Christian Living

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THE TRUTH ABOUT TITHING

Tithing ranks right up with the Sabbath as an issue of great importance in the Old Covenant. And it is very popular with preachers today for it establishes a minimum amount for believers to give. Unfortunately, it is not taught in the New Covenant.

In the Old Testament tithing was started by Abraham, continued with Jacob and is a significant part of the Old Covenant. Jehovah commands it frequently in Exodus through Deuteronomy for the children of Israel.

In the Old Covenant Yahweh spells out every detail for Israel – as with children. The dimensions and weight of every article in the sanctuary is commanded – God even gives the exact recipe for the showbread. In the New Covenant Christ says, “As often as you eat this bread…you proclaim the Lord’s death.” No complex rules.

In the Old Covenant there are burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, trespass offerings and offerings with restitution. There is a tithe and a second tithe with detailed instructions for each and every one of these.

In the New Covenant Christ simply says, “Love one another; as I have loved you…by this all will know that you are my disciples” (John 13:34-5NKJV). Paul adds that, “He who loves another has fulfilled the law” (Rom 13:8NKJV).

Christ refers to tithing, the writer of Hebrews refers back to Abraham paying tithes, but nowhere does the epistles or the apostles command tithe paying for Christians. Paul says we should give bountifully because God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9:7).

Paul also talks about the saints taking up the collection (1 Cor. 16:1-2), but again he neglects to mention tithing. I had to think about why tithing wasn’t commanded as a part of the New Covenant, when it was so significant for the Old Covenant.

The Old Covenant was with the kingdom of Israel and promised health, wisdom, prosperity, victory over enemies and external peace. It never really mentions eternal life because Jehovah was promising success right now, in this present life.

The New Covenant promises forgiveness, inner peace, Christ’s Presence and eternal life. It says believers will heal the sick, cast out devils, speak with new tongues and be immune to poison. Heaven is assured because the faithful often bear a cross.

There is the answer for why the apostles do not call for tithe. Christians died to self and gave ALL. The early church had everything in common – in Acts 4 most believers gave 100% of what they had to the apostles. They gave 100%, not a mere 10%!

“Believers” who whine or worry about giving 10% have no comprehension that Jesus gave 100% on Calvary, and is merely asking us to be like Him. I suspect the ones who won’t trust Christ enough to pay a tithe when the world is calm are the ones Jesus will tell the Father He doesn’t know.

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