate is wrong. My particular church does not and I find this to be a demonstration of my senior Pastor trusting God. And God is blessing.

There are other fellowships I go to where they pass the bag or whatever. I don't see anything wrong with this. But, if a pastor tells you that you are robbing God then I would disagree with this interpretation. If it was my Pastor I would express my disagreement. We don't need to threaten the body of Christ into giving financially.

Again, God is not broke. He needs us like we need a hole in the head! But, He gives us the opportunity to 1) destroy greed and covetousness in our hearts by giving financially, and 2) to be a partner with Him and store up treasure in heaven.

What I really have a problem with is when they pass the bucket at a evangelistic crusade and say, "if you're a believer please help us pay for this evening, and if you're an unbeliever you are our guest, so enjoy the night on us." They have plenty of time before the crusade to gather the resources. First of all, the night has already been paid for. So, what they are really trying to do is seize the opportunity to make a lot of money to "recoup their costs." I'm sure the money will go to the work of the kingdom, but we need to be conscious of the thoughts of non-believers, especially when it is 1 hour before we are going to give the gospel message and an altar call.

Non-believers are always waiting for the solicitation for money. Therefore, we should be sensitive to that and not pass the bucket when the entire event is for the non-believers.

:t: