There are many different views about tithing. Some views are at extreme odds. Others are only slightly nuanced. Views about tithing are vast. Those within the same denomination have been known to disagree about the subject. Tithing is an emotional and theological hot potato.
Today I am writing about 7 different views on tithing. Some believe tithing is under the law and does not apply to Christians. Others believe it’s a principle that existed before the law, was established in the law, and was affirmed by Christ. Some believe the tithe was never money in the Law and can’t be money for the Church. Others believe that tithing is an act of worship.
Which is it?
Can it be a little bit of all?
What does the Bible say about it?
Let’s find out.
Tithing Is Under The Law And Doesn’t Apply To Christians
The battle lines were drawn way back in Acts 15 for this belief. Despite the clarity of what James said, the tithing war continues to rage.
Acts 15:19-21 (NIV) It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. For the law of Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”
Paul continued in the same vein when he wrote to the church in Galatia.
Galatians 2:15-16 (NIV) We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.
Tithing supporters believe that it began before the law, was established in the law, was confirmed by Jesus, and was not rejected by the Apostles.
Tithing Existed Before The Law And Applies To Christians
Abram gave ten percent (a tithe) of war spoils to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:14-24). Abram’s activity was picked up by the author of Hebrews as well. This, to tithing supporters, is the New Testament proof that validates their belief.
Is tithing the primary point of the seventh chapter of Hebrews, though?
The Book of Hebrews was written for Jewish Christians. Think about what it would be like for a person of Jewish lineage. Their entire spiritual world was turned upside down. Assurance was needed.
Hebrews chapter one expresses Jesus’ superiority to the angels.
The third chapter reveals that Jesus was superior to Moses.
Each chapter of the book discusses the superiority of the New Covenant to the Old.
Chapter seven contends that Melchizedek was superior to Levi. It then indicates that Jesus is similar to Melchizedek and therefore superior to the Levitical order.
Christians do not tithe to Melchizedek. That’s not the point at all. If they did, to remain true to the text, it would only be 10% of war spoils. War spoil gifts were codified in the law of Moses adding another wrinkle.
Abram’s one-time gift to Melchizedek does not establish tithing for New Testament Christians.
The Tithe Was Never Money
Tithing, as established by Moses, was bringing crops and cattle to the Levites. Money was only an option when the tithe was redeemed. Let’s say a farmer wanted to give the equivalent value in silver instead of crops he could — with a surcharge included.
Leviticus 27:31 (NIV) Whoever would redeem any of their tithe must add a fifth of the value to it.
Tithing opponents argue that the tithe was crops and cattle and not cash. Proponents of tithing state that ancient Israel was an agrarian society. Farmers used crops as their primary method of exchange.
Money changed hands between the eleven tribes and the Levites. There was a temple tax. Redemption of the firstborn was paid in silver or gold. The census tax was also paid with money. Plus, the tithe could be redeemed. Since God instituted a 20% surcharge it seems that He wanted crops and cattle and not cash.
Even Jesus, when rebuking the Pharisees, mentioned edible food items. If you’re interested in what Jesus said about tithing, click here.
Tithing Is An Act of Worship
This one sounds good at first blush. However, is it Biblically accurate?
Abram voluntarily gave Melchizedek 10% of war spoils. He then gave the remaining 90% to the King of Sodom.
Jacob played “Let’s Make a Deal” with God. Not an act of worship.
Tithing was commanded in the Law of Moses. Since it was part of the Law, any deviation opened the person to the curses found in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28.
I agree 100% that giving is an act of worship. However, dictating a minimum amount to give wrecks the idea of it being worship.
The Tithe Was A Theocratic Tax
John MacArthur teaches that the tithe was a tax on the Israeli people. Israel was a theocracy and this is how the government functioned.
Tithing Is A Minimum Expectation
Church fathers, such as Jerome and Augustine, taught that giving should be well beyond ten percent. Vows of poverty were common.
However, since most people would never follow a life of severe austerity they were okay with a financial compromise. Giving at least what the Jewish people gave was considered acceptable.
Tithing Is An Expression Of Faith
Dr. Trent, an economics professor, shares that tithing is an expression of faith. I’ve heard Robert Morris (Pastor of Gateway Church) indicate that the act of tithing builds our faith.
Tithing and giving are not the same thing, though. One cannot tithe five percent. Certainly, there is an element of faith involved when giving charitably. I would push back on that number being ten percent, though.
Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. We can also build ourselves up on our most holy faith by praying in the Spirit. I’ve not seen a bible verse that indicates tithing builds faith. It sounds good but it’s not scriptural.
Giving a set amount of money might make us more reliant on our ability to budget or our ability to sacrifice comfort.
Grace Giving
There are many different views on tithing. What’s biblical, though?
The Old Covenant was made obsolete.
Hebrews 8:13 (NIV) By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.
Living by grace is much more challenging than attempting to live by the Law. Let’s bring it down to a simple human comparison — marriage. Telling one’s spouse, “I love you” is important. How many times per day should one tell their spouse that they love them? Most would rather hear one legitimate, “I LOVE YOU!” than 100 fake ones.
God wants us to give to gospel causes cheerfully. Reluctant and compulsory giving is not Biblical.
New covenant grace giving is superior to tithing food and paying the temple tax, the census tax, and the redemption of the firstborn. God trusts us to give. We must begin to trust one another to give.
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 4th book, Savvy Stewardship will be released in April 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.
