Cursed with a curse. That’s what I was told and that’s what I believed for many years. Why was I cursed? I was cursed if I did not tithe. It was the perfect carrot-and-stick motivational technique. A person who tithes is financially blessed beyond their wildest dreams. The person who does not tithe is cursed with a curse.
Is this Biblically accurate?
Christians are redeemed from the curse of the law. They are not cursed with a curse for not tithing. Jesus became a curse for us. The Old Covenant blessings and curses functioned before Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Christians are under a new and better covenant.
Malachi 3:9 (ESV) You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you.
Cursed For Not Tithing
Tithing in the Old Testament was not a voluntary financial transaction. It was a compulsory transaction between farmers and Levites.
Leviticus 27:30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s. It is holy to the Lord.
The tithe was edible produce from the land of Israel. It was never intended to be money. When money was used to replace the tithe a 20% fee was attached to it.
Leviticus 27:31 If a man wants at all to redeem any of his tithes, he shall add one-fifth to it.
There was also a tithe of animals.
Leviticus 27:32 And concerning the tithe of the herd or the flock, of whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the Lord.
Hebrew farmers and herdsmen opened themselves to cursing when commands of the law were ignored or disobeyed.
Deuteronomy 28:15 But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you:
Perfect obedience was demanded. Disobedience invited curses. Impeccable obedience invited blessing but it was also impossible.
The Three Tithes of the Old Testament
Imagine trying to keep all of the tithe, offerings, and ancillary commands perfectly. Even the most fastidious person would regularly fail.
First, there was the Levitical tithe (Numbers 18:24).
There was also a Festival Tithe (Deuteronomy 14:22-27).
A Charity Tithe was required every third and sixth year (Deuteronomy 14:28-29).
If you would like to take a deeper view of the Three Tithes click here.
Every tenth animal was given.
It would be easy to miss something. Did I count the animals correctly? How many sheaves were there? Were we supposed to skip plowing and planting in the seventh year?
Tithing incorrectly would be easy. It could also be problematic. The curses in Deuteronomy 28 are legitimate and also horrible.
Atonement or Redemption
Old Testament sacrificial offerings covered sins.
Sacrifices were made twice per day. Additional sacrifices were made on the Sabbath. Every new moon (monthly) mandated more sacrificial offerings. Finally, offerings were made annually during the Festivals.
These offerings only covered sins. New offerings were constantly required.
Jesus provided eternal redemption.
Hebrews 9:12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.
Redeemed From The Curse of the Law
Galatians 3:13-14 (ESV) Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
Pastors and teachers who insist Christians can be cursed have a low view of the Blood of Christ. They’ve elevated giving money over the completed work of Calvary.
This is a theologically dangerous move. Confessing that non-tithers are cursed opens their theology to works-based salvation. When we attempt to be justified by the law we must keep the whole law. God doesn’t grade on a curve.
Severed From Christ
Galatians 5:3-4 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.
Jesus kept the law perfectly. He fulfilled the law. That law is obsolete. Resist its siren song!
Hebrews 8:13 In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.
Christians are not cursed with a curse. Tithing, from a Biblical context, is impossible for a Christian. Stop willingly putting yourself under the law.
You are under grace.
Tim manages a $ billion+ loan portfolio. He loves to write and teach about biblical stewardship. He has authored three stewardship books, including The Profit Dare. His fourth book, Savvy Stewardship, will be released in May 2024. He hosts The Profit Dare and Sola Melodica YouTube Channels.
He has an MBA from Cornerstone University and a Certificate in Behavioral Finance from Duke University.
Tim is a former church planter, youth pastor, and short-term missionary.
