Does Jesus Require People to Practice Tithing Today?

What does the gospel of Jesus Christ teach about the practice of tithing to the church? To tithe means to give a tenth or ten percent of ones income. Does the New Testament require this practice today?

The Old Testament Law Required Tithing

Genesis 14:20; 28:20-22 -- Both Abraham and Jacob gave tithes prior to the giving of the law at Sinai.

Leviticus 27:30-33 -- Moses' law required Israelites to give a tithe (tenth) of their increase to support the Levites (Num. 18:21-32; Mal. 3:7-10). In addition Israelites also gave free-will offerings, taxes, and other gifts to support the combined religious service and civil government (Ex. 35:29; I Chron. 29:1-19; Deut. 12:5-19; 14:22-29; Neh. 10:34-39).

Hebrews 10:9,10 -- The old law, however, is no longer binding since Jesus replaced it. This means churches today have no right to require Christians to tithe. (See also Rom. 7:1-7; Col. 2:14,16; Gal. 3:24,25; etc.)

For a detailed study about the old law for today, see the link at the end of this study.

The New Testament Requires Us to Give as We Have Prospered.

1 Corinthians 16:1,2 -- On the first day of the week, each one should give as prospered. Some people are comparatively prosperous and should give more; others are comparatively poor and should give less.

Acts 11:29 -- Every man determined to give according to his ability. (See also 2 Cor. 8:12; Mark 12:41-44; Matt. 25:14-30.)

2 Corinthians 9:6,7 -- We should give generously as we purposed in our hearts, not grudgingly or of necessity, but cheerfully.

Just as the New Testament no longer requires animal sacrifices, the Levitical priesthood, the seventh-day Sabbath, the Old Testament holy days, and laws of clean and unclean meats, so it does not require the Old Testament practice of tithing. Rather Christians should support the work of the church by giving on the first day of the week according to their prosperity.

This does not mean we are free to give less than 10%. It might mean we should give more than that. We should give as prospered and purposed in heart.

For more information about the old law and the Sabbath for today or about worship in the church that Jesus built, please visit our Bible Instruction web site at www.gospelway.com/instruct/. 

(c) Copyright David E. Pratte, 6/27/2005

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