I haven’t done so officially yet, but I was just thinking the other day about writing a testimony about how i came to my conclusion about tithing. I guess what prompted this was when I had mentioned to someone that i used to tithe. They asked me what reasons did I switch my views on tithing and if it had anything to do with the abuse of money in the church. Typically people ask questions like that because they wanted to see if my tithing stand was born out of ill conceit. Most people think that if your opposition sprouted from rebellion then they think that your argument is not legitimate. I’m sure there are many people out there today that believe in Spirit-led giving because they questioned abuse in the church. I’m sure some of them are still rebellious and bitter about it. But let’s not throw out the truths that we find even though they are found in the doubting moments of the church.
My tithing testimony doesn’t include a rebellious foundation. I grew up in a church that was very good with money. We had no debt, and we had great outreach. We didn’t have the bells and whistles, like coffee shops and stage lighting like most seeker-sensitive churches, but we still had more than what we needed. I remember the church going into debt only once because the school needed classrooms. It was a facility that cost only 1 million dollars and was well worth the cost for the students of a complete high school and church to constantly use.
So anyways back to my testimony, I got my first job at 16 at an ice cream shop. My very first paycheck I tithed on. I tithed from then all the way through the end of college. I didn’t question it. My parents had tithed all their lives and so I would as well. I really didn’t even know what verses that tithing was commanded from, but I tithed anyways. I am glad that I gave all that money, and there are no regrets there. The only thing I regret to tell you about my tithing testimony is that I was living by a law and I didn’t know why. It was automatic.
There’s been some controversy today about ATM tithing and automated debits for your offering. People are afraid that since the money is not physically placed in an offering plate that we will be out of tune with the heart of giving. But with how tithing is automated today, what difference does it make if you blindly press a button on the internet, or you just blindly sign a check? If there is no spiritual interaction involved it doesn’t matter if you have automatic withdrawals or you place cold hard cash in a gold offering plate as it passes by.
Let me tell you that one of the hardest things for me was to tithe my income when I was paying my way through college. Most people have it harder than I did, but I paid for my own gas, insurance, vehicle, entertainment, tuition, and books. My parents gave me a place to stay and eat for free, but they didn’t give me anything extra. Over one summer i had three jobs and was working about 70 hours a week. Regardless of how hard I worked I still had to take out some loans. Luckily it was only about 1 year’s worth of school debt
I mentioned that my parents had tithed all their lives, but let me just reassure you that God didn’t throw money out of the sky at our family. We probably just barely made it. I could honestly tell you that my parents probably had more credit cards than I actually get in offers in a year. They were extremely in debt! And managed to steal my credit and get me in debt as well, but that’s beside the point. The point I want to bring up is actually a question. Let’s say that my parents gave only 4% to the church, but were excellent in their finances and paid all their bills on time? How would God judge them? Of course, they did the opposite, but what do you think God judges more severely – not tithing or getting in debt? Hmmm, good question, but that’s not how God judges our stewardship. You see God doesn’t have a checklist of requirements that we need to meet before we’ve become acceptable to him. Remember the steward that was left in charge of 2 talents while his master was gone? He buried the talents and when his master returned, he gave 100% of the talents back. A good steward is an investor, not a giver, not a bill payer, not a returner.
This is essentially what I did with my money. I was a giver, not an investor. An investor is Spirit-led, but a giver follows directions from a dead law.
So as I was saying about my tithing testimony in college. At the end of college, I became involved in a fellowship that challenged and fed me. We did lots of ministries together. One day a friend confronted us about tithing. He said that tithing is not required of New Testament Christians. I immediately argued with him. Of course, I didn’t agree. I couldn’t have been wrong all these years. After all, tithing is commanded in the bible, right? After that i began to search the scriptures to prove him wrong. The more and more I studied, the more and more, I couldn’t prove him wrong. It was the craziest thing! I kept going over and over scriptures. I kept questioning my reasoning. There’s just no way that this much of the church has been wrong for so long about tithing. Then it hit me. What was the number one thing that Jesus talked about in the bible? It wasn’t heaven, hell, hatred, the tongue, lying, or satan. It was money.
Outside of the Holy Spirit and the Word, money is the most powerful and influential substance known to mankind. If there is anything that the church can be wrong about, it’s gotta be about money.
So I’ve been heavily studying and discussing tithing since 2005. I started a tithing website, started this blog, and started a tithing group in order to get the word out. Hopefully one day, I will write a book.
I cannot tell you the amount of growing and learning that God has given me over the past years. I wish I could just take a portion of my heart, soul, and mind and let you see the truths that God has spoken to me about Spirit-led giving. My passion on this subject is what keeps me writing about it so much. If this truth was not so alive in me I wouldn’t be able to write as much as I do. Right now, I believe there are over 180 blog articles that have been written here since 2006. Each day there are about 245 unique visitors, 3280 hits, and 175 google searches. That is another thing that keeps me motivated about this site. I know people are searching for the truth.
I am convinced that Spirit-led giving is what God intended for his Children under the New Covenant. Would I remain open to new evidence that tithing is required for us, well, sure! I have listened to hundreds of sermons and read dozens of books on tithing, so I’m not sure that much of anything new is out there to reveal, but an open mind is there, believe it or not. I hope my tithing testimony encourages some. Please share your testimony as well. It will encourage me and others.
Chaka S. Rosemin says
Tithing will definitely rebuke the devourer for your sake. When you honor God with your finances, you must believe in His promises, confess his Word and give cheerfully.
When I relocated down here to Raleigh God blessed me with a job where I made the same salary. He was very faithful, however due to not coming down here with a plan, I had to start over. In January I had to quit the job, and my income was about maybe $300 a month. I started sending my resume out again in February. God whispered in my ear and told me to send the resumes out in the name of Jesus. Still there was no job yet, in my discouragement I had to trust God and know that he was the source.
God allowed my resume to get into the right peson’s hand, he blessed me with daycare for both of my children. I do not have a car but God blessed me with transportation to and from work(I do not have to pay a dime out of my pocket for it. I am a faithful tither to God be the glory. I donot care where the money came from I gave that 10 percent cheerfully, and I spoke God’s word over it. He has opened doors which no man will be able to close, and he did not just open up the door but the windows too. I am still sitting here and praising God in my spirit and at my desk Thanking God. Remember God is the source…..He is the Provider, and the one who will rebuke the devourer for your sake. You have to believe, I do not care what the situation looks like, just stretch out on that faith.God will bless you before that offering and Tithe gets to the storehouse. I am a living witness. STRETCH OUT ON FAITH AND CONFESS GOD”S WORD. Be obedient to God with your finances and watch God. No it may take sometime, but remember God’s timing is always right. He is a God of decency and order. GIVE, GIVE,and keep on giving. If you do not have the offering, be obedient with the tithe. Dod will make a way out of no way. If he did it for me it can be done for anyone. Do not block the blessing by stealing from God.If you have stole from him repent, and make it right with God. Please be blessed and prosper.
andrea says
hi ihave been searching for confirmation on tithing. I am asingle mum with 2 daughters and as well as tithing for over a year and giving generous offerings i had to pursue another job in addition to my full time job. Last week i prayed and confessed to God that i felt oppressed and bound and could he explain why i was left struggling each month and when he was going to open up the windows of heaven and pour out my blessing. Today after spending several hours researching i agree that God does not require Gentiles to tithe but to give to the poor with a good heart, I feel so free and dont need to take on amother job to make ends meet. The God TV preachers whom I trusted has left me with doubt in my heart and I will no longer trust their teaching but rely on the holy spirit to guide me with the ruth. Thank you for your research of the scriptures which made it easier for me to discover and have the truth confirmed andrea
Dan Giovannone says
You’re missing one very very important point here. Acts 2:42 states “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.”
Did you miss that? “had all things in common and sold their possessions and goods and divided them among all, as anyone had need”…so should we do this?…so how can it be that tithing is not applicable but neither is this?
You are correct that Spirit lead giving is best….I don’t believe in tithing. Honestly, having read your testimony I realize, why tithe when we can give so much more!! My only point is, let not people use your testimony as a reason not to tithe, rather let it be a reason to give so much more.
I can only say in Proverbs 3:9 “Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.”
This is so very true, nothing provides a better sleep, a more joyful and thankful heart and contentment than giving with gladness. Thank you for reading. Blessings. Daniel
Jared Brian says
Dan G.,
it’s not about giving above and beyond a tithe. The poor did not tithe in the old testament. bankers, lawyers, doctors, and carpenters did not tithe on their occupational income either. The Israelites were required to give less than 1% of their increase in spoils of war.
We can’t take extraordinary examples of giving in the new testament church and claim that they are models for how we should give today. They are examples, not models. The only thing we should model is their faith, not what they gave. The same goes for giving in the old testament.
– jared
Tithe vs. Offering says
There is a differnce between a tithe and an offering. An offering is beyond your tithe. I am not against free will offering, but I am syaing that a free will offering should not be in place of your tithe. Also, how does the New Testament nullify the Old? Does the New Testament refute the Old Testment Law?
John says
All the requirements of the law has been fulfilled by Jesus! We are accepted in Christ Jesus – not by our offerings or tithes! If your basis is NOT ‘Jesus is my Righteousness’ then you are in danger.
Saekell says
Tithing, honestly is about obedience. Its not just to give. The bible tells us that obedience is better than sacrifice, and tithing should teach us to give from a place of doing what we know to be true. I think some ministries stress tithes for the wrong reasons but bottom line is God set a standard, and we should follow it. The true blessing of tithing is the fact that it can be challenging…regardless of how much money you make. A tenth of a million dollars IS A LOT. lol, but when we give to God from a place of trust and activate our FAITH with that giving results are produced. Its easier to give when you have but feels impossible to do when you dont. I can give while in need because I really have learned that God will provide all my needs and that is where my faith lies. He said “man shall not live by bread alone” He is the provider and being obedient and KNOWING that God will provide what i “eat or drink” I can give freely because God is my source. We can never have what we are afraid of letting go.
Elaine says
I have personally been in study on the subject of tithing for quite sometime now. I gave my life to Christ over 35 years ago and in the early days of my walk I never heard my pastor pound on the subject of tithing as it is today. We gave as the Lord enabled us to give and we weren’t put under bondage from it. I was in a small church, yet it was packed every Sunday and Wednesday , and even for prayer on Friday nights half of the church was there. I never heard that tithing was a “commandment” as I hear in my church now. In that little church I grew up in we had one need after another met. We put an addition on the church and still had a surplus of money for other areas of ministry. In the church I am in now, as leaders you must put your name on the tithe envelop and if you don’t you will be told to step down from your position. So I asked the pastor…if you aren’t hurting for money and it really isn’t necessary for people to write their names, how can they be brought into your office if they don’t give? Well…let’s say the true spirit about his understanding of tithing came out. I brought out the scriptures about tithing being every three years etc. and I also brought out one more famous scripture used for tithing in Malachi 3 . The scripture used most often is in verse 8…Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed me! But you say, In what way have we robbed You? In tithes and offerings. Vrs 9 You are cursed with a curse. Now back up! Who was this being said to? Let’s go to verse 5…And I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness against sorcerers, against adulterers, against perjurers, against those who exploit wage earners and widows, and orphans, and against those who turn away an alien-Because they do not fear Me, Says the Lord of hosts.
The Lord was talking to the priest about forcing God’s people to pay them tithes! I am finding that the pounding for tithes comes out of the Shepherding/Discipleship/Mentoring movement and it promotes “lordship” over people’s lives through a ministry/church/pastor and displaces Christ in the life of the believer. It locks people into giving 10% and doesn’t give the New Testament place of giving without being compelled to do so. There are so many who don’t study let alone read the Word so they are told this is what the Word says, and they blindly follow. We are to bless and help one another and its not with money all the time. Tithing clothing(good, clean ones not your rags), food(not something you have in your pantry for years), and other necessary materials in life. When we catch a glimpse of helping each other as we journey through life as the (true aliens) we won’t have a problem with giving (whether we call it tithing or not)
SQ says
Galatians 3:11
“So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”
Hebrew 8:6
“But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises”.
Hebrew8:7
For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
Galatians 3:13
“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree”
James 2:10
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.
Galatians 3:10
All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”
Romans 8:32
“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?”
Hebrews 7: 28
Moses’ Teachings designated mortals as chief priests even though they had weaknesses. But God’s promise, which came after Moses’ Teachings, designated the Son who forever accomplished everything that God required.
Colossians 2: 14 “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross”
The Terms and conditions of the New Covenant was fulfilled by Jesus on the Cross. The New Covenant is unconditional and entered into by faith in the finished work of Christ on Calvary. There were 613 laws including Sabbath keeping Friday to Sat. night to nothing but pray or study the Word.
Abraham did not pay tithes before the law. He gave a one time tenth which does not qualify as faithful tithing. He was also circumcised before the law!
Suzanne says
You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. Galatians 5:4
Suzanne says
Also it would make more sense to keep the circumcision law if one were to choose any Old Covenant law and use Abraham as an example of keeping the law before Moses gave the Law.
Unlike the one time voluntary tithe that he voluntarily gave Melchizedek God did not demand this but God did demand Circumcision of all male babies on the eight day.
Be consistent or just shut up. Some of you are looking like brainwashed clones who cannot think for yourselves.
Suzanne says
By the way I give (not pay) tithes the key word here is give. It is out of worship not to pay God for favor. A long time ago the Holy Spirit gave me the revelation that my favor comes from the payment Jesus made on the Cross when he said Paid in full same as it is finished
John 19:30) He fulfilled the law they no man could keep with perfection and then gave me a access and right standing (favor) with God. I disdain any boasting of any payment but the one Jesus made on the Cross!
Anthony E. Fierro says
I have a two-part question…given that Malachi 3:10 says, “Prove me now herewith”, isn’t God daring us to prove Him in the area of finance? Secondly – has anyone here actually attempted to prove God in the area of finance?
Second is a point really, and not so much a question. If God is, as He says in Hebrews 13:8, the same yesterday, today, and forever, does it not stand to reason that the same words in Malachi apply today?!
Thanks for taking a moment…
Jared Brian says
To whom is the challenge directed to?
I tithed my 10% for years prior to my change in beliefs about the validity of tithing. I have had moments of challenges and triumphs during both periods of my life.
How would you explain the things that God has already changed?
Anthony E. Fierro says
In my humble opinion, He is challenging all believers.
Let’s start with point 1…
I believe in all out obedience to God as a true sign of our love to Him. In love, Christ obeyed the Father’s wish (Matthew 26:39, Phillipians 2:5) for Him to complete the plan on the Earth. Since we are God’s elect (ekklesia – the called out), then we should very clearly be acting, living, problem solving unlike anyone in the world, and certainly our lives should look FAR different than those not in the world (Romans 12:1-2).
I think it also important to point out that Christ is to be not only Savior, but Lord as well. In other words – those that raised their hands in some emotional catharsis 10 years ago, but don’t show any signs that they are different than anyone else, are in some very real, very dangerous territory (but we can get into that elsewhere)
That being said, I feel that tithing is a non-negotiable. Just like loving on people, praying for people, and being a clear example of Christ on earth (individually, some of us are the only Christ some people will ever meet). In Luke 6:38, Christ (it’s in red in my Bible) said, “give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall they give into your bosom” and then in 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul admonishes us that, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” Lasty, Gen 8:22 states, “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” This principle is apparent in both the natural and spiritual. When you plant a kernel of corn, you don’t get one kernel back. If you did, you would scratch your head and wonder, “What the”. When you sow, you reap, and you reap MORE than what you’ve sown as well as LATER than you’ve sown.
So – tithing is not only God’s command, but it also allows us to sow that we might reap. Now…all of this academic and Scriptural discussion is good – but what is truly powerful is God’s will being LIVED OUT in the life of a Christian.
Let me lay out for you a simple testimony. This month, I’ve sown 10% of earned income, and 15% on a check that I wasn’t expecting. I therefore have $1,000 in $100 bills sitting in an envelope waiting for this coming Sunday. In faithfulness to His Word (which cannot ever fail according to Matt 5:18, Numbers 23:19, Psalms 119:89) the following events transpired:
This week has been my biggest ever in my business. I have earned $15,726 in commissions.
· I went to the post office and awaiting me was a check for $1727.19. This check was the result of a class action lawsuit. All I had to do a few months ago was sign up and say, “Yes”.
· When I got home, I had an e-mail indicating that Sprint had shipped me something. Having no knowledge of any order being placed, I immediately called them to find out what was up. Apparently (even though the phone is not available for either wait-listing through retail stores nor was it available for telephone order) a new EVO HTC phone was sent. This was in spite of me accepting that I might have to wait a while to get one, and it being completely out of my mind that day.
· A friend of my wife’s came to our home and gave me over $200.00 in very stylish clothing that I probably would have never bought for myself
Now – I recognize that there are many folks in the church that don’t dare approach the throne of Grace in a spirit of boldness as instructed in Hebrews 4:16. I don’t know why, but God sent His Son to die on the cross that we might have that level of fellowship with Him (see also John 10:10, John 1:12, Romans 8:15).
So – if I can look God in His face, know that I am doing everything in my power to live a life of love and excellence, witnessing, tithing, serving in my church and literally practicing the same kenosis (Gk. ??????? – lit. pouring of one’s self out) which Christ did on the cross, why would I not legitimately know that God can provide for my needs and desires (as promised in Psalms 37:4, Matthew 6:33, James 5:16)
I could go on…or not. Again – my testimony is being lived out and I can direct you to many people to verify what I’ve told you. I will continue to tithe, and since I cannot out-give God, I would venture to guess that one day I will be able to live on my 10-15%. I hope this helps clarify my position.
Lenny says
If you read John 1:1-3 , you will find that that God is Jesus Christ as confirmed in vs 14 and 17. But Jesus the Word never commanded or taught us to tithe, the Holy Spirit has not mentioned it, and the apostles never taught it to the new believer but embraced the new giving of sharing and having everything common. That is the giving the Father is pleased with. Wherever the Holy Spirit is operating, there is extraordinary love that results in sharing. The bible records that no one lacked, in other words, there was no difference between the haves and the have-nots (Acts 2:41-46). The real question is, how many of us can claim to be as generous as the truly Spirit-filled early believers? That is the difference. We are loveless and the tithe thrives on on that.
Jared Brian says
Anthony,
For every testimony you can share about receiving ‘unexpected’ money after tithing, i can share with you a testimony that is quite opposite. Did you know that statistics show that those who actually give away the highest percentage of their income are in the low income bracket in America?
I cannot subscribe tithing in the non-negotiable category. Principles such as love and prayer are untethered. Giving is as well. . . until we attach a minimum standard. We cannot adopt one of the many giving laws in the bible and claim that it’s non-negotiable, anymore than i can say that praying 3 times a day is non-negotiable.
At the very best, giving 10% of our increase, is not universally practiced or required in scripture. There were many times where giving from increase was less than 10%. There were people who were not required to give a tithe at all from their occupational income. There are examples where tithing is required and other times where it seems optional.
Look, if there was anything about tithing that was remotely consistent throughout scripture, i would adopt it; but there isn’t, and there is no argument against that. If you read my testimony in my blog post above, you will see how i struggled with my decision to believe what i’m saying now. But there’s just no way to justify a minimum standard of giving, just as there is no way to justify a minimum standard to serve.
– jared
Anthony E. Fierro says
More specifically – let’s play out this scenario: I just became a Christian. I have been baptized. What now? How do I live in the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit, frighten Satan, free others from bondage and captivity, and basically be the salt and light I have been called to be?!?!?!
Anthony E. Fierro says
Steward:
Perhaps I am misunderstanding your point – so let’s work to clarify. How does one know that you or I are Christians, or children of the Most High God?
Anthony E. Fierro says
Steward –
You used an interesting word above – untethered… Further, you mentioned a ‘minimum’ standard that we are to meet.
In light of James 1:22, James 2:14-16, Matt 5:13-16, Romans 12:1-2, 1 Cor 10:31, and in exchange for the love and salvation that we’ve been given, please comment on our role as Christians on the Earth. What are we supposed to DO?!?!
Or – as your ‘minimum standard’ comment implies earlier, are we to ‘do’ anything?
Jared Brian says
I’m not sure what kind of answer you are looking for, but there are 69 books in the bible that should help you answer this. I don’t think i can answer this in one comment
Matthew 7:20, John 13:35, 1 John 5:13, John 10:27 . . . to name a few
I look at my relationship with God they way i look at my relationship with my wife. If i love my wife, won’t i provide for her needs? If i love my wife, will i care for her hurts? If i love my wife, will i sacrifice for her?
I remember working hard over the summers while going through school so I could scrape out enough money to buy my wife an engagement ring. I would venture to say that most men buy a ring that is probably out of our price range, but because of our puppy love we put our logic aside and buy a ring way out of our price range. Looking back, I don’t think that I could tell you that my sacrifice was foolish. As a matter of fact, I would say that it probably wasn’t foolish enough. I’m not the one who is going to wear the ring & show it off, so it doesn’t concern me that other people know how rich I must have been or how much money I have. I just wanted my wife to know one thing. I want to represent how valuable she is through my sacrifice. Romantic giving will cost you. Other people will look at you to the point of being foolish, but what does a man care when he’s in love. What does a child of God care when he’s in love with his creator? Love makes us silly. Somehow I think it ties into the reason why 1 Corinthians says ‘God loves a cheerful giver’. The root word for “cheerful” in that passage comes from our word “hilarious”. It’s ironic that love makes us silly & how God is pleased with a silly, in-love giver.
Anthony E. Fierro says
Right – but also keep in mind that our commitment to God may not always be romantic, nor emotional.
In fact, we are to walk by FAITH and not by sight or feelings (2 COR 5:7)…so our commitment shouldn’t change based on how we feel, what the checking account balance looks like, or that we might be late for a rent payment.
Specifically – your dispute with the tithing believer hinges on the victories and defeats that you’ve suffered, even while tithing…correct?
Anthony E. Fierro says
A Defense Of Tithing
Since tithing is definitely a principle taught in the Bible, it is absolutely shocking to hear the number of people that teach that tithing isn’t relevant for Christians today. Many of these individuals decry tithing as an “illegal and abusive practice of the Church”. They claim that if you practice tithing you are still under “Old Testament bondage”. The purpose of this article is not to identify every scripture in the Bible relating to tithing, but rather to try to refute some of the arguments commonly used to convince people that Christians don’t need to tithe.
1) Tithing is not necessary under this current dispensation of grace.
Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said, “If the ‘grace’ you have received does not help you to keep the law, you have not received grace.” While it is true that we now live in a dispensation of grace, that grace was purchased at a tremendous cost. It did not free me of all obligations to Christ. Lev. 27:30-32 emphasizes that the tithe is “holy unto the Lord”. We are commanded to “Be ye holy; for I am holy” (I Peter 1:16). If we consume upon ourselves that which is holy unto the Lord, then we are cheapening the grace that purchased our redemption.
‘If the “grace” you have received does not help you to keep the law, you have not received grace’.
2) Tithing was only an Old Testament teaching, and was not applicable in the New Testament.
Scripture records several ceremonial obligations, such as the law of animal sacrifices, which are no longer binding upon the New Testament church (Heb. 9:8–10). These were types that were fulfilled by Christ at his first advent. However, tithing was instituted for a specific purpose and not as a type. The Apostle Paul presented no argument against tithes as he did repeatedly against the ceremonial issues of the law (ex. meats, holy days, new moon feasts, Sabbath days, circumcision, etc.). Jesus himself even commended people for tithing (Matt. 23:23). There are many scriptures in the New Testament showing where the ceremonial law of God was fulfilled and no longer applicable to the church, but there is no scripture stating that tithing in no longer necessary. It is very audacious of men today to take it upon themselves to make changes to God’s written plan for the tithe.
3) Tithing was only required of Jews, not Gentiles.
The vast majority of our Bible was written to the Jews. All of Jesus’ words were spoken to Jews. That does not mean we can disregard them because we are not Jews. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)
4) Before the Law of Moses, tithing was done on a voluntary basis.
All true worship of God is voluntary on our part. That was true before, during and after the Law of Moses. No one makes you attend church. No one forces you to be baptized. No one makes you live a holy life. Similarly, no one can compel you to tithe. That does not mean that it’s optional either. The grace of God allows us to obey all of God’s Word and not just the parts we like.
5) Malachi 3 was only written to the Jews that were under the Mosaic Law.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God…” (II Tim. 3:16). Of course Malachi was writing to the Jews in his day, because the Gentiles were still the wild olive branch that had not yet been grafted in (Romans 11:17). If we are to say that the scriptures only apply to the people that they were originally written for, then we can disregard the entire Bible. We don’t need to show charity, because that was only a charge given to the Corinthians.
6) It is impossible to give tithes to the one true High Priest and anyone else collecting tithes under grace is a fraud and a robber.
“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matt. 25:40) It is true that we are not able to physically give our tithes to Christ, and he has no need of them anyway. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalms 50:10). However, he has established a church that bears his name and is his representation in the earth.
7) Those that tithe are denying that Christ fulfilled the law of Moses.
There was a law of God in place long before the Mosaic Law was instituted. For example, God instructed Noah regarding the number of animals he was to take into the ark. He differentiated between the “clean” and the “unclean” animals. The Bible does not record the law defining such unclean animals, until Leviticus 11. Yet, that law was already in existence in Noah’s time.
Similarly, the principle of tithing preceded the establishment of God’s covenant with ancient Israel and it did not cease with the establishment of the second or new covenant!
8) A pagan Roman Catholic Church established tithing centuries after the Bible was written.
This is a very weak argument since there are so many scriptures in the Bible that shows God’s people observing the principle of tithing. The truth is God himself established tithing in the book of Genesis (Gen. 14:20).
9) Only Levites could collect tithes and since the Levitical priesthood has ended, so has tithing.
This argument is based on the assumption that God gave the tithe eternally and unconditionally to the Levites. The Bible does not say that. When we tithe, we are giving it to the Lord and not to man. Man only uses it. In Malachi 3, Israel was not robbing the Levites of tithes – they were robbing God.
The ability to receive tithes was not just based on ancestral heritage. The Bible even records some examples of individuals receiving tithes that were not Levites. Abraham paid tithes to Melchesidek (Gen. 14:18-20) and he obviously was not a Levite since Levi would not be born until many years later. There were some who came and brought their tithes to Elisha (II Kings 4:42).
10) Only food products from the land were “titheable”; money was never a “titheable” item.
There is certainly no scripture that excludes money as a “titheable” item. In fact, the scriptures say that you are to give tithes of all your increase (II Chron. 31:5). In the agricultural society of Moses day, the primary source of wealth for people was their crops and animals. This was their source of income. God is laying out a principle that you are to tithe from your source of income.
11) Giving offerings has replaced tithing, and you only need to give what you feel is appropriate for your situation.
“Proportional giving” is a concept that is impossible for Christians to fulfill. We can never give back to the Lord in proportion to how he as blessed us. If we gave everything we had, we would still fall far short.
In addition, offerings were not a New Testament creation designed to replace tithing as some would want you to believe. In fact, the giving of offerings was taught in the Old Testament in addition to paying your tithes. The children of Israel were required to bring an offering when they came up to the Temple three times a year (II Chron. 8:13). Giving offerings is not to be in place of your tithes, but in addition to it. The Israelites had robbed God of “tithes and offerings” (Mal. 3:8). If they were one and the same, this passage would not make sense.
In conclusion, people can come up with all kinds of arguments to not do something that they don’t want to do. Due to space, I have not even addressed some of the weaker arguments sometimes used (ex. tithes were suppose to be brought into the storehouse and the New Testament church has no storehouse). From studying the scriptures, I strongly believe that tithing is still relevant for our day. It was instituted as a method to support the work of God and to be a vehicle by which God could bless his people. Both of which we still need today.
joel says
Joel, for you to say that many are against tithing because we love money and are stingy is wrong. Jesus sometimes ask christians to give specific amounts of money that will take a lot of faith to to obey. We all live by faith now, not following the tithe laws given exclusively to the Israelites in the old testament. I am sad to see so many christians are deceived into this “money tithe” that greedy false teachers and pastors are using to defraud many good born again christians.
Please, before we start could you please go and read Numbers 18:1-3NKJ or AMP version. Read Deuteronomy 14:22-29, Nehemiah 10:37-39, Mathew 23:23.
Please understand that God gave these Laws to Moses specificly and instructed Moses to follow it very carefully or else He will punish all who fail to practice it.
God clearly ask for 10% of “FOOD GROWN WITHIN THE GATES OF ISRAEL” as tithes
We are not allowed to change the Law, for example Sabbath,circumsicion,burnt offerings, sin offering etc…. according to the Law of Moses.
Money tithes is a “FALSE TEACHING”. How would you like to change one of the ten commandments like, for example “Thou shall not kill and change it to Thou shall not kill but if Asians or African Americans offend you then you can kill them and repent after.
No one is allowed to change the law of Moses or Mosiac Law. Even Jesus did not change the Mosiac Law.
Galatians 3:10NKJ,AMP,NLT says ” CURSED is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them”
That CURSE Paul mention is real if you want to test it.
Only Jesus can remove that CURSE FROM OUR LIVES. He did on the cross in Galvary.
You or your pastor can not remove that CURSE, like they teach in Malachi 3:10 to pay the tithes or you will be cursed. Or you are robbing God if you dont pay the (money tithe)
Please read your bible and stop insulting christians by promoting this LIE (money tithes)
FRAUD IS STILL FRAUD IN GODS EYES. TO teach a lie to defraud christians of their money IS A SERIOUS THING TO GOD. I HOPE YOU TAKE THIS WARNNIG SERIOUSLY.
Have a peaceful day.
joel says
Sorry, I mean Anthony E Fierro
I hope you read the scriptures that I gave you . Paul asked the Galatians who ” BEWITCHED THEM” in Galatians 3:1 . If you do not understand that then we have a problem.
False teachers and greedy pastors lie about scriptures to line their pockets but I think you must ignore Jesus warnning about wolves in sheeps clothing because you know better.
Anthony E. Fierro says
I am confused now – a guy named Joel is arguing against a guy named Joel?
Anyways…I’ve presented multiple cogent arguments based solely on scripture. You are either going to OBEY God’s word at face value, or your not. It’s really a choice…
From the Garden of Eden to the Garden of Gesthemane, it is about choice, it’s been about choice, and it will always be about choice.
I have chosen…and God has, and will continue, to richly bless my life and the lives of those around me because I have said, “Yes” to being an open, willing vessel of His blessing.
James says
I say you are a Mormon Anthony Fierro, pretending to be a born again christian. I can spot a fraud by the way you defend the tithing law.
Anthony E. Fierro says
Moron? OK… I am glad I am a blood bought Christian because if I were not, and dependent solely upon Christians who call names to spread the word, I would be in some deep kimchi.
Don’t knock tithing until you actually try it. If you’d like, we can sit down and match up paystubs and then we can see who has financial victory in their life.
You name the time and place. My e-mail address is anthonyefierro@yahoo.com
smiley says
Financial victory?????? If that is not pride, what do you call that? Job had the financial victory that you are probably speaking of and it all left him for a season and then was returned even greater. I wonder if you would still boast about your financial victory if the Lord took it away even after you tithed and offered so much? No offense.
Lenny says
It is no longer a question of choice when the scriptures are clear. It is either you obey or you don’t. If the Lord did not talk about tithing, the Holy Spirit did not and the apostles did not in the New Testament. Where did it come from? What is the basis for arguing or defending the tithe? It is defunct, a shadow and out dated.
Sam says
Anthony,
Do you mean obey or be cursed ? Could you please explain your position clearly. You are mixing the old and new covenant. If you are a gentile then you have no business with the old covenant period. Study the word of God properly and stop the misleading statements you are making, you are responsible for deceiving many christians. Its your faith in christ that activates the blessing not keeping the law. Unless you do not know the diffrence.