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Tithe
Tithe - a tenth of the produce of the earth consecrated and set apart for special purposes. The dedication of a tenth to God was recognized as a duty before the time of Moses. Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek (Gen. 14:20; Heb. 7:6); and Jacob vowed unto the Lord and said, "Of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee." The first Mosaic law on this subject is recorded in Lev. 27:30-32. Subsequent legislation regulated the destination of the tithes (Num. 18:21-24, 26-28; Deut. 12:5, 6, 11, 17; 14:22, 23). The paying of the tithes was an important part of the Jewish religious worship. In the days of Hezekiah one of the first results of the reformation of religion was the eagerness with which the people brought in their tithes (2 Chr. 31:5, 6). The neglect of this duty was sternly rebuked by the prophets (Amos 4:4; Mal. 3:8-10). It cannot be affirmed that the Old Testament law of tithes is binding on the Christian Church, nevertheless the principle of this law remains, and is incorporated in the gospel (1 Cor. 9:13, 14); and if, as is the case, the motive that ought to prompt to liberality in the cause of religion and of the service of God be greater now than in Old Testament times, then Christians outght to go beyond the ancient Hebrew in consecrating both themselves and their substance to God. Every Jew was required by the Levitical law to pay three tithes of his property (1) one tithe for the Levites; (2) one for the use of the temple and the great feasts; and (3) one for the poor of the land. Next Topic (Tittle)
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Is tithing for today? Lev 27:30 Mal 3:8 "Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings." Mar 12:41-44 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on." Is tithing for today? Lev 27:30 Does God require me to give a tithe of all I earn? . . . Two kinds of giving are taught consistently throughout Scripture: giving to the government (always compulsory), and giving to God (always voluntary). . . . The issue has been greatly confused, however, by some who misunderstand the nature of the Old Testament tithes. Tithes were not primarily gifts to God, but taxes for funding the national budget in Israel. . . . Because Israel was a theocracy, the Levitical priests acted as the civil government. So the Levite's tithe (Leviticus 27:30-33) was a precursor to today's income tax, as was a second annual tithe required by God to fund a national festival (Deuteronomy 14:22-29). Smaller taxes were also imposed on the people by the law (Leviticus 19:9-10; Exodus 23:10-11). So the total giving required of the Israelites was not 10 percent, but well over 20 percent. All that money was used to operate the nation. . . . All giving apart from that required to run the government was purely voluntary (cf. Exodus 25:2; 1 Chronicles 29:9). Each person gave whatever was in his heart to give; no percentage or amount was specified. . . . New Testament believers are never commanded to tithe. Matthew 22:15-22 and Romans 13:1-7 tell us about the only required giving in the church age, which is the paying of taxes to the government. . . . Interestingly enough, we in America presently pay between 20 and 30 percent of our income to the government--a figure very similar to the requirement under the theocracy of Israel. . . . The guideline for our giving to God and His work is found in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7: "Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver." 2000 Grace to You . . . (www.gty.org Click on Issues and Answers. Then click on Previous Topics) . . . For much more in-depth information on Tithing, including many Scripture references, look up Tithing in Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. Baker's Dictionary is available online at bible.crosswalk.com What is required in giving offerings alm Bible general NEW TESTAMENT BELIEVERS ARE NEVER COMMANDED TO TITHE. . . . Does God require me to give a tithe of all I earn? . . . Two kinds of giving are taught consistently throughout Scripture: giving to the government (always compulsory), and giving to God (always voluntary) . . . . The issue has been greatly confused, however, by some who misunderstand the nature of the Old Testament tithes. Tithes were not primarily gifts to God, but taxes for funding the national budget in Israel . . . . Because Israel was a theocracy, the Levitical priests acted as the civil government. So the Levite's tithe (Leviticus 27:30-33) was a precursor to today's income tax, as was a second annual tithe required by God to fund a national festival (Deuteronomy 14:22-29). Smaller taxes were also imposed on the people by the law (Leviticus 19:9-10; Exodus 23:10-11). So the total giving required of the Israelites was not 10

percent, but well over 20 percent. All that money was used to operate the nation . . . . All giving apart from that required to run the government was purely voluntary (cf. Exodus 25:2; 1 Chronicles 29:9). Each person gave whatever was in his heart to give; no percentage or amount was specified . . . . New Testament believers are never commanded to tithe. Matthew 22:15-22 and Romans 13:1-7 tell us about the only required giving in the church age, which is the paying of taxes to the government . . . . Interestingly enough, we in America presently pay between 20 and 30 percent of our income to the government--a figure very similar to the requirement under the theocracy of Israel . . . . The guideline for our giving to God and His work is found in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7: "Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver." 2000 Grace to You . . . (www.gty.org Click on Issues and Answers. Then click on Previous Topics) . . . For much more in-depth information on Tithing, including many Scripture references, look up Tithing in Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. Baker's Dictionary is available online at bible.crosswalk.com Are these herbs available now? Luke 11:42 rue was a culinary spice and used for medicinal reasons. It was also a tithable garden plant. It should still be avaiable in Europe, it is a strong scented perennial woody plant of the Rutaceae family (ruta-Fr) (rhyte-Gk) elbib why isnt tything in the new testament? Malachi I hope the following will answer your question, "Why isn't tithing in the NT?" I am quoting an earlier posting I submitted on the subject, "Is Tithing For Today?" . . . Does God require me to give a tithe of all I earn? . . . Two kinds of giving are taught consistently throughout Scripture: giving to the government (always compulsory), and giving to God (always voluntary). . . . The issue has been greatly confused, however, by some who misunderstand the nature of the Old Testament tithes. Tithes were not primarily gifts to God, but taxes for funding the national budget in Israel. . . . Because Israel was a theocracy, the Levitical priests acted as the civil government. So the Levite's tithe (Leviticus 27:30-33) was a precursor to today's income tax, as was a second annual tithe required by God to fund a national festival (Deuteronomy 14:22-29). Smaller taxes were also imposed on the people by the law (Leviticus 19:9-10; Exodus 23:10-11). So the total giving required of the Israelites was not 10 percent, but well over 20 percent. All that money was used to operate the nation. . . . All giving apart from that required to run the government was purely voluntary (cf. Exodus 25:2; 1 Chronicles 29:9). Each person gave whatever was in his heart to give; no percentage or amount was specified. . . . New Testament believers are never commanded to tithe. Matthew 22:15-22 and Romans 13:1-7 tell us about the only required giving in the church age, which is the paying of taxes to the government. . . . Interestingly enough, we in America presently pay between 20 and 30 percent of our income to the government--a figure very similar to the requirement under the theocracy of Israel. . . . The guideline for our giving to God and His work is found in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7: "Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver." 2000 Grace to You . . . (www.gty.org Click on Issues and Answers. Then click on Previous Topics) . . . For much more in-depth information on Tithing, including many Scripture references, look up Tithing in Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. Baker's Dictionary is available online at bible.crosswalk.com Woe to us? Matt 23:13 No and very much so. The 7 Woes (actually 8 as you stated) are and admonition to Christian leaders of 2000 years ago. However you can definitly apply it today and learn from them. I will take them one by one and explain. Woe 1) "You shut the kingdom of heaven in mens faces." How many dirty, smelly, unkept or drunk persons enter into the church who are turned away from the church or the fellowship of the church? v. 13-14 Woe 2)(this is considered by many to be a woe) "They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers."

the needy are still being oppressed in todays society. Mark 12:40 and Luke 20:47 Woe 3) "You travel over land and sea to win a single convert,..." Some converts are taught to keep their focus on the rules and works but miss God and the idea of grace altogether. This makes them as legalistic as those who taught them. Also many of the leaders of that day sought out new converts more to gain merit than to lead those to Christ. v.15 Woe 4) to the blind guides. "You say, if anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing......" The leaders of those days encouraged lieing and taught them that an oath was more binding than your word. Blind guides place their focus on the wrong things. v. 15-22. Woe 5) "You give a tenth of your spices... but you neglect the more important matters of the law - justice, mercy and faithfulness." The Pharisees would strain out the a small sin such as not tithing the right amount but would then wallow the camel (gross ethical sins,lack of mercy, etc.) How many do you know who focus on the trivial things but ignore the important matters? v. 23-24 Woe 6) You clean the outside of the cup but on the inside they are full of greed and self indulgence." Cleansing the outside of the cup refers to traditional ritual purification. They made these rituals conspicuous. These people appear religious on the outside but inside the focus is on purely self. v. 25-26 Woe 7) "You are like white washed tombs"...on the outside people can appear to be righteous but on the inside they are vindictive, unforgiving, selfish, and mean spirited. v. 27-28 Woe 8) "You build tombs for the prophets......." The Pharisees made a great show of honoring the prophets their ancestors murdered, swearing they would of never done it but they were when they were while the were stoning and putting to death those who preached the gospel of Jesus Christ. These people see what one person does and say they would never do it but they end up doing the same thing. v 29-32 (all verses taken from the New International Version.) All of the things that Jesus admonished them about are quite alive in our churches today. I think that there is definitly something to learn here and they can be applied to our lives today. Jesus gives us here examples of the way Satan can sneak up and devour us without us knowing it. What are our true motives today for the things we do? May we claim rewards for tithing? Mal 3:10 If God said it then we should take Him at his word. He has never failed yet. This is the only thing that God has asked they we test Him on, "and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it". Is tithing for today? Lev 27:30 tything has been pointed out to me a very part of Gods requirements to be a cheerful giving christian.Tything is not part of the Laws as some would say. It started with Abraham tything to Gods priest ,Melchizedek.Gen 14:18-21.Bring all your tythes into the store house.Malachi 3:10 andJacob made a vow to God and tythed of all after his increase.Gen 28:22.also in proverbs 3:9. in Malachi it says to PROVE God in this,nowhere else in the bible does it say to prove me in this.so tything is not law it is tied in with the BLESSING of Abraham.Do a word study on the Blessing of Abraham. go to www.biblegateway.com or just look up the address. Proselyte to Judaism as means of salv. OT general Salvation is a New Testament concept. Christ's salvation is the answer to man's inability to keep the law imposed upon the Old Testament believer. While Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, God has operated under different covenants during different periods of time. There are those with Bible degrees that can probably expound on this better than me, but I would break the different covenants down into these phases: 1) Adamic covenant: (Genesis 3:8) Adam walked and talked with God freely until Adam sinned and broke the covenant. 2) Noah covenant: (Genesis 6:9, 6:18, 9:11) Noah walked with God. He was a just man in an evil world, so God protected him and his family from the flood. Noah offered burnt offerings to the Lord. (Genesis 8:20) God gave Noah rules that he shall not eat flesh with its blood. Also, God established the death penalty for murder. (Genesis 9:6) 3) Abrahamic Covenant: (Genesis 12:1-3) God sovereignly chose Abraham as the lineage that would ultimately be the lineage of Jesus, God's only Son. Abraham first instituted the tithe to Melchizedek. I note this because the tithe preceeds the "law" and should not be included as "being under the law" when admonished to tithe. God began to add other Abrahamic laws such as circumcision. Abraham continues

the sacrifice of animals first instituted by Abel (Genesis 4:4) 4) Mosaic Covenant: God instituted the law beginning with the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). The Levitical law came into being under the covenant established with Moses. This covenant continued until.... 5) Christ's Covenant: (Hebrews 8:6-13) After man had been shown that he was incapable of keeping the law, and that the sacrifice of animals could never redeem sins, it took the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, followed by His glorious resurrection, to redeem us from sin and to conquer death, hell, and the grave. So...to answer your question..."salvation" is through Christ alone (Acts 4:12), but for those who lived before the New Covenant, they were required to join God in the covenant He had established at the time. Hope this helps.... Persecution through tithing? Bible general I do not know of any specific passage about being persecuted when we tithe, or give. We can be presecuted when we do good ... which could include giving. But, that should not be the only good thing we do. Persecution through tithing? Bible general None on thithing but Jesus said we would for His name sake. No scripture but Satan may send things your way to try to get you not to thithe Trust God How much should we give? Bible general We are still required to give a tithe under the new covenant. The law of tithing was not introduced as a law of Moses. This law has been in effect since Genesis. Of course, we know that Cain and Abel gave an offering. More specifically, Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth (Heb. 7:2). This happened way before the Law was written. Since the Law that we have been released from is the ceremonial law, we are still require to tithe. is ten percent the scriptural tithe Bible general Lev 27:30-33 states that all the tithe of the land, whether the seed of the land or the fruit of the trees, belongs to God and that one tenth of all that passes under the sheppherds staff is also included. Hope this answers your question. prayon is ten percent the scriptural tithe Bible general No ... give more. There is a second tithe brought yearly to the tabernacle and eaten before the Lord (Deu. 12:6,7,17-19; 14:22-27) There is a third tithe, every third year to promote hospitality and charity (Deu. 14:28,29; 26:1215). Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek (Gen. 14:20; Heb. 7:6); and Jacob vowed unto the Lord to give a tenth (Gen. 28:22). These were given before the Law. Do not count all your seeds to make sure you give a tenth of all and neglect something greater - justice, mercy, and faith (Mat. 23:23). This passage says that we should no stop tithing. How much should we give? Bible general This issue has been discussed in every form ever since Paul said we are no longer under the law. Lets face facts you dont get something for nothing. If we want to sit in a nice building and have heating, cooling and lights take takes money. If we want good music, a good childrens education program, youth activities, and other church programs that takes money. If we want to have a Pastor that is able to drop everything to rush to our side at the hospital, accident site, or death bed that takes money. If we want someone to teach us, counsel us, baptize us, marry us and bury us that takes money. A wise man once told me always pay for your seat. We expect to pay and do pay for our seats when we attend ball games, operas, stage shows, movies, seminars, colleges and airline travels why are we so reluctant to pay for our churches, church programs and Pastors? Some say a tithe is like a tax and so it is. If we didn't pay taxes we wouldn't have schools, roads, fire and rescue. If we don't pay our tithe how can we expect to have our churches?

In Malachi 3:8-11 God issues us a challenge He said test me in this, see if I dont reward you in your giving. I never understood why so many seem to be afraid to try this. If you give and God doesnt keep His word you can quit, but when God does fulfill this promise you may want to step up your giving. God does not care how much you give; God cares how much you keep for yourself. It shows where your heart is. John the Baptist gave us a clue of what God expects in the New Testament Saints when he said, if your brother has need of a coat and you have two give him one. Luke 3:11 giving your tithe 1 Cor 9:16 Old Testament tithes were not primarily gifts to God. fliha: Does God require me to give a tithe of all I earn? "Two kinds of giving are taught consistently throughout Scripture: giving to the government (always compulsory), and giving to God (always voluntary). "The issue has been greatly confused, however, by some who misunderstand the nature of the Old Testament tithes. Tithes were not primarily gifts to God, but taxes for funding the national budget in Israel. "Because Israel was a theocracy, the Levitical priests acted as the civil government. So the Levite's tithe (Leviticus 27:30-33) was a precursor to today's income tax, as was a second annual tithe required by God to fund a national festival (Deuteronomy 14:22-29). Smaller taxes were also imposed on the people by the law (Leviticus 19:9-10; Exodus 23:10-11). So the total giving required of the Israelites was not 10 percent, but well over 20 percent. All that money was used to operate the nation. "All giving apart from that required to run the government was purely voluntary (cf. Exodus 25:2; 1 Chronicles 29:9). Each person gave whatever was in his heart to give; no percentage or amount was specified. "New Testament believers are never commanded to tithe. Matthew 22:15-22 and Romans 13:1-7 tell us about the only required giving in the church age, which is the paying of taxes to the government. "Interestingly enough, we in America presently pay between 20 and 30 percent of our income to the government--a figure very similar to the requirement under the theocracy of Israel. "The guideline for our giving to God and His work is found in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7: "Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver." (www.gty.org Click on Issues and Answers. Then click on Previous Topics) For more in-depth information on Tithing, including many Scripture references, look up Tithing in Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. Baker's Dictionary is available online at bible.crosswalk.com giving your tithe 1 Cor 9:16 Dear fliha, I am a believer in the tithe simply because it makes more sense than a church having to ask for money all the time. Fund-raising becomes a primary occupation. People that give much are often put on pedastals (or their name is put on plaques) Tithing is indeed, pre-Law and not 'required' in the New Testament, but it certainly simplifies the matter of deciding 'how much?' Friend, that you are struggling with this particular tithe is my concern. It sounds as if you do not trust your church to use this bonus-tithe properly. Does your church have outreach ministries? Do they allow you to say (suggest) where you feel God wants this money to be used? I think that you must review in your heart your feelings toward your local church, and either give in faith or ask your leadership for clarification of their financial doctrine and policy. Peace to you in Christ Jesus, charis giving your tithe

1 Cor 9:16 You do well by giving a tithe. Most church memebers do not. I think if we all did, there would be

an abundance. Feel free to give where you want. I designate my tithe or offering, even when I give to the church I attend. The first example of giving to a ministry outside the church is in Acts 11:29. There are other examples. If you sense a need to give to a particular ministry, do so. As pointed out, there were three OT (Law) tithes. While the church has a budget and we need to support it (trust them), we should also feel free to give where God prompts. giving your tithe 1 Cor 9:16 Mat. 6:1-4 came to mind after I submitted my response. I say give to the poor family, if the need is real. Some are poor because they do not know how to budget. You could give to a ministry to give to them or give it in secret - a plain envelope with money. Or even give to several. Rom 15:26 is another example of the collection for the poor. To

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Christians And The "Tithe" Are Christians Required To Keep The Old Testament Tithe?
By Timothy S. Morton

************************************************** [This article is intended to show how the concept of tithing is misused and misapplied in many churches. It is not meant to be some sort of "justification" for a Christian failing to give to God's work. Christians should give liberally ("Freely ye have received, freely give," Matt. 10:8) and cheerfully ("It is more blessed to give than to receive," Acts 20:35) because of what Christ has done for them and because of the need of others.] Christian, Pay Or Else? Christian, have you heard words similar to these from a church pulpit? "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse" (Mal.3:10). A tenth of your income belongs to God and if you don't give it you are a God robber according to the Bible (Mal. 3:8). If you are not faithful in giving your tithe, God will curse you (Mal. 3:9) and not "rebuke the devourer" (Mal. 3:11)." "You WILL pay a tithe one way or the other, possibly through sickness, hardship, lost job, lost home, or other means if you don't give it to God." "You cannot expect God to bless you if you do not tithe." "No matter who else you owe or how much you are in debt, God's tithe must come first." All your tithe belongs here in the local church." Will a man rob God and get by with it"? "Never, never, YOU WILL PAY!" etc., etc. Words like these have echoed in your authors ears from certain Fundamentalist preachers ever since he became a Christian in 1980. They deliver these words with a fiery zeal that rivals many cult leaders. Their words leave the poor believer with the impression that the most heinous sin a Christian could commit (besides divorce, of course) is to neglect to tithe (usually to their ministry). God may be longsuffering with other "sins," but failure to tithe will bring swift wrath and sure retribution. One would think murder, adultery, stealing, etc., pale in comparison.

More than once your author has heard Christians say, concerning a brother who was hospitalized and believed by them to be a non-tither, "He is probably in the hospital to have his "tithes extracted." That is, God struck him with an illness only so he would have to spend the money his should have tithed (usually to their ministry)! How do they know why the brother is in hospital? How do they know if he is in God's will or not concerning his giving? The brother may faithfully give as the Lord leads but just not give to them! These self-righteous, pharisaical rascals are quick to judge anyone who doesn't adhere to their legalistic beliefs about tithing and speak of God as if He is a money hungry dictator who is ready to pounce on any soul who refuses to pay Him what He demands. What does the Bible really say about tithing? Are Christians under the law of the tithe? Is tithing and Christian giving the same? In the following we will examine the tithe in relation to the Christian, and you will see why this is truly a "Taboo Topic." Is The Tithe Taught In The New Testament? Although the tithe is almost universally preached in Fundamentalist churches, it is a concept found nearly exclusively in the Old Testament. It is only mentioned in three different contexts in the New Testament. Twice in connection with Jews (Matt. 23:23; Luke 11:14, 18:2), and once in connection with Abraham (Heb. Ch. 7). That the tithe is not mentioned in connection with any Christian, church, or New Testament practice should cause any believer to strongly question its application to born again believers. One can find a considerable amount of material on "giving" in the New Testament, but absolutely nothing linking the Christian with the Old Testament law of tithing. Dont believe me, open your Bible and check it out! Get a concordance and look up the words "tithe" and "tenth" (and variations) and youll find the Bible does not even suggest a Christian should tithe, let alone command him to. Paul, Peter, John, etc., could have easily mentioned the "tithe" when discussing matters of giving, but they knew it had been nullified by the cross of Christ and was no longer valid. One would think just the opposite was the case from attending many "Bible believing" churches, however. The tithe is erroneously applied to Christians by pulling the Old Testament law of tithing across dispensations and placing it as doctrine in the New Testament. This is how most false doctrines originate. When doctrines which are valid in only one dispensation (time period) are forced into another dispensation they become false doctrines. For example, many preachers quote Malachai 3:10 ("Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house") as if a New Testament church is the storehouse, but the church is never spoken of as a storehouse for Gods goods. Churches were not intended to store crops and livestock (or even money) as the passage refers to. This is one area where otherwise sound and sensible preachers will spiritualize and compromise the Bible to promote their pet doctrine or traditional belief. Could it be because it deals with their income ($$$)? Apparently, they cannot get their people to give without the motivation of fear and retribution. If these preachers were consistent and jumped

dispensations to teach doctrine in other matters they would have Christians becoming circumcised, observing Jewish feasts and holy days, offering animal sacrifices, shunning unclean meats, keeping the Sabbath (Saturday), etc., under the pain of death! What About Abraham And His Tithe? When these "tithers" are charged with teaching Old Testament doctrines in the New Testament they usually claim "Abraham and Jacob paid tithes before the law so believers should pay tithes after the law," or something similar. But this is forced, illogical reasoning and doesnt consider the facts. For that matter circumcision began before the law with Abraham also, does that mean all male Christians must be circumcised to be saved or in God's will? Of course not. This was the error of the "law-keeping" Judaizers who were quickly corrected by Peter (Acts 15: 111). Dont get us wrong, many preachers who teach tithing as a law have no ulterior motive and are sincerely convinced of its validity. Their main fault is they dont study. Unfortunately (especially for those who hear and believe them), many preachers dont learn (or at least confirm) their doctrine from personal study. They learn it from hearing other preachers or teachers. But what if their teachers are wrong? They will never know it if they dont study. Sincerity is no substitute for knowledge (Pro. 14:12). Lets take a closer look at Abrahams case and see what those who appeal to him fail to mention. In Genesis 14 Abraham does pay tithes of the spoils of battle to Melchisidek, but notice these revealing facts: 1. 2. 3. him, Abraham was not commanded to tithe by God or Melchizedek. Abraham was not even asked for tithes by God or Melchizedek. Abraham did not tithe to keep something bad from happening to

but because God had already blessed him in the battle. 4. It is recorded Abraham only tithed this one time in all his 175 years. 5. And what is most shocking, Abraham was not even saved when he tithed! Not saved according to Moses (Gen. 15:6), Paul (Rom. 4:20-22), and James (James 2:23)! Obviously, the account of Abraham is no help to those who compel the tithe on Christians. Either they cant read, are ignorant of the Scriptures, or intentionally deceptive. As for Jacob, by his own accord he offers to give God a tithe after he has the dream of the ladder (Gen 28:22). Like Abraham, though, he is not commanded to tithe

(there is no record he ever did), he offers it of his own free will. A little Bible study can clear up a lot of legalistic, pharisaical ignorance and Scripture wresting. Tithing Under The Mosaic Law The majority of references to tithing in the Bible are found in the Mosaic law. Under the Law a voluntary, freewill tithe like Abrahams is unheard of. To the Jews the tithe was essentially a compelled national income tax for the upkeep of the tabernacle and support of the Levites. Refusal to pay it COULD lead to the destructions of the "devourer" mentioned in Malachai 3:11. Furthermore, from careful examination of the Scriptures there appears to be not one but THREE tithes under the Law, each given at different times: 1st Tithe: The annual tithe for the maintenance of the Levitical Priesthood (Num. 18:21-24). Since the tribe of Levi received no inheritance (Num. 18:20; Deut. 12:12, Deut. 14:27), and was segregated from the rest of Israel in order to serve the Lord (Num. 3:5-10, 3:39-45, 8:14-19), the first tithe was necessary for their support. 2nd Tithe: Another tithe was brought to Jerusalem for festival purposes (Deut. 14:22-27). 3rd Tithe: The third tithe was required every third year to assist the poor (Deut. 14:28-29). This year was called "the year of tithing," (Deut. 26:12-14). When the Israelites had completed tithing of the increase of the land, they were to give this tithe to the Levites, strangers, orphans, and widows. All the tithes put together would consist of around 23% of a persons income per year. Far short of the single 10% many call a "tithe" and boast of paying. For the most part the tithes of the Old Testament were of crops and livestock. Each Jew was to separate out his tithes from his labors for Gods use, but notice what the scriptures say in Leviticus 27:31. If a Jew redeemed his tithe (sold it for money) then he was to add 20% more to it totaling 12%! This shows God would rather have the goods than the money. How many times have you heard that preached? How many pay their "tithes" in goods today? If they pay in money they cant even call it a tithe unless they add a "fifth part" of the tithe to it! So, essentially, today a tithe is 12% of ones income and not 10%! The law is an unforgiving taskmaster and tolerates nothing but obedience. How many of those who boast of tithing, besides not paying 12%, dont tithe on ALL their increase or pay three different tithes? Beware all ye who boast of tithing because the Bible will show you a liar. God could show you a thousand places where you have failed to tithe. Do you tithe your garden crops or anything else you grow or raise? Do you tithe all interest of any form you accrue from savings accounts or capital gains? Do you tithe the yearly increase of the value of your home, jewelry or other assets? Or if you sell your home or any other property do you tithe any increase in value? (A home bought in 1970 for $20,000 may sell

today for $80,000, leaving the "faithful tither" $7200 to tithe! [12% of $60,000]) Do you tithe the value of any gifts you receive (Christmas?), the benefits you receive from your job (value of health insurance, profit sharing, retirement, etc.) or any unexpected or extra income no matter how small from any source? And you call yourself a tither? Some deluded souls actually believe they are tithing if they give 10% of their income after taxes and deductions! The "tithe" comes off the top (Lev. 27:30; Deut 14:22), not after convenient deductions lower the "tithable" income. It should be clear from above the Law only brings bondage; but, glory to His name, Christ by His blood freed us from the curse of the Law (Gal 3:13).Whether it be the Laws requirements of feasts and sacrifices or of tithing, Christ has made us free. It is amazing how many preachers will shout "Ten percent belongs to God" when they should realize 100% belongs to God. All Christians are Gods property two-fold, by creation and by redemption by Christs blood. God owns the believers person (body, soul, and spirit), everything he has, and everything he will ever have or become, and appeals to the Old Testament to weaken Gods dominion over him circumvents Christs work on the cross. Some otherwise sensible and sound preachers are so biased toward the legalistic view of the tithe they have said (probably to justify a questionable expenditure), "I dont believe God cares what one does with the other 90% as long as He gets His 10%." Is God so blinded by money that He doesnt care what a believer does as long as He gets His cut? Nonsense. Their "logic" is completely unscriptural and self-serving. If these fellows would stop and think a little they would realize the ignorance of such statements and reconsider their position. But, as we said, most only repeat what they have heard and have never fully studied the issue. They take confidence in thinking, "Dr. So-and-so is a godly and scholarly man and that is what he believes, so it must be right," without looking into the matter in the Scriptures themselves. I have observed this attitude on many occasions concerning different subjects. They simply trust another man's word. The New Testament Method This article is not meant to be a discourse on Christian giving but on the misuse of the Old Testament tithe. As we have seen the tithe was primarily a tax on Israel to support Judaism and is not mentioned in connection with the New Testament believer. The New Testament method of giving, however, is not under the threat of law and retribution but from thanksgiving and heartfelt desire (2 Cor. ch. 8-9). "God loveth a cheerful giver" and one who is compelled to give doesnt give in the purest sense and is seldom cheerful about it. The simple fact is Christians are not commanded to tithe. The Bible strongly suggests Christians give but never stipulates as to how much. Since 10% was the basis for giving in the Old Testament, a Christian could spiritually use that amount as a basis for his giving, but he would be deceiving himself if he thought he was somehow pleasing God by giving that particular amount. Maybe God would have him give more or sometimes maybe less! That is, the Old Testament tithe can be an

example before Christians, but not a law. No one can judge a believer either way. The amount each individual believer should give is entirely between him and the Lord (2 Cor. 9:7). Tithing Summary 1. There is no mandate anywhere in the New Testament for tithing. The word "tithe" or "tithes" appears eight times in the New Testament, and each time it is used is in reference to an Old Testament event or a concurrent Jewish practice. 2. The epistles contain numerous admonitions, exhortations, and rebukes because of numerous sins and spiritual problems, but one is never mentioned for failure to tithe. 3. Hebrews 7:5 states quite clearly that only the sons of Levi had a commandment to receive tithes, not pastors or other religious leaders: 4. The Mosaic Law was given to Israel through Moses, not to the Church. If Christians are supposed to tithe, then what about circumcision, worshipping on Saturday, observing the holy convocations (Passover, Feast of Tabernacles, etc.), animal sacrifices, a tabernacle, and all the other components of the ceremonial law? Numbers 18:26-28 says that the Levitical priests are to offer up a heave offering to the Lord when they receive the tithes of the children of Israel. Shouldn't pastors conduct heave offerings when they receive tithes as well? 5. The statements Jesus makes about tithing (Matt. 23:23; Luke 11:42, 18:12) are all indicative, not imperative. A plain interpretation of these passages doesn't reveal any command that tithing should be continued into the Church Age, which began at Pentecost. 6. Christians who mandate tithing are making the same mistake as the Judaizers. They believed that faith in Jesus Christ is not enough, and certain aspects of the Mosaic Law needed to be retained for salvation and/or sanctification. In fact, the Apostle Paul stated in Galatians 5:3 that we are "a debtor to do the whole law" if we get circumcised or keep any other aspect of he law with the belief that this will add to what Christ already did on the cross. Today, circumcision is not an issue in the Church, but tithing certainly is. If the Apostle Paul were alive today, he might very well have written Galatians 5:2-3, substituting the word "tithe" for "circumcision, "Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye [tithe], Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that [tithes], that he is a debtor to do the whole law." This is a very sobering concept coming from the Apostle Paul. A person who is a "debtor to do the whole law" describes an unsaved person seeking justification by trying to keep the law. 7. Undoubtedly, the Judaizers of Paul's time used God's command to Abraham that he be circumcised (Gen 17:11) as a proof text to illustrate that believers in the Church Age also need to circumcised. In much the same way, many of the modern Judaizers use Abraham's giving a tenth to Melchizedek after the defeat of

Chedorlaomer (Genesis 14:17-20) as an example of how tithing should be performed by Christians. Since the cross, however, Abrahams tithe has no more application to Christians than his circumcision. 8. The Levitical priesthood has been replaced with the priesthood of believers (1 Pet 2:5, 2:9). So from this perspective, all that we have, money, possessions, spiritual gifts, belong to the Lord, not just a tenth of our income. Since NT giving is discretionary, and not based on a demand of a set percentage, this should dispel the common notion that one-tenth of our income is somehow "holy," as if God is some sort of a divine accountant. 9. Those involved in full-time ministry should be supported by the people they serve (1 Cor. 9:7-14, 1 Tim 5:17-18). A careful review of New Testament giving reveals to us that our contributions should not only be to support our local ministries, but also meet the basic needs of poverty stricken fellow Christians (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37, 1 Cor. 16:1-3, 2 Cor. 8:1-13, 1 Tim. 6:17-19). There was organized giving within local congregations to care for believing widows and orphans who had no other family to rely on (Acts 6:1-4, 1 Tim. 5:1-16). 10. 2 Corinthians chapters 8-9, and 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 state that a Christian is to evaluate the needs of others and to give as he is able to. NO PERCENTAGE GUIDELINES ARE EVER GIVEN. The Apostle Paul had ample opportunity to use the word "tithe" or at east mandate it as a standard to be preserved, but instead Paul gives us new rules for giving, which would supersede the Old Testament law for giving. If there is any single verse in the New Testament that nullifies the "tithing in the Church age" doctrine, it would be 2 Cor 9:7, which says, "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." 11. Love is to be our motivation, not compulsory legalism (Hosea 6:6, Micah 6:68, Mark 12:28-34, 1 Cor 13:1-7). How much consideration we have for the poor, for example, is an indication of our spiritual condition (1 John 3:17). ] 12. Those who preach the "tithe" as doctrinally applying to Christians are wresting the Scriptures to conform to their belief at the expense of the truth. They either through ignorance, from fear of ridicule of those like-minded, or from not wanting to admit what they always taught was wrong, continue to apply Old Testament practices in the New Testament, in essence placing those who hear them under the bondage and curse of the Mosaic Law (Gal. Ch. 3).

Tithing

What the Bible Teaches Us About Tithing WHAT IS TITHING? The word "tithe" means "a tenth part" or "10%". In the Bible, God tells us that we are to give the first 10% of all that we earn back to Him. Giving less than 10% is not tithing. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A "TITHE" AND AN "OFFERING"? A tithe is 10% of your income. An offering is any amount you give over and above that amount. An offering is anything you give in addition to your tithe, such as gifts for special projects, the church building fund, missions, etc. Tithing is God's minimum standard, the starting point. As God prospers you, you'll want to give more. WHY SHOULD I TITHE? 11 REASONS FROM GOD'S WORD 1. Because God commands it! "A tithe of all you produce is the Lord's and it is holy." (Lev. 27:30) 2. Because Jesus commands it! "Yes, you should tithe, and you shouldn't leave the more important things undone either." (Matt 23:23) Tithing was the only thing Jesus commended the Pharisees for doing! 3. Because tithing shows that God has first place in my life! "The purpose of tithing is to teach you to put God first place in your life". (Deut. 14:23 (LB)) If God does not have first priority in your finances, He isn't really first in your life. 4. Because it reminds me that everything I have was given to me by God! "Always remember that it is the Lord your God who gives you the ability to produce wealth." (Deut. 8:18) Rather than feeling "I'm giving God 10% of my money," realize God is letting you keep 90% of HIS money. Without God's help, you would have nothing. 5. Because tithing expresses my gratitude to God for helping me earn income! "How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me?" (Ps. 116:12) Here's the answer: "Each of you should bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you." (Deut. 16:17) 6. Because refusing to tithe is stealing from God! If you don't tithe, God says you are using money that rightfully belongs to Him. "God says: "Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing me!' But you ask, 'How do we

rob you?' God says: 'In tithes and offerings. Bring your whole tithe to My house.'" (Mal. 3:8-19) (God has a right to whatever He asks for from you.) 7. Because tithing gives God a chance to prove to you that He exists and wants to bless you! Bring me your tithe. Test me in this," says the Lord, "and see if I won't throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it, I will prevent pests from devouring your crops and the vines in your fields will be protected from plagues." This is one of the most amazing promises in the Bible. God actually offers you a challenge. He says "I dare you!" Start tithing and watch what happens!" He not only promises to bless you with more, but He also promises to protect what you already have! In the Bible, tithing is the only way given that you can prove God exists. Start tithing and get ready for God's blessing. 8. Because it is essential to spiritual growth! "Just as you grow in everything~in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in earnestness and love...see that you also grow in the grace of giving." Many Christians remain spiritual babies because they disobey God by not tithing. 9. Because tithing shows I really love God! "Where your treasure is, your heart will be also." (Matt. 6:21) Wherever you put your money is where your affection is going to be. Everytime you give back to God you are drawn closer to Him. You may say you love God, but 2 Cor. 8:8 says that your giving tests the sincerity of your love. You can give without loving but you cannot love without giving. Jesus said, "If you really love me, do what I command." (John 14:15) 10. Because tithing is an investment for eternity! Jesus told us to "Store up treasures in heaven." (Matt. 6:19-20) How do you do that? By investing your money in helping people get to heaven! Most of the things you spend your money on will not even last for ten years, much less last for eternity. 11. Because you cannot outgive God! There are more promises in the Bible connected to giving than any other subject. Giving unlocks the promises of God in your life. When you give, God always gives back to you in a greater degree. Jesus said, "For if you give, you will get. Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure. Whatever measure you use to give it will be used to measure what is given back to you." (Luke 6:38) WHAT SHOULD I TITHE? The first 10% of every paycheck, and all else you earn. "Honor the Lord by giving Him the first part of all your income, and He will fill your barns...to overflowing." (Prov 3:9-10) God doesn't want your "left-over" income at the end of the month. He wants first place. WHERE SHOULD I GIVE MY TITHE? The Bible is very clear that God expects the tithe to be given back to Him at the place where you worship. In the Old Testament, they brought their tithes to the temple. In the New Testament , the tithe was given at the synagogue or church. While there are many fine organizations, charities, and ministries, the church is

God's institution. You may support other ministries with additional offerings. Only gifts given to God as an act of worship at the house of worship are considered tithes. WHEN SHOULD I TITHE? 1 Cor. 16:2 (LB) says: "On the first day of every week, set aside some of what you have earned and give it as an offering. The amount depends on how much the Lord has helped you to earn." ISN'T TITHING AN OLD TESTAMENT JEWISH LAW THAT I CAN IGNORE? No. That's just an old excuse with no biblicale basis. First, God established the principle of tithing, 430 years before He gave the Law to Moses. If tithing was only a Jewish law, why did Abraham tithe 430 years before the law was revealed? Tithing was being practiced long before the Jewish nations even existed! Second, although tithing is mentioned in the Old Testament Law, there is no punishment mentioned for not tithing. Can you imagine a law without a punishment? Tithing is a Life Principle that is to be a voluntary act. Third, Jesus commended tithing in the New Testament. SHOULD I TITHE ON MY NET INCOME OR GROSS INCOME? Which do you want God to bless ~ your net or your gross? Proverbs 3:9 says we are to honor God with the first part of all our income. I believe that means the gross income. Anyway, 2 Corinthians 9:6 says: "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will reap generously." WHAT IF I CAN'T AFFORD TO TITHE? If you are in debt, you can't affort NOT to tithe! You need God's help to get out of debt. There are many financial principles in the Bible but the starting point is to be honest with God by beginning to tithe. Tell God you're going to put Him first in your finances that you are willing to obey the priciples in His Word, and that you are trusting Him to help you get out of debt. THE REAL ISSUE As a pastor, I've heard every excuse ever invented for not tithing. But in every case, an unwillingness to do what God says can be boiled down to two motivies: First, materialistic values. If you're more interested in "having things" than pleasing God, you won't tithe. You may store up treasures on earth, but you won't store up treasure in heaven. Second, unbelief. If you don't really believe God will keep all his promises He has made regarding tithing, you won't do it. by Donald H. Dinninger, Pastor

"THE LORD'S VOICE CRIES UNTO THE CITY" (Micah 6:9)

Home > Christianity Today Magazine Christianity Today, November 15, 1999

Are Christians Required to Tithe?

We should be careful not to isolate the tithe from broader demands of generosity and social justice.
by D. A. Carson |

The tithe is clearly taught in the Old Testament, but in the New Testament it seems to be downplayed. Are those of us who give 10 percent of our income doing something not required? K. Dale Miller, Wilmore, Kentucky

Q:

A:A simple yes or no to this question would be horribly misleading.

We know that the law of Moses mandated the tithe (see Lev. 27:30-33), at least in part to support the ministry of the Levites (Num. 18:21-24). Like many other laws, however, it was frequently observed in the breach, although the prophets insisted that failure to pay the tithe was nothing less than robbing God (Mal. 3:6-12). There were also offerings to be paid. Moreover, faithful Israelites were to be generous with their alms, so that the poor of the land were supported. In practice, the prophets found themselves inveighing against greed and social injustice (e.g., Amos) and against a raw form of capitalism that squeezed out the poor (Isa. 5:8-10). In other words, even within the Old Testament we should be careful not to isolate the tithe from broader demands of generosity and social justice. The only passage in the New Testament that explicitly authorizes the tithe does so in a rather backhanded way: "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices. But you have neglected the more important matters of the lawjustice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former" (Matt. 23:23, NIV). Jesus' primary point, of course, is to criticize the scrupulous tithing of even a few herbs grown in the back garden if it is at the expense of fundamental issues of justice, integrity, and mercy. But one might have expected Jesus to say, "You should have practiced the latter, and let the herbs take care of themselves"or some thing equally dismissive. Instead, he says, "You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." After the Cross and the Resurrection, the New Testament provides no passage with the same explicit conclusion. That raw fact leads to all the usual debates about the nature of the continuity and discontinuity between the old and new covenants. Does the tithe continue as a divine mandate because it has not been explicitly abrogated? Or is it part of the "old order" that is passing away? However we resolve that broad question, all sides agree that some New Testament writers insist that Christians be a giving, generous people (1 Tim. 6:18). So, at very least, we must insist that believers under both covenants are expected to give generously. Some may wonder, Is the dispute about nothing more than the amount? Is there something about 10 percent that is entrenched in moral law? The following two points will help focus the issue. 1. Beware of pride. There is always a great spiritual danger in thinking that if in some area we have satisfied a specific, concrete demand we have done everything that God requires. Ten percent is a lot of money to some folks; to others it's not very much. Isn't that one of the lessons to be learned from Jesus' comments about the widow's mite? To suppose that God demands 10 percentand nothing morecan itself foster a remarkably independent and idolatrous attitude: "This bit is for God, and the rest is mine by right." Likewise, if you choose to give more than 10 percent, you may become inebriated from the contemplation of your own generosity. 2. Remember why you're giving. A strictly legal perspective on giving soon runs into a plethora of complicated debates. Is this 10 percent of gross income or of net? How does this play out in a country where a progressive income-tax system rises to 90 percent of in come? If we choose to tithe from our net income, are we talking "takehome pay" only, or does it include what is withheld for medical insurance and retirement benefits? It would be easy to list such questions for a page or two without ever asking, "How can I manage my affairs so that I can give more?" That is surely a better question than "What's the correct interpretation so that I can do whatever's required and then get on with my life?"

Christians will want to acknowledge with gratitude that they are mere stewards of all that they "possess." Moreover, New Testament ethics turn not so much on legal prescription as on lives joyfully submitted to God. This is why the most penetrating New Testament passage on giving is 2 Cor. 8-9. Under severe trial, the Corinthians' "overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity" (8:2). Even so, they first gave themselves to the Lord (8:5). So, why not aim for 20 percent in your giving? Or 30? Or more, depending on your circumstances (8:12)? "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, thatfor your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" (8:9). By D. A. Carson, research professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Got a question you'd like answered? E-mail cteditor@christianitytoday.com with "Directions" in the subject line of your message.