- 10% was not the minimum amount for Israel. They gave less than 10% at times. (Hebrews 7:4; Numbers 31:28-30)
- The New Testament does not command, address, or mention tithing to the Gentiles who are unfamiliar with Jewish practices.
- Jesus’ own ministry operated from freewill offerings. He also commanded the disciples to receive freely. (Luke 8:1-3, Matthew 10:8-10)
- The children of God under his family are not taxed. They are free to give (Matthew 17:25; Galatians 4:5)
- Tithing was not a requirement prior to the Mosaic law considering Jacob freely offered God 10%. (Genesis 28:20)
- None of the Israelites tithed while outside of the promised land. (Deuteronomy 12:5)
- Abraham’s tithe was under the Old Covenant, which was established before Moses and was also fulfilled (Genesis 3; Hebrews 8:13)
- Giving would be the only spiritual gift with a minimum requirement and not led by the Spirit.
- There are no commands to modify tithing with how we practice it today, so people have to make up correlations to get it to fit into the church.
- Israelites who did not grow food or raise animals did not tithe. (Leviticus 27:30)
- Giving is not by compulsion. (2 Corinthians 9:6-9)
- The Levitical priests were required to serve 25 years, and just like tithing, the New Testament doesn’t recall this requirement either
- Unless giving 10% is the spiritual nature of God’s holiness, then it falls under the same classification of other interim tokens in the Old Covenant that Christ fulfilled
Kevin Mitchell says
To jared; Don’t single me out because ob. can’t debate.he brings nothing to the table but opinion.Tell me what does the WORD say.The opinions of men don’t impress God.He is only impressed by what He said.There really is no debate over tithing.NOBODY can prove that The Lord or the apostles or the 1st Church tithed.And i do mean NOBODY.Where is the humility to at least find if what you have been told to believe is the truth? I not trying to change minds here.Only God can change your mind IF you allow him to.i love the fact that tithers are upset.Real change only comes about when people are stirred to seek God.i am grateful to the Holy Spirit that he has revealed to me and (80% laugh)Others that the tithing doctrine,was,is and forever a LIE.Birthed by the father of lies. It’s been fun…really has.Later
Shirley says
Well said Edwin!
Instructions to paying God in order to be blessed and not cursed is misleading, false information. The usage of obsolete Bible Scriptures to support an outdated Jewish custom which does not pertain to New Covenant Christians is a false promo. If anyone thinks we are boringly repetitious on the subject many of us have had to endure the repetition of an obvious lie. I’ve always tried to research something or ask questions then weigh in. I have researched my bible and it is not a commanded instruction to Christian Jews & Gentile Believers, if this is upsetting, oh well, so sorry!
Blessed by Grace Alone says
I just bought a book called “Pagan Christianity” by George Barna. I plan to read “Should the Church teach tithing by Russell E. Kelly next. George Barna is a well-known Christian Author/Researcher/Pollster,
in his book he gives the historical date when Christian tithing first became a mandate. This was well after the Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity but I have to keep reading.
Since Christianity was a threat to the Roman Pagan Rule in the Apostles time it was outlawed after Christianity began to grow & got too popular.
The early Church was also kicked out of the Jewish temples and Jewish Synagogues for belief in Jesus as their Messiah & refusing to go along with Old Testament rituals like animal sacrifices, circumcision, and other religious Jewish laws and traditions. In Hebrews it condemns anyone looking backward to the Law for access and favor with God.
With the growing spread of Christianity, named “The Way” they were forced into hiding and underground Churches, similar to Christians in China. Before persecution broke out in Acts 2:46 it said these Christians were breaking bread together from HOUSE to HOUSE.
Could this be proof that the concept of big buildings with stained glass windows is a newer concept for the New Covenant Christian Church just as tithing to support these big (business) Buildings?
Dr. Kelly said that Pastors were not salaried back then either. I looked it up in the bible and sure enough Paul worked as a tent maker in Acts 18:13 He accepted voluntary donations & offerings without demanding any tithing.
It said in Corinthians 9:15 Paul said he refused to take a salary from the Corinthian Church, so that the Gospel would not be hindered. Imagine that I thought salaries were for the gospel to spread as John/Obedient said.
Paul could have given the mandate to the early Christians to tithe but he didn’t! If that is not plain enough to pro-tithers that is was not a required law then maybe the word programmed is in order.
Blessed by Grace Alone says
Paul worked as a TentMaker in Acts 18:3 not 18:13 and please
accept my apologies if I previously sounded like a harsh know it all! Keep on giving to support your Churches. I do believe it honors the Lord but on the other hand it dishonors him to think you must do it for his blessings, access and favor!
That’s all folks!
obedient says
In short, this is a semantics.discussion for me. I give, tithe, whatever anyone wanys to call it. It’s a decision I make–not to test God or dodge a “curse” as many of you have stated. If that is taught in your church from the pulpit — then find somewhere else to worship. Kevin — I am sorry you have obviously had some bad experiences in your church life and walk.I hope it works out for you.
Cathy J says
While on the subject of the enforcement of Protestant Tithing and Catholic Priest paid to say Mass to pray your dearly departed loved one out of Purgatory, I just wanted to throw in the false doctrine that calls for you to a sow seed of (faith money) for a miracle or breakthrough.
At the beginning of the year there was a whole lot of Bible scripture twisting going on a certain Christian Broadcast. One that stood out at the beginning of the year was sow your “First Fruits” at the beginning of the year for your year to be blessed and prosperous. The First Fruit represented money at the first of the year. A certain popular blond haired woman Televangelist starting teaching this false doctrine and others jumped on the Bandwagon. Also their is a teaching by Prosperity Preachers called sowing your “faith activation seed” (translated as: send in your money for a miracle).
They totally twist the sowing and reaping bible verse to make it all about sowing money. More than a few TV Preachers use this principle as pertaining to money. One cleverly used the example that Jesus was a seed God planted in Mary’s womb for the Salvation of a lost and dying world. He went on to say that much of life revolves around seed time and harvest. If I did not know better and had not read my own Bible cover to cover from Genesis to Revelation, this would have sounded good to me.
However, I knew that the “First Fruit” festival in the Old Testament was a representation of the New Testament whereby Jesus would come as the First to rise from the dead. He is our First Fruit. The redeemed follow after. Talk about twisting Scriptures, this money stuff is has gone way over the top! It is a grievously sad day in our Church-world when Almighty God has been replaced (in the teachings of various Churches), by the Almighty dollar. I visited a Church and their whole mission statement was about Prosperity and sowing seeds of (money) faith. There was hardly a mention of Jesus and Him crucified. Needless to say, I left and never went back!
Jeremy says
Jesus is described as the First Fruit of God’s Harvest in Jeremiah 2:3
If we all study all Bibles we can’t go wrong when they twist the word of God!
Jeremy says
Most everyone is well learned in their Bibles on here sot before anyone catches this and comments on my error, sorry I was hurrying so I can get going. Had to come back and correct my error even if I’m late on my personal errands.
Israel is described as God’s “First Fruit” in the Old Testament:
Jeremiah 2:3
“Israel was holiness unto the Lord and the First Fruits of His increase.”
– Old Testament-
Jesus is the First Fruits in the New Testament:
1st Corinthians 15:20 KJV
“But now is Christ risen from the dead and become the first fruits of them that slept”
-New Testament-
Martha says
Jeremy your mistake is a good example of how errors are made, when we rush over our words and not think things through. It is good you caught that immediately, some Bible Teachers make errors on National TV. If it goes out there it’s seldom that they can give a retraction.
Another habit is repeating what has been handed down without checking all of the facts. For years I was guilty of repeating the verse that we are to “call those things that are not as though they were”. Then I read in Romans where it said that “God calls those things that are not as though they were” the difference is a big one. It is God calling those things that are not as though they were. I was shocked at how I had been quoting misinformation. One word makes a huge difference. If we all slow down our busy lives and just take the time to meditate on the word of God and study carefully, this will cut down on incorrect biblical doctrines going around.
Something else to keep in mind is if a Pastor, Evangelist or Bible Teacher is gifted by God in speaking, teaching or whatever, this does not imply they’re perfect and possess all the Fruit of the Spirit.
If you have read about the Corinthians, Paul said they did not lack any Spiritual Gifts, yet they were the most carnal and showy (showing off their gifts) followers of Christ in the New Testament! Paul had to even limit the amount of prophecies and give guidelines for speaking in tongues in their assemblies.
It is good to be careful not to confuse the gifts & calling with the Fruit of the Spirit, they’re 2 separate things. Gifts and callings come without repentance as said in our Bible.
Blessed by Grace Alone says
Dear Obedient:
Are you for real? Surely you are jesting! Was your comment that if our Houses of Worship are teaching tithing to dodge a curse or in order to be blessed (by God )then find another Church???
We would have to leave earth and go to the moon! Please list Churches (Christian) that have NOT passed down the OT Malachi curse and taught to give by fear of that curse. Where are the Churches that have NOT planted the seed of paying God the tithe to merit some reward? I doubt any exist. If so, I would join in a heart-beat. I want my motives purely Grace centered, not works centered!
Tony says
My College room-mates told me about this website.
It’s really cool to voice an opinion and hear what others have to say. We may not always agree but let’s try to respectfully disagree.
My opinion is pertaining to the similarity of the tithing Police and various people who pray to ( as they say, The Virgin) Mary, Saints in Heaven an Angels. The Tithing Police are just as vocal and adamant about paying tithes for the Lord to bless them as Roman Catholics are about praying to Mary, Saints an Angels, etc. as previously mentioned by Pete and Anonymous. I study my Bible everyday and both of these activities are not supported in the New Testament for the early New Testament Churches. In the New Testament it states plainly that there is only Mediator between God and Mankind and one Intercessor at the right hand of God. This is Jesus our Advocate with the Father not Mary, Saints or your dead Aunt Matilda. Furthermore, no one but God is everywhere at the same time and can see and hear everything and every thought at the same time. This is an attribute of the Godhead. In Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead in bodily form, according to the New Testament. Therefore, please show me Scriptures that there is some other Advocate or Mediator.
You may feel that the Saints in Heaven, Angels, Mary, have answered your prayers or even your dead Aunt but let me be so bold as to just say that God is the one answering your prayers and extending to you His patience and long suffering by helping you. It is also not your Tithing record that is moving God to help you either. It is His own goodness and good pleasure that moves Him to act on our behalf. Jesus said “ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be open unto you”. Paul is clear that in Christ we have a more excellent way to gain whatever is needed through faith in Jesus.
If you are planning to blog how you feel that people should mind their own business and the verse when Jesus told Peter in John 21:21 to mind his own business go right ahead, even better if you can find New Testament Scriptures to substantiate your following Old Testament tithing requirements as NT Law, or praying to other-than God as sound doctrine. I welcome Scriptures that I possibly have overlooked but don’t twist out of context, come correct or not at all.
Tiffany says
In defense of John and Obedient:
I got it (the reason you give).
Anyone who has fallen madly & passionately in love can tell you it is no small thing. There is nothing you would not do for that person. Jesus in the very nature is God but came down here and went through all kinds of suffering and abuse for us. He made a complete spectacle of Himself by hanging naked and beat up on that Cross all for love, for us! Don’t try to say you have never made a complete fool of yourself when you fell hard for someone either. Weren’t you so obsessed that it was like you had lost your mind? The Object of your love had your heart. You went beyond your reasonable limit for this person (or thing, even some habit or hobby can possess you).
Real Love holds NOTHING back, including your time, talent and TREASURE! I”m determined to go all the way in God and let Jesus totally take over everything I have! I will not allow Him to be heading a long list of other lovers. I want Him to be THE FIRST AND FOREMOST IN ALL THINGS, because He is the clue that holds together all the good there ever was. I also need God in every aspect of my life. Only He gives everlasting life. My Lord and King Jesus is welcome into every door of my heart. Nothing is off limits.
Okay, so you may say that the way tithing is presented in most Churches is not taught according to the New Testament Covenant of Grace as most have so eagerly pointed out, but it personally helps me to be disciplined and is a reminder to include the Lord in my money making decision and it is my act of worship.
On the opposite view:In defense of Doc.Kelly he has stayed on all the correct points in his book. I checked it out. But like all of you who are telling pro-tithers want is wrong you are not offering a solution that will to fix it and help the Churches financially stay solvent. Where are the books on how to give Under the New Covenant of Grace? There is enough (word) meat in the NT Bible on reasons to give the three T’s (time, talent & treasure). Especially because the best love we have (God) has given us His, all not sparing His own Son as someone posted. In my heart I believe if it is taught the right way God will bless and sustain the Church even more abundantly!
anonymous says
The Romans 8:3-33 Scripture Too True quoted above says it all:
“Since God did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all will he not with him freely give us all things. This sums up the tithing mandate as false but Too True forgot to put in the 8 as in Chapter 8. It is not chapter 3
anonymous says
Romans 8:32 is the best promise of what has done God did and will do for free in the New Testament Bible!
Obedient says
Well said Tiffany. Bottom line in all of this. God looks on the heart. Follow your own conviction and I feel strongly that God will bless you accordingly.
Kevin Mitchell says
To Tiffany; It is very good that you checked out Mr.Kelly.In defense of Mr.Kelly is the Bible.You say non- tithers offer no solution.i disagree.God has never provided for a building or the professional clergy ie pastors.Why is the supernatural missing from the majority of institutional christianity and all of catholisism? HE is a supernatural God.Everything HE does, including provide is done supernaturally.My point is God never initiated buildings,sermons,services,missions etc.etc.Because God is LOVE HE has blessed thru the institution.However,not because of them but in spite of them.Many christians observe pagan practices when they “GO” to church.and have done so for the last 500 yrs.Did you know that communion was and is a meal? Not a wafer or matzo washed down with a thimble full of grape juice.i could go on but i won’t.If you really want to know the truth about what i have said, read for your self “pagan christianity”by Frank Viola and George Barna.Paul has spoken to us down thru the centuries.”Brethren i would that you be not ignorant” meaning un-knowing.
Obedient says
Kevin — do you belong to a church (i.e church member?); do you belong to a denomination — a body who has certian beliefs and interpretations/understanding of the bible? How do you personally promote the gospel of Jesus Christ? You know that temples existed during Jesus’s time — right? You know that he commands us to go into all the world and preach the gospel — occupy until he comes — right? I am sure you can understand that God knows and sees the progress the human race has made, and the progression of technology and communication (of course he does – he knows all) — therefore, he will use anyone and anything to be able to gain another soul. That said — there is nothing “pagan” about a building/meeting place, etc. I believe God has ordained it, encourages it, endorses it, blesses it — it is a way for his children to commune and have fellowship. I feel sorry for you if you don’t have a church home. Kevin — every single message you have posted here comes through with a very bitter and angry spirit. Again, I hope that whatever bad experience you have had in a church does not keep you from heaven. Not all church goers are perfect — none of us are, but God has asked his people to reach out and love one another. The body of Christ needs that fellowship, and organization should not be confused at all with pagan rituals.
In terms of communion — aren’t you pushing this too literal? He said “Do this in remembrance of me” — the cracker or wafer and a cup of juice or whatever is to be just a symbol of his body and blood that was sacrificed for us. Don’t ever forget that God looks on the heart. If you partake for the right reasons with a clean heart — I personally believe He is OK with the “way” in which it is done. How can anyone have it completely right. Not a chance. Another good question when we get to heaven — along with the issue of giving/tithing — one among many related to the interpretation of his words don’t you think?
Don't force me to pay bribe God! says
To JOHN AND OBEDIENT,
What do you mean the bible is left up to interpretation on tithing?
Paul the Apostle was very specific & clear. He called the Jews demanding that the Gentiles keep Jewish laws of circumcision (and the verse also said AND OTHER LAWS) “dogs”. Paul also said “watch out for dogs” in another text. He was talking about the people trying to force Laws on the Gentiles as a way to please God and have his Covenant blessings. Peter said “why do you want to burden the Gentiles with a yoke of bondage that we and our ancestors could not keep” it is right there in Acts chapter 15. The entire chapter of 15 of Acts discusses law keeping and what the original Apostles should command the Gentiles to do. Get a Bible commentary and look under dogs or google the Apostle Paul and who he was talking about in Galatians when he called them dogs. He also said those insisting that the Gentiles cut themselves to keep the Jewish circumcision law, that he wished they would be cut off (as in off the planet). Chew on that for awhile if you think Kevin Mitchell are being too harsh.
Paul was not very subtle & he did not mix words he was grace alone through faith alone for every need!
Kevin Mitchell says
To OBed.Do not waste your pity on me.Unlike you i do not have to “go” to church to be the Church.You are not even worth my time to debate.
Leah says
If anyone has gone through many Church hurts I can match any story on this subject anytime. Just to briefly touch on what I have experienced: I attended a Church where the Pastor was always talking about various people that were always going through trials, saying we had better check out if they have some secret sin in their life or if they were paying their tithes before we lend the a helping hand. As it turned out this same Pastor admitted to an Adulterous affair lasted almost 2yrs! After getting over shocker, I had attended another Church that was vibrant and growing until that Pastor had an affair and left his wife but thank God they later reconciled. Still another I finally found after much searching had a great Pastor but he retired Then they brought in a young Pastor, we had a majority elderly congregation who seriously loved the Lord. The new young Pastor tried to change everything to more modern including the Music which is a no-no if you know what happens when you mess with the Music,
He was trying to attract younger members that is when all heck broke lose esp. when he fired the Choir Director a third of the Choir left the Church taking their families & friends with them. Mind you this was half the Church.
I could go on & on like this all day but for the sake of time I will get to the bottom line. Kevin is right, we have got to stop going to Church and be the Church!
If I did not love Jesus so much I would have quit and given up a long time ago.
But as someone said before, we cannot confuse the messenger with the message. God is still worth hanging in their, even when people let us down.
Right now pray for me I am not rushing to join another Church just yet, but I am looking for a good Bible Study & Prayer Support Group!