Arguing against the modern-day tithe is a tricky business. On one hand, you don’t want to come across as uncharitable or stingy. On the other hand, you may feel strongly that tithing 10% of your income to your church is not Biblically mandated. So what’s a person to do?
In this podcast, we’ll take a look at 7 arguments against tithing based on Scripture. We’ll also explore what the early Christians thought about tithing, and whether or not there is any merit to the practice today. Hopefully, by the end of this episode, you’ll have a better understanding of tithing.
Table of Contents
- Listen to The Tithing Hoax Podcast
- 1. Abraham and Jacob’s Tithe Weren’t an Ongoing Practice
- 2. The Tithe Was Tied to the Ancient Land of Israel
- 3. Tithes Could Only be Given to Levites and Priests
- 4. The Biblical Tithe Exceeds 10 Percent
- 5. Jesus Affirmed the Tithe Before The New Covenant was Established
- 6. Believers are Not Under the Mosaic Covenant
- 7. The New Testament Doesn’t Command Christians to Tithe
- A Final Thought
- Outsmart the Prosperity Gospel Preachers
Listen to The Tithing Hoax Podcast
Here are 7 arguments against tithing that dispute the modern-day tithe:
1. Abraham and Jacob’s Tithe Weren’t an Ongoing Practice
Some think tithing is required because Abraham and Jacob gave a tenth, but this does not prove that tithing is for all time. Abraham’s gift to Melchizedek was a one-time event; there is no evidence he regularly gave God a tenth.
Jacob’s giving of a tenth signified his gratefulness to God for promising to be with him and to protect him. His gratefulness and generosity still speak to us today, but a historical description of what Jacob gave doesn’t support the idea that all believers must give God a tenth of their income. Additionally, the Bible doesn’t indicate that Jacob paid tithes on a regular basis.
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2. The Tithe Was Tied to the Ancient Land of Israel
The tithe is an important part of the Old Testament, as it was tied to the land that Israel received Leviticus 27:30. The LORD required tithes from Hebrew Israelites who lived in the land of ancient Israel.
However, this requirement cannot apply to Christians today. Christians are part of the heavenly Jerusalem, according to Hebrews 11:10. In the new Jerusalem, there’s no need for tithes.
3. Tithes Could Only be Given to Levites and Priests
Tithes were given to the Levites and priests in the old covenant, but there were no Levites and priests in the new covenant. The sacrificial system of the old covenant is no longer in effect.
In the new covenant, all believers are priests. Please read 1 Pet. 2:9; Revelation 1:6; 5:10, and 20:6), Jesus is our high priest, according to Hebrews 7.
4. The Biblical Tithe Exceeds 10 Percent
If tithing is required for Christians today, how much should we give?
Biblical scholars differ on the number of tithes ancient Israel gave. Some say 12 tithes were given over seven years, while others believe it was twelve.
Regardless, the biblical tithe is more than 10 percent every year and closer to 20 percent. So, those who advocate tithing should probably pay 20 percent.
5. Jesus Affirmed the Tithe Before The New Covenant was Established
Some Prosperity Gospel preachers defend tithing by saying Jesus praised tithing, even if he said it was less important than other things (Matt. 23:23; Luke 11:42). This argument appears strong, but it’s not persuasive.
When Jesus affirmed the tithe, it was before the dawn of the new covenant. Jesus also mentioned offering sacrifices in the temple. Read Matthew. 5:23–24.
Our Lord’s words are understandable within the context of redemptive history. In other words, Jesus spoke about sacrifices and tithing before the cross and resurrection.
Jesus used tithing and sacrifices as illustrations when addressing his contemporaries. Additionally, he was “born under the law” so he kept the law (Galatians 4:4). This is why we don’t use his words to promote making sacrifices. Likewise, we can’t misuse the words of Jesus to promote tithing.
6. Believers are Not Under the Mosaic Covenant
The Mosaic law commands ancient Hebrew Israelites to tithe.
The Apostle Paul emphasizes that believers aren’t under the Old Covenant. I refer you to Romans 6:14–15; 7:5-6; Galatians. 3: 15; 4:7; and 2 Corinthians 3:4–18. The commands in that covenant are no longer in force for believers.
The Mosaic Covenant has three divisions: civil, ceremonial, and moral laws. Although many of the moral laws of the Old Covenant remain in place today, this isn’t the case with the civil and ceremonial laws. With the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus the Christ, those laws were abolished. Since tithing is a ceremonial law and not a moral law, it too was abolished.
7. The New Testament Doesn’t Command Christians to Tithe
When Christians are instructed to give generously. But they are not commanded to tithe. For example, 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 refers to a one-time gift for poor saints in Jerusalem. This passage demonstrates Christian generosity, but it doesn’t mention tithing. Throughout the New Testament, believers are encouraged voluntarily help those in need. Please read Acts 2:43–47; 11:27–30; Galatians 2:10; 2 Cor. 8:1–9.
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A Final Thought
Given that Christians are not commanded to tithe, it would appear that advocating for tithing is misguided. However, there are many other ways to support God’s work. In the meantime, share this message with your friends and family who may also have been misled about tithing. Together, we can set the record straight on this topic and help people understand what the Bible really says about giving back to God.
If you’re interested in learning more about tithing, we recommend reading our book, The Tithing Hoax. We explore the biblical and historical evidence for and against tithing in it. We also provide practical advice on how to give generously without tithing.
Thanks for listening!
Outsmart the Prosperity Gospel Preachers
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the tithe doctrines, don’t worry! You can start by reading The Tithing Hoax, where we break down everything you need to know about tithing. We explain why Christians don’t have to tithe and provide biblical verses to back it up. So don’t let anyone tell you you’re going to hell if you don’t tithe.
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