By Pastor Chris Ojigbani
For hundreds of years, Christians incur the wrath of God by paying and receiving tithe. Though the doctrine of tithe is popular and generally accepted in Christianity, it’s a wrong doctrine.
It’s actually a sin to pay tithe and it’s equally a sin to receive tithe in Christianity. The doctrine is generally accepted because of the misinterpretation of some tithe related scriptures.
A misinterpretation of a scripture can lead many generations astray. In like manner, the misinterpretation of tithe related scriptures has led many Christian generations astray. Before explaining the true meaning of the scriptures, it’s important I first explain what tithe means.
What is tithe?
Tithe as an English word means one tenth or 10 percent. Tithe in the scripture means a mandatory 10 percent of one’s increase (Deuteronomy 14:22).
How often did Israelites give Tithe?
The tithe system had a seven-year cycle. The Israelites were mandated to give tithe on the first year, second year, third year, fourth year, fifth year and sixth year.
They didn’t give tithe on the seventh year because they weren’t allowed to farm on the seventh year. It was called the Sabbath year or the sabbatical year.
On that year, they would allow the land to lie fallow (Exodus 23:10-11) (Leviticus 25:1-7). So, because they used agricultural products as tithe, they never gave tithe on the Sabbath year.
The Types of Tithe
There were basically three types of tithe practiced by Israelites.
First, was the Levitical tithe or the first tithe (Numbers18:21-24), and it was given yearly to the Levites. This first tithe is the doctrine of tithe practiced by Christians.
The second tithe was called the tithe of feasts. In this kind of tithe, the person tithing would eat the tithe himself at a place the Lord will choose for him This tithe was done on the first year, second year, fourth year and fifth year of the seven-year cycle (Deuteronomy 14:22-27).
The third tithe was the poor man’s tithe, which was done on the third and sixth year. In this kind of tithe, the person tithing would give the tithe to strangers, widows, fatherless and Levites to eat and be satisfied (Deuteronomy 14:28-29).
Amongst the three kinds of tithe, Christians wrongly practice the first one, which is also called the Levitical tithe. I will quickly show you why it’s a sin to pay or receive tithe in this dispensation.
Why It’s a Sin to Pay or Receive Tithe
When God gave the commandment of tithe, He clearly stated who would pay the tithe; who would receive the tithe; and the purpose for receiving the tithe. He said the tithe would be paid by Israelites (except those from the tribe of Levi). He said that only the Levites were permitted to receive tithe and also said it was for their service in the tabernacle of the congregation. God actually gave them the tithe as an inheritance (Numbers18: 21-24).
For you to be eligible to pay tithe, you have to come from any of the tribes of Israel, apart from the tribe of Levi.
But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the Lord, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.
Numbers 18:24
Though Gentile Christians are children of Abraham, we were not given any tribe. As long as you don’t have an Israeli’s international passport, you are not eligible to give tithe. The instruction was very specific.
Second, if you are eligible to give tithe, you are permitted to give the tithe only to one set of people called the Levites
And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.
Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die.
But the Levites shall do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they shall bear their iniquity: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations, that among the children of Israel they have no inheritance.
But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the Lord, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.
Numbers18: 21-24
The Levites are simply those from the tribe of Levi. Even in the New Testament of the Bible, the scripture clearly tells us that only the Levites are permitted to receive tithe (Hebrews 7:5). If you give your tithe to non-Levite, you are going against God’s instruction. And it will be counted against you as a sin. I will also like to state that there is nothing like spiritual Levites. We may have spiritual Israelites but not spiritual Levites or spiritual Benjaminite. I will also like to state here that priests did not receive tithe from the Israelites. The Israelites gave their tithe to Levites and Levites would then give 10 percent of the tithe to Priests (Numbers 18:26-28).
Third, for you to be eligible to receive tithe, you must be a Levite. It’s very clear in the scripture. When a non-Levite receives tithe, the person has gone against the instruction of God. Such person has committed a sin. If you are not from the tribe of Levi, then you are not a Levite. There is nothing like a spiritual Levite. This explains why Jesus Christ, who was from the tribe of Judah, didn’t receive tithe from anyone. Apart from the fact that Jesus didn’t ask the Israelites to pay tithe to him, He still encouraged them to continue paying their tithe. In Matthew 22:23, He rebuked the Pharisees that they pay tithe, which is less important, and leave the more important things like justice, mercy and faithfulness. He then encouraged them to do both the less important ones and the more important ones. In other words, He encouraged them to continue paying tithe to the Levites. That was simply the law. Only Levites could receive tithe.
If Jesus Christ who was from Israel couldn’t receive tithe because He didn’t come from the tribe of Levi, how then can a non-Israeli pastor from Africa or America be entitled to receive tithe? This also explains why Apostle Peter, Apostle Paul and the other apostles couldn’t receive tithe from anyone. Though they were men of God, they couldn’t receive tithe because they were not Levites. It will also interest you that presently we have some non-Levite Jewish Rabbis who are in charge of synagogues but do not receive tithe. Though they are Rabbis and are “physical” citizens of Israel, they don’t receive tithe because the law does not permit them. Any non-Levite who receives tithe sins grievously against God.
Finally, tithe cannot be paid or received in this dispensation because the purpose of giving tithe to Levites can no longer be fulfilled now. Why did God command that tithe should be given to the Levites?
And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. Numbers18:21
Levites were given the tithe simply because they serve at the temple of congregation. But because the temple has been destroyed, the Levites can no longer serve at the temple. So, even if you are eligible to give or receive tithe, you cannot give or receive tithe now because the temple has been destroyed. Do you know that no Israelite pays or receives tithe today. Yes, they have stopped giving tithe until the temple is rebuilt. Please note that when the temple is rebuilt, Christians will still not join the Jews in paying and receiving tithe because the tithe system was not created to cater for Christians. Rather, it was created to cater for Levites. This explains why the early Christians who existed before the temple was destroyed never neither paid nor received tithe.
As Abraham’s children, are we not Israelites?
A person once asked, “If we are children of Abraham and also heir to his blessings, are we not Israelites? That you are a child of Abraham does not make you Jewish. You are still a Gentile, but because you have given your life to Christ, you receive his blessings. So, you don’t receive Abraham’s blessings because you pay tithe but because you have given your life to Christ.
He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. (Galatians 3:14, NIV)
The scripture above still calls us Gentiles. Even though we may be spiritual Israelites, we are still Gentiles and as such are not Levites. We are not permitted to pay or receive tithe.
Understanding Abraham’s Tithe to Melchizedek
Though Abraham once gave tithe to Melchizedek, the doctrine of tithe practiced in Christianity is different. While tithe is one tenth of one’s increase, Abraham didn’t give one tenth of his increase. Rather, he gave one tenth of the spoils he got from war. Though he was very rich, he didn’t touch his increase.
Second, Abraham’s tithe was a one-time gift. He didn’t give it every month or every year unlike the monthly tithe practiced in Christianity. In addition, tithe in the scripture was mandatory while Abraham’s tithe was voluntary. Abraham didn’t pay the tithe because any law said he should pay it. He paid it of his own volition. This explains why his son Isaac didn’t pay tithe. Even his grand son Jacob didn’t pay tithe as well. Though Jacob vowed to give God one tenth, it wasn’t tithe. It was a personal vow he made that if God would protect and bless him, he would give Him one tenth of the blessing.
And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,
So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God:
And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee. Genesis 28:20-22
Jacob’s vow was also a one-time one and voluntary. It wasn’t every month or every year.
Finally, Abraham didn’t give the tithe to Melchizedek for us to emulate him and start giving tithe. And even if we are to emulate him, then you can only give tithe from spoils you get from war. That means for you to give tithe, you would need to go for a war, win the war and bring the spoil. Abraham’s tithe cannot be used to teach people to pay tithe.
Understanding Malachi 3:10
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10
Many people have asked me questions regarding Malachi 3:10. One person once asked me “If we are not supposed to pay tithe, what does Malachi 3:10 mean?” The answer is very simple. Malachi 3:10 doesn’t refer to the congregation. It rather refers to priests. Yes, the scripture speaks to priests. For better understanding, I will take you to the Book of Numbers.
In Chapter 18 of the Book, verses 25-29, the Bible says that when the Levites receive the tithe of the people, they should also take a tithe of the tithe and give to priests. In verse 32, the Bible say that when they present the best part, they will not be guilty and they will not defile the holy offerings. Also in Nehemiah 10:38, the Bible also says that priests and Levites should bring the tithe of tithe to the storeroom of God.
A priest descended from Aaron is to accompany the Levites when they receive the tithes, and the Levites are to bring a tenth of the tithes up to the house of our God, to the storerooms of the treasury. Nehemiah 10:38, NIV
So, it happened that the priests in those days were not taking the tithe of tithe to the storehouse of God. And God was angry and warned them in Malachi 3:10. To really know who God spoke to in Malachi 3:10, it’s better to go to Chapter 2:1 where the instruction started.
And now, you priests, this warning is for you. Malachi 2:1, NIV
The warning continued from Chapter 2 until it got to Chapter 3, verse 10.
So, the scripture was a warning to priests and not a warning to the congregation.
Conclusion
It’s a sin to pay or receive tithe. If you are a Christian do not pay tithe again so that you don’t incur the wrath of God. If Israelites do not pay tithe now, then why should you, a non-Israelite pay tithe. Even if you are a spiritual Israelite, why should you pay tithe whereas the physical Israelites don’t?
If you are a man of God, please do not receive tithe again so that you don’t incur the wrath of God. If Jesus Christ, Apostle Paul, Apostle Peter, and co didn’t receive tithe, why then should you receive tithe? There are many other kinds of offering you can receive. You can receive the regular offering, partnership offering, sacrificial offering, but not tithe. The tithe system is against the poor. Yes, the tithe system takes from the poor to take care of the rich. But we are supposed to take from the rich and take care of the poor. You must stop now! Why am I telling you this? It is an instruction from the Lord. Can the instruction be found in the Bible?
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. – 2Timothy4:2
The above scripture clearly says rebuke and correct wrong doctrines.
A revival has actually started. Yes, it has started. And because it’s of God, no one can stop it. I encourage you to join the revival. A true revival is not gathering together to pray but identifying errors, recognizing the truth, and start practicing the truth.
He who has ears, let him hear.
God bless Christians.
And God bless you!
Shalom!
https://youtu.be/4KTnS3VxNUI
You just Nailed It bro…But these Brainwashed followers wont listen.
False doctrine, Pastor Chris…You have only endeavored to give a carnal stance of the above topic. God have mercy on you. This ain’t no revival, this is an intellectual slicing of God’s Word.
The Word of God comes only by revelation not Theology.
Support ur defence with bible verses and clarify people. That a wrong practice has been on for a long time won’t justify it to be right.
He who inherits assets inherits liabilities. Plz I need this question answered by non pastors. It’s just for members of church’s like me. Since tithe are paid openly, in what tangible ways are the poor supported in ur church with it. Pastors children or wives should not reply to this question. Thanks
It is not a surprise that some “self-made” and “self-called” preachers can actually stand the word on its head with the leg flying in the air. It is a little wonder for even in the time of Paul, there were also preachers who preached that unless one is physically circumcised after conversion, he cannot be saved and these the apostle Paul denounced.
Whether you are a pastor or what, be sure you will certainly account for whatever you preach
Obviously the truth, I have studied, realized and discussed this with Christians of various denominations, most christians whip up sentiments such as 1. How will the church function 2. Evangelism needs money 3. We are spiritual Israel 4. Pastors are new testament levites and priest 5. Its God we serve not man if they are wrong its God that will judge pastors who are you to question pastor: hence falsehood of modern tithing rules, and since the laity is cowardly to question false doctrine, the pastors further place levies on the laity since the tithes and offerings are in satiable
Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Practice Tithing?
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No, Jehovah’s Witnesses do not practice tithing; our work is financed by anonymous voluntary donations. What is a tithe, and why don’t Jehovah’s Witnesses practice tithing?
The commandment to tithe, or contribute a tenth of one’s belongings, was part of the Law given to the ancient nation of Israel. However, the Bible makes it clear that this Law—including the “commandment to collect tithes”—does not apply to Christians.—Hebrews 7:5, 18; Colossians 2:13, 14.
Rather than giving required tithes and offerings, Jehovah’s Witnesses imitate the early Christians and support their ministry in two ways: by performing their personal ministerial work without pay and by making voluntary donations.
We thus follow the Bible’s direction to Christians: “Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”—2 Corinthians 9:7.
Sir I pity those that believed in your teachings, they and you will all perish in hell
Well, rather than allowing religiouus sentimentality to cloud our sense of reasoning I think we need to look deep into the points biblical raised by this man of God. He brought out his points from the Genesis to Revelation of the Bible and someone is talking about theology and someone even prejudged him and those who believe him as going to hell fire without raising any biblical counter points against his claims, there I think you are the theologians. Spiritual issues have to be argued spiritually, lawyers argued in the court of law with the whimps of written Constitution and not what they think should be. If you have anything reasonable against what he said come out with biblical proofs just has he has done, kudos to him, he has taken his time to dig this out. Well I do pay tithe as well but there’s something that keep bothering me, why is it that there is no mentioning of tithe in the whole of the epistle of Peter, John, James, Jude and the rest or perhaps I have been missing out on it pls I want you to show me where it is, l always Love to learn and why is it that our Lord Jesus Christ does not mention such to any of his followers apart from where he mentioned it to the Pharisees or am also missing something from the gospel. Please i just want to learn o,
no cause for abuse and baseless threat of thou shall go to hell If there is anything you wish to show me proof it with the Bible verses after all hell is made for sinners not for the righteous and the Bible says, blessed are they that hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled. Please feed me from the word and not the experience of what you know. Thanks
Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Practice Tithing?
No, Jehovah’s Witnesses do not practice tithing; our work is financed by anonymous voluntary donations. What is a tithe, and why don’t Jehovah’s Witnesses practice tithing?
The commandment to tithe, or contribute a tenth of one’s belongings, was part of the Law given to the ancient nation of Israel. However, the Bible makes it clear that this Law—including the “commandment to collect tithes”—does not apply to Christians.—Hebrews 7:5, 18; Colossians 2:13, 14.
Rather than giving required tithes and offerings, Jehovah’s Witnesses imitate the early Christians and support their ministry in two ways: by performing their personal ministerial work without pay and by making voluntary donations.
We thus follow the Bible’s direction to Christians: “Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”—2 Corinthians 9:7.
Was Melchizedek who received tithes from Abraham (Abraham who lived very long before Jacob, father of Levite was born) a levite?
Jesus Christ and none of the apostle never receive tithe. Abraham gave tithes once and not every month to melchizedek
I love your analysis sir. All those casting aspersions on the author have not even been able to substantiate their points with any biblical reference. People have been so much indoctrinated to the point that they resist anything else that challenges their dogmas. I enjoyed the piece though
Finally! The truth… Somebody needed to say this.. This is the truth and it takes boldness to say this.
My concern is that all that are against him has not even raise any passage to contradict him. He is not saying you can not contribute money to the church. There are one thousand and one ways church ask for money. Building offering, first fruit, partner with Holy spirit offering General offering special anointing offering, offering for the needy. New month offering. number of years according to your date of birth offering .Mention it tons of them ,those are just the few that I am talking about. One thing we should bare in mind is that God love a cheerful giver. I cheerful giver is that person that gives without been coerced. The Pastor is talking about tithe and there is big sense in what is talking .Is tithe not for the poor ? how do poor’s benefit from this tithe collections in Nigeria with this school prices and life style of Nigerian pastors. They make sure they maintain statuesque
I will continue to tithe let me see how tithing will incur the wrath of God.
Maybe my God is different from his own.
When you see people talking like this about tithe just know that you have met another stingy soul.
I am trusting God for capacity to even go beyond the 10% to even 20% maybe 20% will incur greater wrath
Sorry pastor Chris you are missing it, the mystery of tithing was dine by Abraham and he paid to to a priest and not a livite and that priest was a type of God like the bible says and who are the priest today, they are pastors who represent God. Pastor Chris tithe came before the law. You clam the blessing of Abraham but don’t want to do the work and walk of Abraham. Don’t mislead others and ask for God’s mercy
Noted. Can you butress your point with bibke scripture as he did.
Abraham paid tithe to Melchizedek who was not a Levite.So tithe(10%) is not ltd. to Levitical dispensation,but is the least value for righteous contributions toward the provision of meat in the house of God.If your tithe is still with you,keep it in the store house(savings) for onward transfer to the house of God(church), where its purpose will be fulfilled.In Mal.3:10
God said “..into the store house” not into my store house,but then specified where it should make meat available,”my house”.
Tithing in Israel
God instituted a financial system in Israel that enabled the Levitical priesthood to perform its religious functions. This system also made it possible for the Israelites to attend God’s festivals, and provided for the needs of the widows, orphans and poor.
Tithing is an Old Testament practice. God accepted the tithes of Abraham and Jacob (Genesis 14:18-24; 28:20-22). Later, he used the tithing system to finance the religious and secular needs of his people, the nation of Israel (Numbers 18:21; Leviticus 27:30). Tithing continued periodically throughout the eras of the judges and of the kings of Israel and Judah. Even after the Jews were freed from captivity, God rebuked them for stealing his tithes (Malachi 3:8).
The most ancient record of anyone giving a tithe is found in Genesis 14. In a battle between various kings and armies of that day, Abram’s nephew Lot was taken captive. Abram rescued him and brought back a large amount of booty from the campaign (verse 16). It was an occasion of great rejoicing.
“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.’ Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything” (Genesis 14:18-20).
Tithing, in this context, acknowledged God’s sovereignty and lordship over the earth. God later revealed that “the silver is mine and the gold is mine” (Haggai 2:8). Giving God back a tenth of what is his was a way of recognizing God’s ultimate ownership of everything.
Abraham has been called the “father of the faithful.” Many Christians practice tithing as a voluntary practice, as Abraham did, as a way to enable the church to fulfill its God-given commission to preach the gospel to the world.
Tithing, in patriarchal times, was an act or expression of worship. Tithing is not again discussed in the Pentateuch until the time of Moses — with the establishment of a priesthood in Israel. Mosaic law required the Israelites to pay tithes to the Levites, who did not own land, the usual means of support (Numbers 18:21-24). The Levites, in turn, gave one tenth of what they received to the Aaronic priesthood (verses 25-32).
Although the Levites received tithes, it did not belong to them. The tithe belonged to God. It was “holy” (verse 32), sanctified for God’s use and purpose. God was simply defining how his tithe was to be used.
In the book of Deuteronomy, we find a tithe mentioned in connection with religious celebrations (Deuteronomy 12:11-14). The tithe was to be used by the people during the festival seasons of Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles. The custom was to travel to a central location (eventually Jerusalem) at these times. If it was impractical to bring the tithe in the form of animals or produce, the people could exchange these for money to buy food and drink at the site of the festival (Deuteronomy 14:22-26). The tithe was designed to help the people rejoice at the festivals: “Use the silver to buy whatever you like…. Then you and your household shall eat there in the presence of the Lord your God and rejoice” (verse 26).
God also instituted a program to help the needy, such as orphans and widows. Those who had the means were to set aside a tithe every third year (verses 28-29).
Three tithes are mentioned in the book of Tobit, part of the Apocrypha, probably written between 300-175 B.C. Regarding the tithes, Tobit says, “The first tenth part of all increase I gave to the sons of Aaron, who ministered at Jerusalem; another tenth part I sold away, and went, and spent it every year at Jerusalem; and the third I gave unto them to whom it was meet” (Tobit 1:6-8; Lancelot Brenton’s translation of the Septuagint version).
Josephus, who had been a priest, writes about how tithing was practiced in his day, near the time of the fall of Jerusalem: “Let there be taken out of your fruits a tenth, besides that which you have allotted to give to the priests and Levites. This you may indeed sell in the country, but it is to be used in those feasts and sacrifices that are to be celebrated in the holy city” (Antiquities of the Jews, book 4, chapter 8, section 8).
Josephus later writes: “Besides those two tithes, which I already said you are to pay every year, the one for the Levites, the other for festivals, you are to bring every third year a third tithe to be distributed to those that want; to women also that are widows, and to children that are orphans” (section 22).
This is purely wrong doctrine. Tithe is tithe and God hallowed it. Its one of the three practices God(Himself) hallowed (that includes Marriage and the Sabbath day). There’s always a way God will make us become responsible. Tithe is one responsibility of all Christians. We have no levities in Africa, America, Asia or even Europe but we have to return tithes and offerings. The Bible is very clear about everything we possess to be His. We don’t own anything.
Please research the scripture, there’s a reason we need to return Tithes and offering. Malachi 3, gives us a purely reason for that. If this message was only for the Levites or the Israelites, its meaningless even to talk about this because it does not concern us.
Just to highlight why Tithe and offerings are very important in Christianity; The practice brings out true Christianity in us. It’s all about trusting and obeying. The account Jesus Christ gave about the widow with only and remaining coin, is a clear indication of how we should all return to God
Please do a study of the book of Hebrews in addition to your study for a fuller understanding about the Tithe.
The tithe pre-dated the Levitical Priesthood (the Aaronic Order/Priesthood) as seen in Genesis Chapter 14 when Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek (the first mention of the tithe in the Bible). This Priesthood of Melchizedek foreshadowed the priesthood of Christ which is now in pace and eternal.
The tithe belongs to the Priesthood of Christ in essence and was only fleshed out in pattern under the Mosaic Law. The priesthood of Aaron served by the Levites has since passed away, giving way to that of Christ who is our Eternal High Priest “over the house of God” (Hebrews 10:21), who lives forever, and is at the right hand of God to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:34)
Regarding the tithe in Malachi, you are right that the admonition was to the Levites who were serving priests under the then High Priest Aaron. They were commanded to receive tithes of their brethren and “heave up” 10% of the 10% they collected, to the High Priest (Aaron and his sons that they eat it – Lev. 24:9). When they failed to do this as representatives of their brethren, the Israelites, they committed a sin by robbing the High Priest (God’s representative on behalf of the children of Israel) and ultimately God Himself, because the tithe “is the Lord’s; it is holy unto the Lord” (Lev. 27:30).
This sinful behaviour would adversely impact their innocent brethren because God’s blessing would not be released upon their economic efforts (agricultural in those days).
Listen to the Hebrews 7:8 “And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.” Who do you think the Scripture is referring to here “who lives forever”? You say Christ did not receive tithe but here the Bible tells us that He does “he receiveth” is present continuous tense! After He made the “once for all” sacrifice for our sins, He set aside the Aaronic priesthood, which was still in force while He was here on earth. That is why He didn’t receive tithes while He was still here on earth! The Aaronic order had not been annulled. But now that Christ is risen and ascended to Heaven, He sits at the right hand of God as our High Priest making intercession for us before the Father, and so is entitled to His tithes as High Priest!!!
To understand how the TITHE is applicable in the New Testament requires an understanding of the Priesthood of Christ in the New Testament. The TITHE belongs to the Priesthood, and the only one existing now is that of Christ’s!
Beloved, please let us as ministers not take a position and then look for scriptures to back up our scripturally untenable position. Let us rather “teach out of the Bible” and “not into it”. To say that paying and receiving tithe “is a sin” is the display highest level of biblical illiteracy concerning the High Priesthood of Christ over His Church and a satanic attempt to deprive Him of the honour due Him by His Church as our eternal High Priest (and master), and God as our Heavenly Father (Malachi 1:6). For you to take this position, you must be able to show us unequivocally from scripture where it says giving or receiving tithes in the New Testament is a sin.
We must beware being used as agents of the devil in counteracting God’s expressed will written in the Holy Scriptures.
Please read and prayerfully study Hebrews 7 and ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes of understanding.
I expounded extensively on this in my Book “Can Pastors Steal Church Money? – A Biblical Exposition on Church Finances”. You may want to get a copy and read. I believe it will help your understanding.
The problem we have in the Church is not the Biblical principle of the Tithe, but the preponderance of false prophets who are deceiving the sheep with false prophecies, teachings, and other deceptive means, to illegitimately extract money from them to which they are not entitled as FASLE PROPHETS.
The TITHE is the Lord’s…whether in the Old Testament or the New.
Selah.
Pastor Chris, in all of the scripture you quoted as back up for giving and receiving tithe being SIN, none actually supports your view. In Matt 23 vs 24, Jesus compared two dimensional approach to righteousness. The paying of tithe versus the weightier matters of law- judgement, mercy and faith. In there, Jesus established that in doing the latter (the weightier matters) the former- tithe, SHOULD NOT BE LEFT UNDONE.
Of a truth, what is the offering of a man whose life is void of, justice in place of judgement, mercy and faith got to do with the Almighty God? It is an abomination says the scripture.
Jesus endorsed the giving of tithe as a regenerated soul and not as a religious act for covering up for unrighteousness – that is the difference between the giving then and now in this dispensation of grace.
This is a distraction to the church. It is aimed at taking our focus from that which is fundamental to saving of souls. AWAKE beloved! Let us focus on Soul-Winning.
First of all I must say that I am surprised that this pastor is interpreting scriptures this carnally! I want to start by answering the point he made that gentile christians are spiritual Israelites without a tribe like Judah, Benjamin etc… that is false. Spiritual Israelites out of the gentile extraction are part of a tribe of Israel which Apostle Paul spoke about in Hebrew 7:13 and I quote from Amplified Version
“For the One of whom these things are said belonged [not to the priestly line of Levi but] to another tribe, from which no one has officiated or served at the altar.”
HEBREWS 7:13 AMP
http://bible.com/1588/heb.7.13.amp
This tribe from which no one has officiated or served at the altar is the tribe Jesus Christ came from. For we all know that Joseph was not the father of Jesus Christ because he never knew Marry. Yet earthlywise Jesus was known to come from the tribe of Judah, which was Joseph’s Tribe. Jesus, Melchizedek and Gentile christians all came from this yet to be named tribe. This pastor is just quoting only a part of Hebrew 7. I would endure all to patiently read the whole of Hebrew7. So we as Christians have a tribe of Israel we are part of and should pay tithes.
Also, that foils the pastors argument that only physical Livites should receive tithes and only physical Israelites should pay tithes. Melchizedek was not a physical Israelite and he received tithes. Tithes paying was in place before the Law was given to the Israelites by GOD through Moses.
There are pillars of the faith that the law did not introduce and so transcends the Laws as written in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. Please pastor do not deceive people that only tithe paying according to the Leviticus order exists. There is another priesthood order after the order of Melchizedek and that is the Christ Order.
We must be careful in this endtimes, all sort of doctrines and revivals would emerge. Let’s not be deceived, one can not interpret scriptures just after the carnal intellect.
Actually the early church while a young church was not paying tithes, they were paying 100% not even 10%. As seen in Act2:44-47. The Jewish church before the Gentiles got saved were still meeting in the temple and we’re paying tithes according to the Leviticus order. When the Gentile Church got added the Melchizedek order of tithing had to take over and that is what we non-Jewish (according to the flesh) christians are following.
I pray for grace to take my tithing from 10% to 20% and higher. There are christians that pay up to 90% of their increase to GOD’s work and the furtherance of the GOSPEL here on earth. All this talk of tithe being to make the poor poorer and rich richer is all satanic. Bible teaches the giver is more blessed than the receiver. Tithe is a percentage of increase, so the poorer you are, the smaller your tithe. Bible talks of give and it shall be giving unto you. Not give and you would remain poor and enrich the richer receiver. That’s simply from the pit of hell.
Finally, no one is forced to pay tithes as this pastor is saying! And Tithes are not paid from your currently owned property. Tithes is paid from your increase, Abraham paid from spoils of war because that increased him. We as believers today go out to find daily bread for ourselves and family, that can be likened to a battle. Life is a battle as a whole. So when GOD blesses us with victory and we gain the spoils of the victory over the battle of life, we should pay tithes from it. Christians pay tithes monthly because they win the battle of life and get their increase or spoils of war monthly. Scripture records things for us to learn from. It did not have to record Abraham paying tithes more than once for us to know we should pay tithes from our spoils off this battle called life. Let the church not be deceived with these type of doctrines! More of them are going to emerge in these end times. Resist itching ears, that longs to hear what it wants. So you don’t go around teachers that would tell you what you want to hear as the bible warned in
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”
2 Timothy 4:3-5 KJV
http://bible.com/1/2ti.4.3-5.kjv
Please let all that read this false doctrine from this pastor be warned.
I wish Pastor Chris specifically told us the Bible portion that says that it is a sin to pay your tithe. He just made points on other things and used biblical reference to support himself which wasn’t convincing enough and then concluded that it is a sin without quoting a Bible verse to back it up. Your preaching is a fallacy intended to deceive the elect which is part of the signs of end time so I ain’t surprised. The Bible says many will preach in my name false doctrines and that if it were possible even the very elect will be deceived. It’s your kind of preachers that will be telling God on the judgement day that you performed miracles in His name and brought many to Christ and he will say to you I know you not… depart from me ye worker of iniquity. The Bible says my sheep know my voice and follow me. The real Christians knows the voice of God and the genuine Preachers of the word of God and what He requires of them and we will continue to do it whether people like it or not….Tithe is not a compulsory thing. If u don’t wanna pay it leave it. As a matter of fact why would you want to waste your money into what you don’t believe and you expect it to yield result for you? It’s better u don’t even pay than to pay grudgingly because nothing will come out since u did it without faith which is the number one principle of God. I will continue to pay mine after all it’s my money not yours so you can’t decide for me how to spend it. If I didn’t see the result of paying tithe I would have stopped paying by now. But it works for me cos I believe in it. Let what you believe work for you and not try to coax others in to doing yours. My pastor always says the things of the kingdom are not meant for arguments instead pray for revelation. For those of you looking for biblical points to use as a base for arguments, refrain from it and rather ask God to reveal more to you. The Bible says and in all thy getting, get wisdom and trade it not and also get understanding. He who lacks wisdom and understanding should ask of God who giveth abundantly. Thanks.. (Come to Paradise City Church every Wed by 6pm and learn more about tithe… u can call this number for more information 08033104058
Satan knows he is going to hell already I wonder why he can’t just
respect himself and go alone with his numerous agents.. Must he carry other innocent people along? I see why the Bible says my people perish for lack of knowledge. #Beware of false doctrine.. It’s a sign of end time#
Am not surprise at the attacks…Jesus was attacked too when he wanted to correct already accepted wrong doctrine. i was born in a family that we all see tithing as a religious ritual, even when we were dashed cash our parents will take off our tithe. but the question is that was the tithe meant to enrich the pastors? whenever i ask my parents will tell me not to blasphemy. our pastors will still collect tithes from the very poor and build school which the poor can not afford, buy jets and fly around while my parents cant afford transport to the nearest city.are the pastors meant to enrich themselves in the name of tithing at the expenses of the poor? why not the pastors preach and hammer on that portion that said we should assist the poor and they should lead by example? The levis dont do any other work but now our pastors are big business tycoon and they will tell us that the bible said we should still give them our token when they have more than enough to feed on. You all wants to attack the simple truth because most of us want to be GO or we are related to a G.O. its only in Africa that we are Godly conscious but not God fearing.
Nawa oooo
doctrine is not our problem oga pastor……..there re many souls to win.
hmmmm end time false prophet,MATTEW 7 VERSE 21-23
Congrats To the Pastor….U r now trending on social Media…A way to make people know u…U won on that…God help us all
Self Advert!!!
lols (don’t argue or campaign against the word of God !) rather practice is as you understand and never confuse or compel others by u now believe which may change tomoro ! God bless you all