Concerning Tithing
Below is a letter expressing concern regarding our position on tithing. The writer clearly believes that God’s law on this issue was done away in the New Covenant. The following is his letter and our response. The writer would later write a follow-up letter.
The Letter
Dear Sirs,
As one from WCG since about "64", I am familiar with tithing and tithed, as we tithed. 1,2, and 3 for many years. When I studied tithing about ten years ago it soon became apparent that what we were doing was just following a tradition adopted and modified from churchianity. There is no example of tithing in the New Covenant. There is no priesthood and temple to be supported since 70AD. There is no example of a paid hierarchical ministry.
As begotten members of the Body of Christ we are a peculiar or special people, a Royal Priesthood, to rule as kings and priest on this earth (Rev 5:10). I think you should reconsider your belief statement. The tithe was under the OC for a specific purpose. Mat 23:23 is not suggesting tithing but the weightier matters of the law. In the context of this verse the conduct of the scribes and Pharisees was based on their tradition Luke 15:1-9. Now who are we to tithe too? If you want to contribute to a good work or give your time and effort that is great. But that is not tithing. Who is authorized to receive the tithe? If collected who would decide what to do with it? What we have had is a mixture of the OC priesthood and the temple and New Covenant decisions by people. Under the NC we are all members of the body, not some super members and some lessor members.
The same gift of Salvation is given to all, the same Holy Spirit. The parable of the workers in the field strongly emphasizes that all receive the save penny, salvation. I am glad you are "Blowing the Trumpet". I venture to suggest that you consider an expanded view. Christ came with his commandments from the Father of the heart and mind (Jer 31:31. His commandments John 14:15 "my", v21 "My", v23 "my words". v24 "my" sayings. Christ came with a new Covenant not based on the Law of Moses. Read the Book of Hebrews with this in mind, Better laws (spiritual not physical) better promises, spiritual not physical, eternal not just for a physical lifetime. Most of us have a very good grounding in the OC, but liberty in Christ comes from the full application of the NC to our whole life.
Love to hear from you.
Name Withheld
Our Response
Dear Friend,
Thank you for visiting Blow the Trumpet and for your comment re: tithing. First, let us begin by making an observation concerning your interpretation of Matthew 23:23. To suggest that Jesus wasn’t addressing tithing is completely false. The law concerning this practice was actually the benchmark He employed when teaching the value of mercy, judgement, and faith. If tithing had no weight in the New Testament as you suggest then what Jesus was doing was tantamount to proclaiming that mercy, judgement and faith possessed greater moral weight than nothing. Pardon us, but we couldn’t disagree more!
Jesus wasn’t condemning the Pharisee’s tithing practices. On the contrary, He was using them to illustrate a wonderful point. In essence the Messiah was saying, “You go to great lengths to honor God’s law regarding tithing. But when it comes to things that are greater in His sight, you completely miss the point.” Jesus then exhorted these religious leaders to practice these great virtues with the same diligence as they tithe.
We realize that many simply dismiss the words at the end of this verse, but we would remind you that they were spoken by none other that the Savior of the World. Our question to you is this. Why did He utter them in the first place? Was He just being politically correct? Or, was it a slip of the tongue? Perhaps it was an error in the translation. Maybe it was added by some frustrated scribe in a far-away monastery. To simply say that Jesus was not speaking about tithing in this verse is not fair to the scriptures or the Savior that spoke them. Therefore, we at Blow the Trumpet have some questions for you before we proceed. They are as follows:
- What did the Messiah mean when He said “AND NOT LEAVE THE OTHER UNDONE?
- What was the “OTHER” He was speaking about?
- What did He mean by “UNDONE”?
We are prepared to address every issue you raise. We simply ask you to address the forceful words Jesus spoke just days before His death. Send us your response and we will address every point you made.
Respectfully,
Blow the Trumpet
To Read His follow –up letter click HERE
If you would like to write to Blow the Trumpet you may do so by Clicking HERE.