THE TITHING CONTROVERSY:
PART 1: THE REAL ARGUMENT- IS TITHING A MANDATORY DOCTRINE FOR ALL BELIEVERS IN THE NT OR SHOULD IT BE A SECONDARY ISSUE BASED ON PERSONAL CONVICTIONS?
Opinions are like armpits-everybody has one and I respect that fact. But when it comes to matters relating to the Christian faith, it is not the here-says, popular doctrines, or opinions that count but what the Spirit of God truly reveals about the matter from his Word. When Jesus asked Peter who men said he was, there were many false here-say opinions regarding Jesus. Some said he was Elijah, John the Baptist, etc. But Peter had a personal revelation of the truth in the midst of all the false here-says. It is no different regarding this matter of Tithing. in the midst of all these opinions, there is truth somewhere. It is left to those sincerely seeking to find it.
But Alas! unfortunately many church goers who are not born again and devoid of the Spirit of God or those undiscerning Christians who have been brainwashed by the manipulations or incorrect teachings from the pulpits of their “favourite” pastors have no other choice but to simply regurgitate what they have heard their pastors resound to them over and over again regarding Tithing until they are so married to such false ideas without knowing that they have been deceived and brought under bondage against the liberty of the Spirit wherein Christ has called them to walk. Well, I can understand this pitiable situation because I was once in that boat for so many years when I began my Christian journey until the Holy Spirit by his mercy and grace made it crystal clear to me why it was not necessary for me or any Christian in the NT to pay a Tithe. Just simply go to YouTube and type Tithing scam and watch so many videos on this issue and you will see that God is bringing so many people to the realization of this truth as well.
The first time we ever hear of Tithing in the bible was with Abraham. In Summary, Abraham had just come from battle and he met Melchizedec, the priest of God and offered him Tithes of all the spoils from battle. Notice at this point that no one commanded Abraham to do this-he did this on his own volition. Gen 14:18-20
The second event recorded was with Jacob
Ge 28:20 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,
Gen 28:21 So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God: Gen 28:22 And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.
Note that in Jacob’s case, his tithing was even conditional-as per “God if you will do this and this, then I will give a tenth...” However, the reader should observe that in both cases BEFORE THE LAW, no one commanded them to tithe. It was simply based on one’s volition.
Then later on when God had his covenant with Israel through Abraham and the mediation of Moses, Tithing was then incorporated into the Law and became mandatory. It was mandatory for the rest of the Jews to give tithes to the Levites, widows, and also mandatory for the tither to eat a part of the tithe as well. God mandated Tithes to be given to the Levites because God commanded the Levites not to do any work at all but to serve in the temple. It was for this reason God said his people had robbed him in Mal 3:8 (a favourite verse for the Tithe pastors which does not apply to them in the NT) because by not giving the tithes, they deprived the Levites of food in God’s house. In the NT, there is no such restriction on ministers of gospel regarding working. For example Paul in the NT worked with his own hands and did not require Tithes from any of the brethren. That is why it is so laughable when anyone tells you that a NT Christian who does not pay his Tithes in this dispensation of liberty to walk with the Spirit is robbing God. It first of all shows that such a person does not even know why God required a tithe and what it was used for in the first place, coupled with the fact that such a person is also ignorant of the context of our faith in the new covenant.
In any case, after the death of Christ the levitical priesthood was abolished and the preceding commandments that governed that priesthood INCLUDING THE MANDATE TO TITHE WAS ABOLISHED-MAL 3:8-10 INCLUDED-See if for yourselves.
Heb 7:5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people ACCORDING TO THE LAW, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
Heb 7:12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. Heb7:18 For there is verily a DIANNULLING of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. Heb 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
So we see clearly that:
1) The mandatory Tithing commandments given in the OT (which includes Mal 3:8-10) was specifically given in relation to the Levites and scriptures clearly say that THEY WERE GIVEN ACCORDING TO THE LAW
2) The levitical priesthood was changed thereby necessitating a change in the Law and in fact a disannulling (to make void) of the commandments associated with the levitical priesthood. Malachi 3:8 (robbing God) Pastors and champions please take note again.
One of the results of these changes to the law is that one was now at liberty to walk with God based on personal convictions regarding the Spirit’s leading rather than form the context of “LAW” and In fact, the new covenant brought so many changes to the faith. As regards giving for example, one was now at liberty to give God what he had determined in his heart without any mandate on him to give any specific percentage. This was what then defined the context of all giving in the NT.
2Co 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Bingo!!! and that is it. In the New Covenant, Your liberty in Christ warrants that you give what you want to give. No percentage is imposed on any Christian.
Should it not cause any honest Christian to ask questions like: WHY IS IT THAT AS IMPORTANT AS PASTORS AND TITHE ADVOCATES PROJECT TITHING TODAY, NEVER DID ANY OF THE APOSTLES IN ANY PLACE IN THE NT SUGGEST OR ENCOURAGE THE BRETHREN TO TITHE? Should this not already begin to raise a red flag? Of course this is just a pointer to the facts already established by the principles of the arguments relating to the new covenant. I only brought this up as an additional pointer to the fact and not that I am using an “argument from silence” as the primary argument here.
In fact I have come to understand over time that one of the reasons many people grapple with the issue of tithing and find it difficult to free themselves from the bondage of their traditional ideas imposed on them is that besides the fact that they have been brainwashed by many pastors (Most of these people do not study the scriptures I must not forget to add), they also lack understanding of the context in which every single believer relates with God in the NT. Yes they know Christ died for them and has set them free from the curses of the Law blah blah blah (although they do not believe the curse from Mal 3:9 is included ), but SOMEHOW THEY DO NOT REALLY UNDERSTAND THE ESSENCE OF CHRIST’S DEATH AND ITS LIBERTY IMPLICATIONS AS IT RELATES TO TITHING AND GIVING.
Yes, the Levitical priesthood has been abolished and the Laws associated with it have also been made void according to scriptures. I do not mean to ridicule anyone, but to be frank, it is a reflection of gross ignorance on the part of anyone to still quote Mal 3:8 today and impose it on God’s people-telling them that they are robbing God when they do not pay tithes. Mal 3:8-10 advocates please when you can show me the Levitical priesthood today and when you can show me where God re-enacted those abrogated laws associated with the priesthood, then I will resume paying tithes. Until then please keep paying your own invented tithes and stop imposing such practices on God’s people as something they are mandated to do. Where is the Levitical priest you pay your tithes to? Where did God ever ask that Tithes be paid in monetary form contrary to his demands that they should consist of the natural things of the land (crops and animals)? Where did pastors receive their rights and commandments to demand and collect Tithes from Christians in the New covenant? They will have to give account to the most high God on that great day.
CONCLUSION:
CHILDREN OF GOD, IN THE CONTEXT OF THE NEW COVENANT, YOU ARE AT LIBERTY TO GIVE GOD WHAT YOU HAVE DETERMINED TO FROM YOUR HEART. THIS IS A REFLECTION OF THE TRUE ''SPIRIT AND TRUTH'' WORSHIP JESUS SPOKE ABOUT. TITHING IS A SECONDARY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE LEFT IN THE REALMS OF PERSONAL CONVICTIONS RATHER THAN AN ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE PREACHED ON THE PULPIT AS A CARDINAL CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE. IN OTHER WORDS IF A PERSON WANTS TO FOLLOW THE DEEDS OF ABRAHAM OR ISAAC FOR EXAMPLE, THEN HE SHOULD DO SO ON A PERSONAL BASIS WITHOUT IMPOSING SUCH CONVICTIONS ON OTHERS WHO ALSO UNDERSTAND BY THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH THAT THEY ARE AT LIBERTY TO GIVE GOD WHAT THEY HAVE DETERMINED FROM THEIR HEARTS BASED ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT NOT ONLY HAS THE LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD AND THE COMMANDMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH IT BEEN ABOLISHED, BUT ALSO ON THE CONTEXT OF OUR FAITH IN THE NEW COVENANT THAT BELIEVERS ARE TO BE LED BY THE SPIRIT AND NOT BY "THE LAW".
The principle of personal convictions regarding whether to or not to Tithe and other secondary issues relating to personal convictions were well established by Paul in Rom 14.
Ro 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
Ro 14:6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Likewise He that chooses to pay a "self invented" tithe in the NT to the Lord, to the Lord he does it, and he that does not regard Tithing, to the Lord he does not regard it. It is no different in principle from what Paul was trying to establish in Rom 14.
It is my sincere prayer that the Holy Spirit will breath life to these words and give understanding and liberation to many of his children who have been put under the yoke of fear and bondage by many teachers in error and many false teachers.
Blessings to all those who love the Lord Jesus Christ.
PART 2: A BIBLICAL XRAY OF THE ARGUMENT OF MANY WHO CLAIM THEY PAY TITHES OUT OF THE LOVE FOR GOD AND OBEDIENCE RATHER THAN OUT OF SELFISHNESS OR COMPULSION.
You will usually hear many of those who champion the cause of Tithing for NT believers saying things like “I do not tithe because I am mandated to do so, I do so because I love God” while some others will say: “It is a spiritual covenant that guarantees your security” yet another will say “I do tithe out of obedience to the Lord.” And so on and so forth.
Now, while I do not doubt that many of these claimants are sincere, I can also objectively show without personal bias that many of these people making these claims say these things based on what is traditionally expected of them to say rather than for the love for God or obedience. The fact is that if many of these ones were to be sincere based on what I am about to show, they will discover that their motives for paying tithes are primarily informed by two conditions: FEAR OR FAVOUR and I will explain these
1) FEAR: Fear of the unknown of what possible evils may befall them and their families should they fail to pay tithes. Based on what they have been taught from some pulpits, many of them feel that if they fail to tithe, the devourer in Mal 3 under the levitical priesthood would be resurrected to harm them, their families, and their businesses. Etc LOL.
2) FAVOUR: The hopes of God fulfilling their expectations of financial investment in Tithing over their “faithful” years of paying tithes materializing by the windows of heaven's financial and material abundance opening so that there would not be enough room to hold such blessings, if they are just somehow faithful in paying their tithes.
I can assure you that although many of these folks would deny this, I will clearly show you from scriptures that what many call Paying of tithes out of obedience or the love for God is a selfish selective process based on their own fear or selfishness rather than for a true love for God. Now see the very clear evidence for this.
The following questions I will ask will get any sincere person thinking. These facts would reveal that many of these people making these claims would not naturally pay tithes if they had read the scriptures on their own without the promptings of their pastors from the pulpit which, depending on the pastor, will either promise them some grandeur blessings to come as a result of their obedience for tithing or some woeful thing likely to happen to them, their businesses, jobs, or their family members due to the devourer, should they fail to pay tithes. I want to establish the fact that the vast majority of people who Pay tithes do so based on selectivity and selfishness. What do I mean by selectivity and selfishness? This simply means that they pay the tithe based on how it suits them and not even based on what God says they should do.
A) SELECTIVITY REGARDING OTHER LAWS
Questions:
1) Every single argument made in favour of Tithing also applies to many other commandments of God in the Old Testament-such as observing the Sabbath, giving one’s Firstfruits, Circumcision. All these three commandments were principles and practices in effect before the Law. Abel gave his firstlings long before the Law, God rested on the 7th day before the Law. Abraham received the covenant of circumcision before the Law. Why is it then that these Pastors and tithe advocates deem it fit to quote Mal 3:8-10 in the Old Testament and mandate it on God’s people yet when it also comes to other Laws such as the Sabbath which also have instructions from God such as.
THE SABBATH
Ex 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Ex 20:9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
Ex 20:10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates
OR
THE FIRSTFRUITS
Ex 23:19 The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.
These Laws have conveniently been ignored by the tithe advocates and yet, the laws mentioned above all have the same arguments these tithe advocates use in mandating tithing for all of God's people as a prerequisite to show love for God, obedience and receive his blessings in return. We can see clearly that these were also Laws that God required of his people and were also things practiced before the Law. However these tithe advocates deem it fit to tell you that when Christ died, we were no longer required to do these other ones. However when it comes to tithing, they have this magical unique revelation that tithing was not included in the things which Christ does not mandate we do. LOL.
It therefore becomes clear that many of these Tithe advocates who mandate Tithing who claim love for God/obedience driven Tithing are deceiving themselves and are only being selective in how they apply what Christ’s blood has set us free from. Of course because money is involved and there are selfish gains regarding Tithing, it is not so hard to see why many Pastors will selectively single out tithing and tell you that it is still mandatory, yet abrogate the other laws stipulated by the same God on account of the death of christ. The scriptures are very clear. It warns us that if we want to go by the Laws of God, then we must fulfill all and not just one. For cursed is everyone who does not continue in ALL these things.
Ga 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
Of course many Pastors and their Tithe advocates would argue: “We are not under the Law and do not pay tithes or instruct others to do so based on the Law”. Really? Then my question would be: What business have you then in telling NT saints that they are cursed and robbing God when they do not pay tithes when these specific curses as well as the commandments to Tithe on which Mal 3:8-10 is quoted is based on the levitical priesthood and the law? See? Can we see the deception and dishonesty here? I have shown how many tithe payers who claim to do so out of God’s love and obedience do so based on convenient selfish selectivity on how they determine what Christ has done away with and what he has not. I will now proceed to show selectivity regarding the full commandments of tithing itself.
B) SELECTIVITY REGARDING THE COMMANDMENT TO TITHE ITSELF
In fact this aspect I am about to reveal is what hits the nail on the head in showing that many of these pastors hammering their members to pay tithes are simply selfish and their “obedience” claims are really disobedience in disguise.. Before I proceed I would like to establish that there were three types of Tithes God commanded his people to give in the OT and I will clearly show these from scriptures.
1) THE FESTIVAL TITHES
This part of the tithe was meant for the Tither himself. God commanded the tither to eat of his tithe with his family and rejoice as a sign of God’s favour so that the tither may learn to fear the Lord.
Deut 12:17 Thou mayest not eat within thy gates THE TITHE of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand:
Deut 12:18 But thou must EAT them before the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands unto.
Deut 12:19 Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth.
Not yet convinced that God said you should eat a part of your tithe? Okay let us see deut 14:22-27
Deut 14:22 ¶ Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.
Deut 14:23 And thou shalt EAT before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, THE TITHE of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.
De 14:27 And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee.
So we see clearly that the Festival tithe was specifically for the person himself to eat with his family of the Tithes and then share with the Levites. God’s instructions are very Lucid-YOU ARE TO EAT OF THESE TITHES YOURSELF and then also give to the Levites.
2) THE WELFARE TITHES
This part of the tithes was to go directly to the widows, strangers, fatherless, orphans and the less privileged DIRECTLY. Interestingly when you bring this to the notice of some pastors, they will tell you that it is for this reason they have welfare departments and build orphanages. LOL. However, note that God did not instruct them to first give this tithe to the Levites who will build orphanages and care centres for these people. God’s people were instructed to give their tithes to the widows, strangers, Fatherless DIRCTLY and not through proxy by ministers. See for yourselves.
.
Deut 14:28 At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates: (me-Note not in the Levitical temple or church)
Deut 14:29 And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.
Deut 26:12 When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thine increase the third year, which is the year of tithing, and hast given it unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled;
Again notice that the LORD did not tell the people to take this particular tithe to the Levitical Temple so that the Levites can bless them and help God’s people distribute to the widows and the fatherless as this is what many pastors today use as an excuse to evade telling their members about this aspect of tithing. At the end of three years, God’s people were to gather all their tithes for that year and share it between the Levites, the fatherless, widows, etc. But Alas! Do the pastors who claim love for God and obedience teach God’s people about this aspect of tithing in that same love and obedience? Of course not and it should not take rocket science to figure out why-because this particular aspect of tithing does not accrue to them (Claiming they are modern day levites), they are not concerned and in fact would rather not let God's people know about this lest their ration be shortened.
3) THE LEVITICAL TITHES
Of course I do not think this needs much explanation. This is the one the Pastors and the tithe advocates including some of the ones who have posted here are concerned about, yet many of them negate the first two types of tithes and claim it is out of love and obedience they pay tithe.
Nu 18:26 Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the LORD, even a tenth part of the tithe.
You see that not only have many of these Pastors selfishly and wrongly re-enacted tithing laws that were specifically required for the levites and have applied it to NT ministry work based on their own selfishness using threats from Mal 3:8-10, they have selectively left out the other two aspects of tithing obviously because those other two are not primarily for them and this obedience and proclaimed love for God seems only to be seen in the levitical tithe which they have unscripturally re-enacted.
So my question for the tithe advocates who claim that they pay tithes out of obedience and the love for God is:
If you love God and you want to be obedient to his tithing instructions, don’t you think you will follow God’s instructions wholly and not selectively for your own selfish needs and selectiveness? The pastors have brainwashed you and enslaved you by compelling you to give 10% taxes to them in the name of Tithing. Of course it is no wonder they are the ones riding the jet planes and living in mansions while you are still struggling with your bills with the hope that someday that abundance of the windows opening in Mal 3: 10 will materialize from your years of 'tithing investment'.
So it is very clear that most of these tithe advocates pay their tithes selectively based on their own selfish interests as it is clear that they leave out the other instructions regarding tithing. Besides, this I have also shown that they selectively abrogate the other laws such as the Sabbath, firstfruits etc and argue that Christ has taken care of those things (which is true) but the issue is: why do they not also apply this same understanding to tithing?
If these people were truly tithing based on obedience and love for God then not only will they also follow the other commandments in the Old Testament out of that same obedience and love for God, they will also practice the three types of tithing. So if the pastors were to justify their claim of helping God’s people to be obedient out of the love for God and they truly had honesty and integrity in this regard, then they will teach their congregations that if they want to tithe-for example say 10,000 naira or whatever currency, they should split the money into three parts as the Lord leads them. Then
a) They should eat a first part of it
b) They should give a second part to the Levites (which they claim to have now become)
c) They should give the remaining parts to the Fatherless, Strangers, Homeless, etc DIRECTLY- not by proxy through the pastor’s ministry.
So for the Pastors who mandate tithing my questions are
Question 1) WHY ARE YO SO SILENT TO YOUR CONGREGATION ON THE OTHER TWO ASPECTS OF TITHING THAT DO NOT PRIMARILY INVOLVE THE LEVITES OR MINISTERS AND WHY DO YOU NOT TELL YOUR MEMBERS ABOUT THE OTHER TWO ASPECTS OF TITHING? WELL WE ALL KNOW THE ANSWER DON'T WE?
To the tithe payers who also mandate tithing my questions are:
1) Why do you pay your tithes and mandate that others do the same based on mal 3 or the argument that it was a hidden principle before the law, yet you negate the other commandments of God that were equally before the Law which have no financial implications or benefits but have either equal weight or even more weight than tithing?
2) Why do you tithe selectively and not prove your proclaimed obedience or love for God’s instructions by sharing your tithe into three parts-one for you and your family, the other part for you pastor’s ministry, and the third part for the less privileged? Why? Is it because you have been brainwashed or because you are ignorant of God’s commandments regarding tithing? Or is it because you are only concerned about your own selfish interests when you tithe? Why?
Despite most of the evidence to the contrary, many here will still makes statements like: “It works for others do not judge”. Fair enough but what works and what is an honest objective barometer in judging whether tithing is truly working? I will show you from scriptures itself.
Mal 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Now it is not just enough for many tithe advocates to quote “will a man rob God?” from Mal 3:8 and leave out the other parts in verse 10 that God uses to prove those who claim they are faithful tithers in Mal 3:10. God plainly says that true tithers will have abundance when they tithe to the extent that they will not even have enough room for the blessings right? We are not talking about unverifiable testimonies such as “my son was sick but when I tithed, he became well” and all such subjective claims. We are using God’s word as the barometer now.
Therefore, If tithing was truly working for many of these tithers as many of them would like to claim, then the banks should have been calling all tithers by now and asking them whether they do drugs or something because based on God’s promises in Mal 3:10, their bank accounts should have been overflowing with milk and honey money by now to the extent that the people would hardly even know how to spend their money.
God says there would not be enough room for it right? So if these ones were faithful tithers and they have proved God, why is it that it is many of these tithers that struggle with their finances while the pastors who receive the 10% tax in the name of tithing are the ones getting fatter and fatter? In fact it does not take rocket science to see what is going on here.
So did God lie? Certainly not-God forbids that one should even imagine that. However the fact is that those specific tithing promises and curses in Mal 3 were specifically relevant to the Levitical priesthood and had to do with animals and crops. God did not permit them to pay tithes in money (Even if they used money back then) because he specifically required the natural things of the land for he considered them holy unto him.
However, many Christians believe that if they can re-enact the commandment that applied to the levites and pay tithes in their own invented and selective styles, like kalokalo, God will someday make them rich and protect their families and businesses against the devourers of our times. So rather than trust in the finished and accomplished works of Christ on the cross and strive to build a personal relationship with God based on what God seeks of them to please him, they would rather prefer to have formulas from scriptures that would help them selfishly get through life and for many, they would rather just have the formulas without the true Lordship of Christ over them.
Well I am hoping and it is my prayer that if a tither who mandates tithing has endured long enough to read up till this point, the wool should have been taken of his or her eyes by now.
Blessings to all who love the Lord Jesus Christ.
PART 1: THE REAL ARGUMENT- IS TITHING A MANDATORY DOCTRINE FOR ALL BELIEVERS IN THE NT OR SHOULD IT BE A SECONDARY ISSUE BASED ON PERSONAL CONVICTIONS?
Opinions are like armpits-everybody has one and I respect that fact. But when it comes to matters relating to the Christian faith, it is not the here-says, popular doctrines, or opinions that count but what the Spirit of God truly reveals about the matter from his Word. When Jesus asked Peter who men said he was, there were many false here-say opinions regarding Jesus. Some said he was Elijah, John the Baptist, etc. But Peter had a personal revelation of the truth in the midst of all the false here-says. It is no different regarding this matter of Tithing. in the midst of all these opinions, there is truth somewhere. It is left to those sincerely seeking to find it.
But Alas! unfortunately many church goers who are not born again and devoid of the Spirit of God or those undiscerning Christians who have been brainwashed by the manipulations or incorrect teachings from the pulpits of their “favourite” pastors have no other choice but to simply regurgitate what they have heard their pastors resound to them over and over again regarding Tithing until they are so married to such false ideas without knowing that they have been deceived and brought under bondage against the liberty of the Spirit wherein Christ has called them to walk. Well, I can understand this pitiable situation because I was once in that boat for so many years when I began my Christian journey until the Holy Spirit by his mercy and grace made it crystal clear to me why it was not necessary for me or any Christian in the NT to pay a Tithe. Just simply go to YouTube and type Tithing scam and watch so many videos on this issue and you will see that God is bringing so many people to the realization of this truth as well.
The first time we ever hear of Tithing in the bible was with Abraham. In Summary, Abraham had just come from battle and he met Melchizedec, the priest of God and offered him Tithes of all the spoils from battle. Notice at this point that no one commanded Abraham to do this-he did this on his own volition. Gen 14:18-20
The second event recorded was with Jacob
Ge 28:20 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,
Gen 28:21 So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God: Gen 28:22 And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.
Note that in Jacob’s case, his tithing was even conditional-as per “God if you will do this and this, then I will give a tenth...” However, the reader should observe that in both cases BEFORE THE LAW, no one commanded them to tithe. It was simply based on one’s volition.
Then later on when God had his covenant with Israel through Abraham and the mediation of Moses, Tithing was then incorporated into the Law and became mandatory. It was mandatory for the rest of the Jews to give tithes to the Levites, widows, and also mandatory for the tither to eat a part of the tithe as well. God mandated Tithes to be given to the Levites because God commanded the Levites not to do any work at all but to serve in the temple. It was for this reason God said his people had robbed him in Mal 3:8 (a favourite verse for the Tithe pastors which does not apply to them in the NT) because by not giving the tithes, they deprived the Levites of food in God’s house. In the NT, there is no such restriction on ministers of gospel regarding working. For example Paul in the NT worked with his own hands and did not require Tithes from any of the brethren. That is why it is so laughable when anyone tells you that a NT Christian who does not pay his Tithes in this dispensation of liberty to walk with the Spirit is robbing God. It first of all shows that such a person does not even know why God required a tithe and what it was used for in the first place, coupled with the fact that such a person is also ignorant of the context of our faith in the new covenant.
In any case, after the death of Christ the levitical priesthood was abolished and the preceding commandments that governed that priesthood INCLUDING THE MANDATE TO TITHE WAS ABOLISHED-MAL 3:8-10 INCLUDED-See if for yourselves.
Heb 7:5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people ACCORDING TO THE LAW, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
Heb 7:12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. Heb7:18 For there is verily a DIANNULLING of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. Heb 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
So we see clearly that:
1) The mandatory Tithing commandments given in the OT (which includes Mal 3:8-10) was specifically given in relation to the Levites and scriptures clearly say that THEY WERE GIVEN ACCORDING TO THE LAW
2) The levitical priesthood was changed thereby necessitating a change in the Law and in fact a disannulling (to make void) of the commandments associated with the levitical priesthood. Malachi 3:8 (robbing God) Pastors and champions please take note again.
One of the results of these changes to the law is that one was now at liberty to walk with God based on personal convictions regarding the Spirit’s leading rather than form the context of “LAW” and In fact, the new covenant brought so many changes to the faith. As regards giving for example, one was now at liberty to give God what he had determined in his heart without any mandate on him to give any specific percentage. This was what then defined the context of all giving in the NT.
2Co 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Bingo!!! and that is it. In the New Covenant, Your liberty in Christ warrants that you give what you want to give. No percentage is imposed on any Christian.
Should it not cause any honest Christian to ask questions like: WHY IS IT THAT AS IMPORTANT AS PASTORS AND TITHE ADVOCATES PROJECT TITHING TODAY, NEVER DID ANY OF THE APOSTLES IN ANY PLACE IN THE NT SUGGEST OR ENCOURAGE THE BRETHREN TO TITHE? Should this not already begin to raise a red flag? Of course this is just a pointer to the facts already established by the principles of the arguments relating to the new covenant. I only brought this up as an additional pointer to the fact and not that I am using an “argument from silence” as the primary argument here.
In fact I have come to understand over time that one of the reasons many people grapple with the issue of tithing and find it difficult to free themselves from the bondage of their traditional ideas imposed on them is that besides the fact that they have been brainwashed by many pastors (Most of these people do not study the scriptures I must not forget to add), they also lack understanding of the context in which every single believer relates with God in the NT. Yes they know Christ died for them and has set them free from the curses of the Law blah blah blah (although they do not believe the curse from Mal 3:9 is included ), but SOMEHOW THEY DO NOT REALLY UNDERSTAND THE ESSENCE OF CHRIST’S DEATH AND ITS LIBERTY IMPLICATIONS AS IT RELATES TO TITHING AND GIVING.
Yes, the Levitical priesthood has been abolished and the Laws associated with it have also been made void according to scriptures. I do not mean to ridicule anyone, but to be frank, it is a reflection of gross ignorance on the part of anyone to still quote Mal 3:8 today and impose it on God’s people-telling them that they are robbing God when they do not pay tithes. Mal 3:8-10 advocates please when you can show me the Levitical priesthood today and when you can show me where God re-enacted those abrogated laws associated with the priesthood, then I will resume paying tithes. Until then please keep paying your own invented tithes and stop imposing such practices on God’s people as something they are mandated to do. Where is the Levitical priest you pay your tithes to? Where did God ever ask that Tithes be paid in monetary form contrary to his demands that they should consist of the natural things of the land (crops and animals)? Where did pastors receive their rights and commandments to demand and collect Tithes from Christians in the New covenant? They will have to give account to the most high God on that great day.
CONCLUSION:
CHILDREN OF GOD, IN THE CONTEXT OF THE NEW COVENANT, YOU ARE AT LIBERTY TO GIVE GOD WHAT YOU HAVE DETERMINED TO FROM YOUR HEART. THIS IS A REFLECTION OF THE TRUE ''SPIRIT AND TRUTH'' WORSHIP JESUS SPOKE ABOUT. TITHING IS A SECONDARY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE LEFT IN THE REALMS OF PERSONAL CONVICTIONS RATHER THAN AN ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE PREACHED ON THE PULPIT AS A CARDINAL CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE. IN OTHER WORDS IF A PERSON WANTS TO FOLLOW THE DEEDS OF ABRAHAM OR ISAAC FOR EXAMPLE, THEN HE SHOULD DO SO ON A PERSONAL BASIS WITHOUT IMPOSING SUCH CONVICTIONS ON OTHERS WHO ALSO UNDERSTAND BY THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH THAT THEY ARE AT LIBERTY TO GIVE GOD WHAT THEY HAVE DETERMINED FROM THEIR HEARTS BASED ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT NOT ONLY HAS THE LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD AND THE COMMANDMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH IT BEEN ABOLISHED, BUT ALSO ON THE CONTEXT OF OUR FAITH IN THE NEW COVENANT THAT BELIEVERS ARE TO BE LED BY THE SPIRIT AND NOT BY "THE LAW".
The principle of personal convictions regarding whether to or not to Tithe and other secondary issues relating to personal convictions were well established by Paul in Rom 14.
Ro 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
Ro 14:6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
Likewise He that chooses to pay a "self invented" tithe in the NT to the Lord, to the Lord he does it, and he that does not regard Tithing, to the Lord he does not regard it. It is no different in principle from what Paul was trying to establish in Rom 14.
It is my sincere prayer that the Holy Spirit will breath life to these words and give understanding and liberation to many of his children who have been put under the yoke of fear and bondage by many teachers in error and many false teachers.
Blessings to all those who love the Lord Jesus Christ.
PART 2: A BIBLICAL XRAY OF THE ARGUMENT OF MANY WHO CLAIM THEY PAY TITHES OUT OF THE LOVE FOR GOD AND OBEDIENCE RATHER THAN OUT OF SELFISHNESS OR COMPULSION.
You will usually hear many of those who champion the cause of Tithing for NT believers saying things like “I do not tithe because I am mandated to do so, I do so because I love God” while some others will say: “It is a spiritual covenant that guarantees your security” yet another will say “I do tithe out of obedience to the Lord.” And so on and so forth.
Now, while I do not doubt that many of these claimants are sincere, I can also objectively show without personal bias that many of these people making these claims say these things based on what is traditionally expected of them to say rather than for the love for God or obedience. The fact is that if many of these ones were to be sincere based on what I am about to show, they will discover that their motives for paying tithes are primarily informed by two conditions: FEAR OR FAVOUR and I will explain these
1) FEAR: Fear of the unknown of what possible evils may befall them and their families should they fail to pay tithes. Based on what they have been taught from some pulpits, many of them feel that if they fail to tithe, the devourer in Mal 3 under the levitical priesthood would be resurrected to harm them, their families, and their businesses. Etc LOL.
2) FAVOUR: The hopes of God fulfilling their expectations of financial investment in Tithing over their “faithful” years of paying tithes materializing by the windows of heaven's financial and material abundance opening so that there would not be enough room to hold such blessings, if they are just somehow faithful in paying their tithes.
I can assure you that although many of these folks would deny this, I will clearly show you from scriptures that what many call Paying of tithes out of obedience or the love for God is a selfish selective process based on their own fear or selfishness rather than for a true love for God. Now see the very clear evidence for this.
The following questions I will ask will get any sincere person thinking. These facts would reveal that many of these people making these claims would not naturally pay tithes if they had read the scriptures on their own without the promptings of their pastors from the pulpit which, depending on the pastor, will either promise them some grandeur blessings to come as a result of their obedience for tithing or some woeful thing likely to happen to them, their businesses, jobs, or their family members due to the devourer, should they fail to pay tithes. I want to establish the fact that the vast majority of people who Pay tithes do so based on selectivity and selfishness. What do I mean by selectivity and selfishness? This simply means that they pay the tithe based on how it suits them and not even based on what God says they should do.
A) SELECTIVITY REGARDING OTHER LAWS
Questions:
1) Every single argument made in favour of Tithing also applies to many other commandments of God in the Old Testament-such as observing the Sabbath, giving one’s Firstfruits, Circumcision. All these three commandments were principles and practices in effect before the Law. Abel gave his firstlings long before the Law, God rested on the 7th day before the Law. Abraham received the covenant of circumcision before the Law. Why is it then that these Pastors and tithe advocates deem it fit to quote Mal 3:8-10 in the Old Testament and mandate it on God’s people yet when it also comes to other Laws such as the Sabbath which also have instructions from God such as.
THE SABBATH
Ex 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Ex 20:9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
Ex 20:10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates
OR
THE FIRSTFRUITS
Ex 23:19 The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.
These Laws have conveniently been ignored by the tithe advocates and yet, the laws mentioned above all have the same arguments these tithe advocates use in mandating tithing for all of God's people as a prerequisite to show love for God, obedience and receive his blessings in return. We can see clearly that these were also Laws that God required of his people and were also things practiced before the Law. However these tithe advocates deem it fit to tell you that when Christ died, we were no longer required to do these other ones. However when it comes to tithing, they have this magical unique revelation that tithing was not included in the things which Christ does not mandate we do. LOL.
It therefore becomes clear that many of these Tithe advocates who mandate Tithing who claim love for God/obedience driven Tithing are deceiving themselves and are only being selective in how they apply what Christ’s blood has set us free from. Of course because money is involved and there are selfish gains regarding Tithing, it is not so hard to see why many Pastors will selectively single out tithing and tell you that it is still mandatory, yet abrogate the other laws stipulated by the same God on account of the death of christ. The scriptures are very clear. It warns us that if we want to go by the Laws of God, then we must fulfill all and not just one. For cursed is everyone who does not continue in ALL these things.
Ga 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
Of course many Pastors and their Tithe advocates would argue: “We are not under the Law and do not pay tithes or instruct others to do so based on the Law”. Really? Then my question would be: What business have you then in telling NT saints that they are cursed and robbing God when they do not pay tithes when these specific curses as well as the commandments to Tithe on which Mal 3:8-10 is quoted is based on the levitical priesthood and the law? See? Can we see the deception and dishonesty here? I have shown how many tithe payers who claim to do so out of God’s love and obedience do so based on convenient selfish selectivity on how they determine what Christ has done away with and what he has not. I will now proceed to show selectivity regarding the full commandments of tithing itself.
B) SELECTIVITY REGARDING THE COMMANDMENT TO TITHE ITSELF
In fact this aspect I am about to reveal is what hits the nail on the head in showing that many of these pastors hammering their members to pay tithes are simply selfish and their “obedience” claims are really disobedience in disguise.. Before I proceed I would like to establish that there were three types of Tithes God commanded his people to give in the OT and I will clearly show these from scriptures.
1) THE FESTIVAL TITHES
This part of the tithe was meant for the Tither himself. God commanded the tither to eat of his tithe with his family and rejoice as a sign of God’s favour so that the tither may learn to fear the Lord.
Deut 12:17 Thou mayest not eat within thy gates THE TITHE of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand:
Deut 12:18 But thou must EAT them before the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands unto.
Deut 12:19 Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth.
Not yet convinced that God said you should eat a part of your tithe? Okay let us see deut 14:22-27
Deut 14:22 ¶ Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.
Deut 14:23 And thou shalt EAT before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, THE TITHE of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.
De 14:27 And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee.
So we see clearly that the Festival tithe was specifically for the person himself to eat with his family of the Tithes and then share with the Levites. God’s instructions are very Lucid-YOU ARE TO EAT OF THESE TITHES YOURSELF and then also give to the Levites.
2) THE WELFARE TITHES
This part of the tithes was to go directly to the widows, strangers, fatherless, orphans and the less privileged DIRECTLY. Interestingly when you bring this to the notice of some pastors, they will tell you that it is for this reason they have welfare departments and build orphanages. LOL. However, note that God did not instruct them to first give this tithe to the Levites who will build orphanages and care centres for these people. God’s people were instructed to give their tithes to the widows, strangers, Fatherless DIRCTLY and not through proxy by ministers. See for yourselves.
.
Deut 14:28 At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates: (me-Note not in the Levitical temple or church)
Deut 14:29 And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.
Deut 26:12 When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thine increase the third year, which is the year of tithing, and hast given it unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled;
Again notice that the LORD did not tell the people to take this particular tithe to the Levitical Temple so that the Levites can bless them and help God’s people distribute to the widows and the fatherless as this is what many pastors today use as an excuse to evade telling their members about this aspect of tithing. At the end of three years, God’s people were to gather all their tithes for that year and share it between the Levites, the fatherless, widows, etc. But Alas! Do the pastors who claim love for God and obedience teach God’s people about this aspect of tithing in that same love and obedience? Of course not and it should not take rocket science to figure out why-because this particular aspect of tithing does not accrue to them (Claiming they are modern day levites), they are not concerned and in fact would rather not let God's people know about this lest their ration be shortened.
3) THE LEVITICAL TITHES
Of course I do not think this needs much explanation. This is the one the Pastors and the tithe advocates including some of the ones who have posted here are concerned about, yet many of them negate the first two types of tithes and claim it is out of love and obedience they pay tithe.
Nu 18:26 Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the LORD, even a tenth part of the tithe.
You see that not only have many of these Pastors selfishly and wrongly re-enacted tithing laws that were specifically required for the levites and have applied it to NT ministry work based on their own selfishness using threats from Mal 3:8-10, they have selectively left out the other two aspects of tithing obviously because those other two are not primarily for them and this obedience and proclaimed love for God seems only to be seen in the levitical tithe which they have unscripturally re-enacted.
So my question for the tithe advocates who claim that they pay tithes out of obedience and the love for God is:
If you love God and you want to be obedient to his tithing instructions, don’t you think you will follow God’s instructions wholly and not selectively for your own selfish needs and selectiveness? The pastors have brainwashed you and enslaved you by compelling you to give 10% taxes to them in the name of Tithing. Of course it is no wonder they are the ones riding the jet planes and living in mansions while you are still struggling with your bills with the hope that someday that abundance of the windows opening in Mal 3: 10 will materialize from your years of 'tithing investment'.
So it is very clear that most of these tithe advocates pay their tithes selectively based on their own selfish interests as it is clear that they leave out the other instructions regarding tithing. Besides, this I have also shown that they selectively abrogate the other laws such as the Sabbath, firstfruits etc and argue that Christ has taken care of those things (which is true) but the issue is: why do they not also apply this same understanding to tithing?
If these people were truly tithing based on obedience and love for God then not only will they also follow the other commandments in the Old Testament out of that same obedience and love for God, they will also practice the three types of tithing. So if the pastors were to justify their claim of helping God’s people to be obedient out of the love for God and they truly had honesty and integrity in this regard, then they will teach their congregations that if they want to tithe-for example say 10,000 naira or whatever currency, they should split the money into three parts as the Lord leads them. Then
a) They should eat a first part of it
b) They should give a second part to the Levites (which they claim to have now become)
c) They should give the remaining parts to the Fatherless, Strangers, Homeless, etc DIRECTLY- not by proxy through the pastor’s ministry.
So for the Pastors who mandate tithing my questions are
Question 1) WHY ARE YO SO SILENT TO YOUR CONGREGATION ON THE OTHER TWO ASPECTS OF TITHING THAT DO NOT PRIMARILY INVOLVE THE LEVITES OR MINISTERS AND WHY DO YOU NOT TELL YOUR MEMBERS ABOUT THE OTHER TWO ASPECTS OF TITHING? WELL WE ALL KNOW THE ANSWER DON'T WE?
To the tithe payers who also mandate tithing my questions are:
1) Why do you pay your tithes and mandate that others do the same based on mal 3 or the argument that it was a hidden principle before the law, yet you negate the other commandments of God that were equally before the Law which have no financial implications or benefits but have either equal weight or even more weight than tithing?
2) Why do you tithe selectively and not prove your proclaimed obedience or love for God’s instructions by sharing your tithe into three parts-one for you and your family, the other part for you pastor’s ministry, and the third part for the less privileged? Why? Is it because you have been brainwashed or because you are ignorant of God’s commandments regarding tithing? Or is it because you are only concerned about your own selfish interests when you tithe? Why?
Despite most of the evidence to the contrary, many here will still makes statements like: “It works for others do not judge”. Fair enough but what works and what is an honest objective barometer in judging whether tithing is truly working? I will show you from scriptures itself.
Mal 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Now it is not just enough for many tithe advocates to quote “will a man rob God?” from Mal 3:8 and leave out the other parts in verse 10 that God uses to prove those who claim they are faithful tithers in Mal 3:10. God plainly says that true tithers will have abundance when they tithe to the extent that they will not even have enough room for the blessings right? We are not talking about unverifiable testimonies such as “my son was sick but when I tithed, he became well” and all such subjective claims. We are using God’s word as the barometer now.
Therefore, If tithing was truly working for many of these tithers as many of them would like to claim, then the banks should have been calling all tithers by now and asking them whether they do drugs or something because based on God’s promises in Mal 3:10, their bank accounts should have been overflowing with milk and honey money by now to the extent that the people would hardly even know how to spend their money.
God says there would not be enough room for it right? So if these ones were faithful tithers and they have proved God, why is it that it is many of these tithers that struggle with their finances while the pastors who receive the 10% tax in the name of tithing are the ones getting fatter and fatter? In fact it does not take rocket science to see what is going on here.
So did God lie? Certainly not-God forbids that one should even imagine that. However the fact is that those specific tithing promises and curses in Mal 3 were specifically relevant to the Levitical priesthood and had to do with animals and crops. God did not permit them to pay tithes in money (Even if they used money back then) because he specifically required the natural things of the land for he considered them holy unto him.
However, many Christians believe that if they can re-enact the commandment that applied to the levites and pay tithes in their own invented and selective styles, like kalokalo, God will someday make them rich and protect their families and businesses against the devourers of our times. So rather than trust in the finished and accomplished works of Christ on the cross and strive to build a personal relationship with God based on what God seeks of them to please him, they would rather prefer to have formulas from scriptures that would help them selfishly get through life and for many, they would rather just have the formulas without the true Lordship of Christ over them.
Well I am hoping and it is my prayer that if a tither who mandates tithing has endured long enough to read up till this point, the wool should have been taken of his or her eyes by now.
Blessings to all who love the Lord Jesus Christ.
