New Testament Giving Verses Old Testament Tithing

To refute this: We contend that many things came before the Law, sacrifices for instance. Yet sacrifice became the very heart of the Law and was nailed to the cross with the Law. Jesus was the final sacrifice.

The priesthood was also before the Law. It was picked up by the Law and ended with the Law. All believers are now priests, able to enter into the presence of the Lord.

Circumcision was also before the Law. It became part of the Law and died with the Law.

B. Tithing Mentioned in the New Testament:

1. Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek is referred to in the New Testament and this is another basis for argument.

1For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 2To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace. [Heb. 7:1-2]

To refute this:

5And 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: 6But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.[Heb. 7:5-6]

In this passage, it states that tithing was part of the Law.

2. Jesus’ rebuke of the scribes and Pharisees is another basis for argument by the proponents of tithing for today.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.[Mat. 23:23]

To refute this: It must be remembered that Jesus was making this statement to Israelites, not to Christians. This was said to people still under the Law. The Law came by Moses, but it ended at the cross!

IV. The Greater Blessing By teaching tithing we put New Covenant believers back under a Covenant of Works/Law. Remember, too, that in the New Testament we are all told to offer our all to God, which is as it should be. Jesus said believers were to forsake all, and give all, if He requires it. The believer is to have no affection for any of it. Remember the account of the rich young ruler who was too attached to his material wealth.

Some of the most scathing denunciations made in the New Testament were made by Jesus against the scribes and Pharisees. Not only did these men tithe, they also paid heavy taxes to Rome. And yet, Jesus had this to say about them, comparing their righteousness or lack thereof to what the believer’s level of righteousness should be.

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.[Mat. 5:20]

V. Eternal Principles from the Law for Today

While the Christian is no longer under the Law, there are principles to be found within the Law that apply to believers today.