Is Tithing Obligatory for the Believer?
Several years ago I was interviewed for a senior pastor position at a church in the Philadelphia area. The interview seemed to be going well until we began talking about my philosophy of church financing. There seemed to be some concern over the fact that I would not affirm that I believed the scripture mandated every Christian to give 10% of their gross income to the local church. One person said, "Well what do teach regarding giving; how much should a person give?" I responded that I believe in cheerful, responsible, proportional, local, sacrificial giving, and that while I believed that the tithe was good benchmark that met that criterion for most of us, it was not a mandate of the New Testament. This particular group had never heard that concept it was a new paradigm they could not embrace.
I understand that my view is not common: In the evangelical Christian sub-culture in America. many people embrace tithing as a watershed doctrine. I've heard it presented a number of ways using either Malachi 3: 6-12 or Hebrews 7:4 -7 that the practice of giving 10% of one's gross income to the local church is seen as a practiced that existed before the Law was given, and is, therefore, a determining factor as to whether one is a true disciple. Therefore one who give less than 10% of their gross annual income is quote "robbing God," sinning against him and denying themselves and the church the blessing God intends. The purpose of this article is to explore that premise:
What I would like to do is compare how tithing is usually taught in the modern church with the way it was practiced in the Old Testament; in other words, does the modern practice of tithing meet the Old Testament obligation? Second I'd like to explore what does the New Testament teaches about tithing? Third, what is the New Testament principles that guide our giving.
All my life I have heard that one who is truly a disciple, who follows the Lord Jesus Christ, will give a tithe--10% of her gross annual income to his local church, because the Old and New Testament have taught that tithing existed before the Law was given. The first place tithing is seen is in Genesis 14:17-24. After Abram defeated three evil kings he met with Melchizedek who was King of Sodom and Priest of the Most High God. A King and Priest of who worshiped Elohim was a type (a historical prefigure) of Christ. Abram gave him a tenth of everything. In all likelihood he gave him a tenth of the spoils of war not all of his possession. In Leviticus 27:30-34 tells the Jews to bring 1/10th of all they own to the Lord. In addition they are once a year to bring a tithe, then again at the annual peace offering and yet again at the thanksgiving offering (Leviticus 7:12-21).
In Numbers 18: 25- 32 the tithe is set aside for the Levites. The children of Levi were given no inheritance of land; their inheritance was the temple and ministry to the people. Among the Levites, the descendants of Aaron were to be the priest. The people brought their tithe into the storehouse for the Levites, who had no land, to live on. The Levites gave a tithe of their received tithe for the priest to live on.
The book of Deuteronomy is Moses instructions to the generation that goes into the promise land. He tells them that when they cross the Jordan into the promise land. They were to give a tithe of all they had to support the Levites in the new nation. However, these tithes are distinct from offerings and sacrifice, so the amount the people give is more than 10% (Deuteronomy 12:6- 17.)In Deuteronomy 14:22-27 the people are told to tithe 10% of all they have, yet there some exceptions. If they are unable to meet their needs, they can eat the tithe.(Remember they did not use money, they bartered and traded agricultural goods). If the place where they have to carry the tithe is too far they can sell the tithe and spend the money on "whatever they want." So here the amount of the tithe tends to vary base on the need and demands of the people at the time. In Deuteronomy 14: 28 & 29 Every three years there is to be another 10% brought out, so in the third year the tithe is 20%.
When Hezekiah organized the priesthood he commanded the people to bring a tithe of their income to the Priest and Levites. It appears that the people went beyond the 10% tithe, giving the firstfruits of all things and giving abundantly. In verse 12 they brought in contributions, the tithe, the dedicated things. The mandate to give in this case (2 Chronicles 31:1-12) seemed to go beyond 10%. When Nehemiah rebuilt the city he re-established the tithe. The people were to bring the firstfruits of their crops, children, livestock, dough, trees, and in addition tithes were given to re-establish the Levites. The amount people were required to give was far more than 10 % (Nehemiah 10: 37, 38; 12:44; 13: 5-12).
The prophet Amos referred to the "three days of tithing." Once every three years they brought in the tithe of their income over those three years. There was also the peace offering and thanksgiving offering brought every year according to Leviticus 7. So the annual amount given may have been as much as 30%. In Malachai chapter 3 the people are warned about ignoring the need to take care of the needs of the Levites by denying the tithe. He does declare that God has a right to the tithe.
So from the Old Testament we can draw the following conclusions about the tithe. The tithe existed before the Law. It was an act of worship in which one declared that God owned all things and gave back to him what was rightfully his. The amount of the tithe varied. People were told they could eat from it, if they had need. It was collected 3 times a year meaning it could be up to 30%. So it is clear that Malachai 3 teaches that we are to dedicate our material possessions to God by giving a tithe, and that to withhold a gift to God belies his Lordship of our lives; however, the proportion and frequency of the tithe varied in the Old Testament under differing circumstance. Since the amount and frequency of the tithe varied in the Old Testament how should those who live in the grace environment of the New Testament give. What does the New Testament teach about tithing?
The New Testament mentions tithing 3 times:
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done with out neglecting the others. (Matthew 23:23)... But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe the mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others (Luke 11:42)." Jesus condemned the religious leadership of Israel, who were consistent tithers. He made it clear that tithing was a virtuous practice, but that character was more important. Jesus makes the same point in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee declares his self righteousness saying, "I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I have." Jesus taught that the act of tithing is no indication of a persons spiritual dedication. The tax collector affirmed his sinfulness and was justified. Tithing while a worthwhile practice appears to be no measure of spirituality.
The fourth and perhaps most controversial text is Hebrews 7: 1-10. This passage refers to Abraham's tithe to Melchezidek. He points out the Abraham gave 10% to Melchezidek to recognize and affirm Melchezidek's superior position to him and the other Kings. Since Melchizedek comes on to the scene with no explanation of his lineage, and no explanation of what happens to him, and he worship the most High God, he is a type, a representative, of the Jesus Christ. He foreshadows the coming of Christ. Abram offers the tithe as an act of worship to the God most high. The author compares this to the tithe under the Law which is where the Jewish people give the tithe to the Levites, to provide for their needs. The tithe to Melchizidek was a selfless act of worship where as the Levitical was an administrative necessity; therefore the former was superior to the latter. Since the Levites were descended from Abram, he represented them in his tithe. So the Levites representatively paid tithes through Abraham. Some argue that the point here is that the tithe precedes the Law as an act of worship and submission to God. This is inconsistent with what the rest of the text teaches.
"Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it people received the Law) what further need was there for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? For when there is a change in priesthood there is a change in law itself. For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with the tribe of Moses said nothing about priests (Hebrews 7:11-14)."
Jesus was born of the tribe of Judah, not of Levi. His priesthood did not come from Aaron. Like Melchizedek his priesthood is eternal, not established by the law. The Levitical tithe was an administrative requirement to support the temple. The action of Abram tithing to Melchizdek was an act of submission Christ's before the law was given, acknowledging faith's superiority to the Law. The obligation to tithe to support the priesthood and the Levites. Tithing is not compulsory for the New Testament believer. The admonition in Malachi 3 the people to stop robbing God by failing to tithe applies directly to those who are not under the Levitical priesthood, but applies only as a matter of principle to the New Testament believer. The point of this passage appears to be that Jesus sets aside the obligation to obey the legal requirement to tithe that existed under the Levitical priesthood.
So what does the Bible teach about tithing:
1. Tithing was practiced as a form of worship and stewardship before the Law was given.
2. Abraham tithed to Melchizedek as an act of worship.
3. The tithe was established under the Law as the means of providing support for the temple and it's servants.
4. The tithe was given as many as 3-times a year, so it could have amounted to up to 30% of a persons possession.
6. Jesus said that while the tithe was appropriate, it was not to be a substitute for virtuous character.
7. Abraham's tithe to Melchizedek represented the Levites who were not yet born as an act of worship on their behalf.
8. Just as Mechizedek is superior to Abraham and the Levites worshiped him representatively in Abraham's tithe. Jesus is the fulfillment of the type and sets aside the Levitcal priesthood as the means of access to God. Legal obligations, even tithing are not require to worship Jesus.
So, then what principles or practices does the Bible teach regarding giving that applies to New Testament believers:
First, the scripture teaches that God blesses us disproportionately to what we give (1 Kings 17:8-16; Luke 6:38). The scripture teaches God owns all things and blesses those who recognize that God is the owner of all things (Genesis 4:3; 14:21-24; Hebrews 11:4). We own nothing, and all we own comes from him. We give from the first fruits, recognizing that he has the right to all things. The scripture teaches sacrificial giving (2 Samuel 24: 18- 25; Matthew 12:41- 44; Luke 21: 1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15). If God owns all things, if we understand the cost of our salvation, it we believe he will bless beyond our gift, we can give, sacrificially, beyond what we can afford, and trust him for blessing. Third, giving is to be done in a way that is responsible and can be accounted for (2 Corinthians 8: 20 -24). Fourth, we are go give willingly and cheerfully (2Corinthians 9: 6-9); in other words, we are not asked to give from compulsion or if we felt uncomfortable our Spirit lead heart is to be our guide of the amount that we need. Fifth, giving is to be proportional (Proverbs 3:9 -10; Malachi 3:10). We don't give what is left over at the end of the week. We give God a regular consistent portion of our income. Sixth, the primary focus of our giving should be local (Malachai 3:10; Luke 8: 1-3:1 Corinthians 16: 1-4; Galatians 6:6-10). This in no way diminishes the importance of giving for global ministry; however it means that we are commanded to support those who have provide spiritual teaching and care to us. Our principle responsibility is to support the local church and its ministry.
So were I asked about tithing again, I would say now, what I said to that church near Philadelphia. That I believe the tithe is a useful benchmark for giving. It serves as an example of how we should give, but is not a mandated amount for every believer in every situation. The principle we follow under the new covenant is recognizing the cost of our salvation we give to God back in gratitude for what he has done for us. We give cheerfully, proportionally, responsibly, locally, and sacrificially.
The tithe is not a virtue. It does not reflect the character or commitment of giver, necessarily. While it may be a sacrifice for some. It may not be for all. While most should give at least 10%, there may be some situations where a person should not give 10%. I am a strong believer that a tithe should never be used as an excuse not to meet other obligations (Matthew 5:33-37), as sometimes happens in the case of bankruptcy or extreme debt. I have known Christians who have delayed or refused to pay creditors because they have said they had a higher duty to tithe to their church. I do not believe we should deny our responsibility as citizens of the world; in order to meet our obligation to God. Although I agree with financial advisers who advise Christian to pay their tithe proportionally before the pay any thing else as an act of faith. I do not believe believers who have high levels of debt should give 10 % if it jeopardizes their ability to pay their debt. Our responsibility to worship God and be his steward in no way negates our responsibility to humans. So as Christians let us all consider before God what we should give and give cheerfully, proportionally, responsibly, locally, and sacrificially.
I understand that my view is not common: In the evangelical Christian sub-culture in America. many people embrace tithing as a watershed doctrine. I've heard it presented a number of ways using either Malachi 3: 6-12 or Hebrews 7:4 -7 that the practice of giving 10% of one's gross income to the local church is seen as a practiced that existed before the Law was given, and is, therefore, a determining factor as to whether one is a true disciple. Therefore one who give less than 10% of their gross annual income is quote "robbing God," sinning against him and denying themselves and the church the blessing God intends. The purpose of this article is to explore that premise:
What I would like to do is compare how tithing is usually taught in the modern church with the way it was practiced in the Old Testament; in other words, does the modern practice of tithing meet the Old Testament obligation? Second I'd like to explore what does the New Testament teaches about tithing? Third, what is the New Testament principles that guide our giving.
All my life I have heard that one who is truly a disciple, who follows the Lord Jesus Christ, will give a tithe--10% of her gross annual income to his local church, because the Old and New Testament have taught that tithing existed before the Law was given. The first place tithing is seen is in Genesis 14:17-24. After Abram defeated three evil kings he met with Melchizedek who was King of Sodom and Priest of the Most High God. A King and Priest of who worshiped Elohim was a type (a historical prefigure) of Christ. Abram gave him a tenth of everything. In all likelihood he gave him a tenth of the spoils of war not all of his possession. In Leviticus 27:30-34 tells the Jews to bring 1/10th of all they own to the Lord. In addition they are once a year to bring a tithe, then again at the annual peace offering and yet again at the thanksgiving offering (Leviticus 7:12-21).
In Numbers 18: 25- 32 the tithe is set aside for the Levites. The children of Levi were given no inheritance of land; their inheritance was the temple and ministry to the people. Among the Levites, the descendants of Aaron were to be the priest. The people brought their tithe into the storehouse for the Levites, who had no land, to live on. The Levites gave a tithe of their received tithe for the priest to live on.
The book of Deuteronomy is Moses instructions to the generation that goes into the promise land. He tells them that when they cross the Jordan into the promise land. They were to give a tithe of all they had to support the Levites in the new nation. However, these tithes are distinct from offerings and sacrifice, so the amount the people give is more than 10% (Deuteronomy 12:6- 17.)In Deuteronomy 14:22-27 the people are told to tithe 10% of all they have, yet there some exceptions. If they are unable to meet their needs, they can eat the tithe.(Remember they did not use money, they bartered and traded agricultural goods). If the place where they have to carry the tithe is too far they can sell the tithe and spend the money on "whatever they want." So here the amount of the tithe tends to vary base on the need and demands of the people at the time. In Deuteronomy 14: 28 & 29 Every three years there is to be another 10% brought out, so in the third year the tithe is 20%.
When Hezekiah organized the priesthood he commanded the people to bring a tithe of their income to the Priest and Levites. It appears that the people went beyond the 10% tithe, giving the firstfruits of all things and giving abundantly. In verse 12 they brought in contributions, the tithe, the dedicated things. The mandate to give in this case (2 Chronicles 31:1-12) seemed to go beyond 10%. When Nehemiah rebuilt the city he re-established the tithe. The people were to bring the firstfruits of their crops, children, livestock, dough, trees, and in addition tithes were given to re-establish the Levites. The amount people were required to give was far more than 10 % (Nehemiah 10: 37, 38; 12:44; 13: 5-12).
The prophet Amos referred to the "three days of tithing." Once every three years they brought in the tithe of their income over those three years. There was also the peace offering and thanksgiving offering brought every year according to Leviticus 7. So the annual amount given may have been as much as 30%. In Malachai chapter 3 the people are warned about ignoring the need to take care of the needs of the Levites by denying the tithe. He does declare that God has a right to the tithe.
So from the Old Testament we can draw the following conclusions about the tithe. The tithe existed before the Law. It was an act of worship in which one declared that God owned all things and gave back to him what was rightfully his. The amount of the tithe varied. People were told they could eat from it, if they had need. It was collected 3 times a year meaning it could be up to 30%. So it is clear that Malachai 3 teaches that we are to dedicate our material possessions to God by giving a tithe, and that to withhold a gift to God belies his Lordship of our lives; however, the proportion and frequency of the tithe varied in the Old Testament under differing circumstance. Since the amount and frequency of the tithe varied in the Old Testament how should those who live in the grace environment of the New Testament give. What does the New Testament teach about tithing?
The New Testament mentions tithing 3 times:
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done with out neglecting the others. (Matthew 23:23)... But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe the mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others (Luke 11:42)." Jesus condemned the religious leadership of Israel, who were consistent tithers. He made it clear that tithing was a virtuous practice, but that character was more important. Jesus makes the same point in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee declares his self righteousness saying, "I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I have." Jesus taught that the act of tithing is no indication of a persons spiritual dedication. The tax collector affirmed his sinfulness and was justified. Tithing while a worthwhile practice appears to be no measure of spirituality.
The fourth and perhaps most controversial text is Hebrews 7: 1-10. This passage refers to Abraham's tithe to Melchezidek. He points out the Abraham gave 10% to Melchezidek to recognize and affirm Melchezidek's superior position to him and the other Kings. Since Melchizedek comes on to the scene with no explanation of his lineage, and no explanation of what happens to him, and he worship the most High God, he is a type, a representative, of the Jesus Christ. He foreshadows the coming of Christ. Abram offers the tithe as an act of worship to the God most high. The author compares this to the tithe under the Law which is where the Jewish people give the tithe to the Levites, to provide for their needs. The tithe to Melchizidek was a selfless act of worship where as the Levitical was an administrative necessity; therefore the former was superior to the latter. Since the Levites were descended from Abram, he represented them in his tithe. So the Levites representatively paid tithes through Abraham. Some argue that the point here is that the tithe precedes the Law as an act of worship and submission to God. This is inconsistent with what the rest of the text teaches.
"Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it people received the Law) what further need was there for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? For when there is a change in priesthood there is a change in law itself. For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with the tribe of Moses said nothing about priests (Hebrews 7:11-14)."
Jesus was born of the tribe of Judah, not of Levi. His priesthood did not come from Aaron. Like Melchizedek his priesthood is eternal, not established by the law. The Levitical tithe was an administrative requirement to support the temple. The action of Abram tithing to Melchizdek was an act of submission Christ's before the law was given, acknowledging faith's superiority to the Law. The obligation to tithe to support the priesthood and the Levites. Tithing is not compulsory for the New Testament believer. The admonition in Malachi 3 the people to stop robbing God by failing to tithe applies directly to those who are not under the Levitical priesthood, but applies only as a matter of principle to the New Testament believer. The point of this passage appears to be that Jesus sets aside the obligation to obey the legal requirement to tithe that existed under the Levitical priesthood.
So what does the Bible teach about tithing:
1. Tithing was practiced as a form of worship and stewardship before the Law was given.
2. Abraham tithed to Melchizedek as an act of worship.
3. The tithe was established under the Law as the means of providing support for the temple and it's servants.
4. The tithe was given as many as 3-times a year, so it could have amounted to up to 30% of a persons possession.
6. Jesus said that while the tithe was appropriate, it was not to be a substitute for virtuous character.
7. Abraham's tithe to Melchizedek represented the Levites who were not yet born as an act of worship on their behalf.
8. Just as Mechizedek is superior to Abraham and the Levites worshiped him representatively in Abraham's tithe. Jesus is the fulfillment of the type and sets aside the Levitcal priesthood as the means of access to God. Legal obligations, even tithing are not require to worship Jesus.
So, then what principles or practices does the Bible teach regarding giving that applies to New Testament believers:
First, the scripture teaches that God blesses us disproportionately to what we give (1 Kings 17:8-16; Luke 6:38). The scripture teaches God owns all things and blesses those who recognize that God is the owner of all things (Genesis 4:3; 14:21-24; Hebrews 11:4). We own nothing, and all we own comes from him. We give from the first fruits, recognizing that he has the right to all things. The scripture teaches sacrificial giving (2 Samuel 24: 18- 25; Matthew 12:41- 44; Luke 21: 1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15). If God owns all things, if we understand the cost of our salvation, it we believe he will bless beyond our gift, we can give, sacrificially, beyond what we can afford, and trust him for blessing. Third, giving is to be done in a way that is responsible and can be accounted for (2 Corinthians 8: 20 -24). Fourth, we are go give willingly and cheerfully (2Corinthians 9: 6-9); in other words, we are not asked to give from compulsion or if we felt uncomfortable our Spirit lead heart is to be our guide of the amount that we need. Fifth, giving is to be proportional (Proverbs 3:9 -10; Malachi 3:10). We don't give what is left over at the end of the week. We give God a regular consistent portion of our income. Sixth, the primary focus of our giving should be local (Malachai 3:10; Luke 8: 1-3:1 Corinthians 16: 1-4; Galatians 6:6-10). This in no way diminishes the importance of giving for global ministry; however it means that we are commanded to support those who have provide spiritual teaching and care to us. Our principle responsibility is to support the local church and its ministry.
So were I asked about tithing again, I would say now, what I said to that church near Philadelphia. That I believe the tithe is a useful benchmark for giving. It serves as an example of how we should give, but is not a mandated amount for every believer in every situation. The principle we follow under the new covenant is recognizing the cost of our salvation we give to God back in gratitude for what he has done for us. We give cheerfully, proportionally, responsibly, locally, and sacrificially.
The tithe is not a virtue. It does not reflect the character or commitment of giver, necessarily. While it may be a sacrifice for some. It may not be for all. While most should give at least 10%, there may be some situations where a person should not give 10%. I am a strong believer that a tithe should never be used as an excuse not to meet other obligations (Matthew 5:33-37), as sometimes happens in the case of bankruptcy or extreme debt. I have known Christians who have delayed or refused to pay creditors because they have said they had a higher duty to tithe to their church. I do not believe we should deny our responsibility as citizens of the world; in order to meet our obligation to God. Although I agree with financial advisers who advise Christian to pay their tithe proportionally before the pay any thing else as an act of faith. I do not believe believers who have high levels of debt should give 10 % if it jeopardizes their ability to pay their debt. Our responsibility to worship God and be his steward in no way negates our responsibility to humans. So as Christians let us all consider before God what we should give and give cheerfully, proportionally, responsibly, locally, and sacrificially.
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