66 Reasons Tithing is FLAT WRONG (updated)
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
66 Reasons Tithing is FLAT WRONG,
a systematic take-down of a false doctrine.
1. It was a one time tithe from the chief spoils of war, not his own wealth. Gen. 14:20-Heb. 7:4)
2. He gave back the other 90%. Gen. 14:21-23. Tithe teachers seem to miss that detail as they seek to justify money tithes from followers.
3. There is no scripture he ever tithed again from his own wealth, or from captured war booty.
4. Before he met Melchizedek, Abram was rich in cattle, silver, and gold, but paid no tithes on his own wealth in scripture. Genesis (13:2 )
5. Nowhere did the apostles command churches to tithe like Abraham, as a continuing practice.
6. Abraham lived before Moses who delivered the Old Testament laws. But God's own law never gave Abraham as an example for paying tithes from income, money, or produce.
2. He gave back the other 90%. Gen. 14:21-23. Tithe teachers seem to miss that detail as they seek to justify money tithes from followers.
3. There is no scripture he ever tithed again from his own wealth, or from captured war booty.
4. Before he met Melchizedek, Abram was rich in cattle, silver, and gold, but paid no tithes on his own wealth in scripture. Genesis (13:2 )
5. Nowhere did the apostles command churches to tithe like Abraham, as a continuing practice.
6. Abraham lived before Moses who delivered the Old Testament laws. But God's own law never gave Abraham as an example for paying tithes from income, money, or produce.
7. Abraham never made a tithe covenant. After tithing once to Melchizedek, Abraham did not tithe from the goods and money given to him from Abimelech. Gen. 20:14-16
8. Abraham and God did make a continuing covenant including circumcision. -but not one for tithing. (Gen. 17:10-12)
9. His son Isaac never tithed in scripture.
10. His grandson Jacob pledged to tithe, but the Bible never says if he gave one or who he gave it to, and God never commanded him to do so.
8. Abraham and God did make a continuing covenant including circumcision. -but not one for tithing. (Gen. 17:10-12)
9. His son Isaac never tithed in scripture.
10. His grandson Jacob pledged to tithe, but the Bible never says if he gave one or who he gave it to, and God never commanded him to do so.
Israel and the tithe.
11. The law of Moses defined the ordinance of tithing. (Lev. 27:30, Numbers 16, Deut. 14:23, Mal 3:7. The ordinances were specificin what was to be tithed. The law itself stated nobody was to change, add or take away from what the law itself said, under a strong curse penalty.
11. The law of Moses defined the ordinance of tithing. (Lev. 27:30, Numbers 16, Deut. 14:23, Mal 3:7. The ordinances were specificin what was to be tithed. The law itself stated nobody was to change, add or take away from what the law itself said, under a strong curse penalty.
Deut 27:26 Cursed be he that confirms not all the words of this law to do them. ..
12. God defined the tithe in ordinances and commands under law, as farm products!
Leviticus.27:30-31 And all the tithe of the land, of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lords: it is holy to the Lord.
Deuteronomy 14:23 And you will eat before the Lord thy God, in the place which he shall choose, … the tithe of grain, of new wine, of oil, and the first of your herd and flock; .... and the law was not to be altered.
13. The lawful tithe was FOOD from both farm products and clean animals from inside the holy land of Israel.
Zech 2:12 And the LORD shall inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.) Produce from outside the land of Israel was unclean and unacceptable for tithes.
14. Strangers, foreigners, fishermen, wage earners and tradesmen, had no command to tithe.
(Numbers 18:28 Thus also offer a heave-offering to the LORD of all your tithes, which ye receive of the children of Israel;)
Never were non-Jews told to tithe anything.
15. The tithe was to provide food for the Levite priests, sojourners, widows, orphans.
Deuteronomy 26:12 When you make an end of tithingall the tithe of the increase in the third year, which is the year of tithing, then you shall give it to the Levite, to the sojourner, to the fatherless, and to the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled.
Numbers 20:21 and to the children of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service, the service of the tent of meeting.
16. The (edible) tithe was also brought into the temple storehouse and was eaten and used by the priests, ministers, porters, and singers.
12. God defined the tithe in ordinances and commands under law, as farm products!
Leviticus.27:30-31 And all the tithe of the land, of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lords: it is holy to the Lord.
Deuteronomy 14:23 And you will eat before the Lord thy God, in the place which he shall choose, … the tithe of grain, of new wine, of oil, and the first of your herd and flock; .... and the law was not to be altered.
13. The lawful tithe was FOOD from both farm products and clean animals from inside the holy land of Israel.
Zech 2:12 And the LORD shall inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.) Produce from outside the land of Israel was unclean and unacceptable for tithes.
14. Strangers, foreigners, fishermen, wage earners and tradesmen, had no command to tithe.
(Numbers 18:28 Thus also offer a heave-offering to the LORD of all your tithes, which ye receive of the children of Israel;)
Never were non-Jews told to tithe anything.
15. The tithe was to provide food for the Levite priests, sojourners, widows, orphans.
Deuteronomy 26:12 When you make an end of tithingall the tithe of the increase in the third year, which is the year of tithing, then you shall give it to the Levite, to the sojourner, to the fatherless, and to the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled.
Numbers 20:21 and to the children of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service, the service of the tent of meeting.
16. The (edible) tithe was also brought into the temple storehouse and was eaten and used by the priests, ministers, porters, and singers.
The Levite priests were to give and distribute the tithes to others, which was a tithe of the tithe. (1/10th of 1/10th).
Nehemiah 10:38 And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes to the house of our God, to the chambers, in the treasure-house.
Nehemiah 10:38 And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes to the house of our God, to the chambers, in the treasure-house.
Neh. 13:5 and had prepared a great room, where before they laid the meal-offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the grain, the new wine, and the oil, given by commandment to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the heave-offerings for the priests.
-do churches who teach tithes pay singers and doorkeepers?
17. The tithe was never for the benefit of one man.
18. The Levite Priests that had the command to receive tithes could not own land, thus they could not grow food.
Deuteronomy 18:2 And they shall have no inheritance among their brethren: The LORD is their inheritance, as he hath spoken to them.
-do churches who teach tithes pay singers and doorkeepers?
17. The tithe was never for the benefit of one man.
18. The Levite Priests that had the command to receive tithes could not own land, thus they could not grow food.
Deuteronomy 18:2 And they shall have no inheritance among their brethren: The LORD is their inheritance, as he hath spoken to them.
NOTE: Even if and when a farmer SOLD crops or livestock, he did not pay monetary tithes on that which was sold. God never required monetary tithes from anyone.
The Tithe In Malachi:
19. In Malachi it was the Levite priests that God rebuked over robbing tithes and offerings.
Mal. 2:1 O ye priests, this commandment is for you.
20. In Malachi the prophet rebukes the priests, the religious leaders, for not providing for the "the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless...."
21. The hireling and his wages were not commanded to tithe.
22. In Malachi 3:7-10, the passage often used to gather church tithes, "ordinances" are referenced, the priests rebuked for not correctly tithing and offering.
(7) From the days of your fathers you have turned away from my ordinances, and not kept them. Verse 9 states the Levites were "robbing God" in tithes defined in the ordinances!
23. Neither tithes or offerings as commanded and defined by God in the law and were monetary or from income.
Mal. 2:1 O ye priests, this commandment is for you.
20. In Malachi the prophet rebukes the priests, the religious leaders, for not providing for the "the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless...."
21. The hireling and his wages were not commanded to tithe.
22. In Malachi 3:7-10, the passage often used to gather church tithes, "ordinances" are referenced, the priests rebuked for not correctly tithing and offering.
(7) From the days of your fathers you have turned away from my ordinances, and not kept them. Verse 9 states the Levites were "robbing God" in tithes defined in the ordinances!
23. Neither tithes or offerings as commanded and defined by God in the law and were monetary or from income.
Tithes: Lev. 27:30, offerings: Exodus 29.
24. Malachi 3:9 therefore is not a reference to tithing from income.
24. Malachi 3:9 therefore is not a reference to tithing from income.
25. Malachi 3:9 is never quoted in the New Testament to any church or given as an ordinance to the churches as in Acts 15 when the apostles and elders ruled on what law they were or were not to observe..
The seed tithe:
26. The "seed tithe" was a yearly and third year tithe. It was seed, not money. Deut. 24:22)
27. The "seed" tithe could be changed "IN TO money", and taken to the feast.
28. The tithe exchanged into money could buy "whatever thy soul desires" - for the tither and his family.
Deut. 14:26 and thou shall use the money for whatever your soul desires, for cattle, sheep, or for wine, for strong drink, or whatever… you shall eat before the LORD and rejoice, you and your household.
29. The every "third year" tithe of seed was commanded for the benefit of the Levite, stranger, orphans, and widows, and was not money from income earned.
Deut. 14:28 At the end of every three years you shall bring forth all the tithe of the increase in the same year, and lay it up within thy gates:
29 and the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance, and the sojourner, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thy hand.
30. The tithe itself was never defined as money by the Lord, nor were the Old Testament tithes ever re-defined by an apostle or Jesus as 10% of income paid in money.
27. The "seed" tithe could be changed "IN TO money", and taken to the feast.
28. The tithe exchanged into money could buy "whatever thy soul desires" - for the tither and his family.
Deut. 14:26 and thou shall use the money for whatever your soul desires, for cattle, sheep, or for wine, for strong drink, or whatever… you shall eat before the LORD and rejoice, you and your household.
29. The every "third year" tithe of seed was commanded for the benefit of the Levite, stranger, orphans, and widows, and was not money from income earned.
Deut. 14:28 At the end of every three years you shall bring forth all the tithe of the increase in the same year, and lay it up within thy gates:
29 and the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance, and the sojourner, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thy hand.
30. The tithe itself was never defined as money by the Lord, nor were the Old Testament tithes ever re-defined by an apostle or Jesus as 10% of income paid in money.
Tithing in In the New Testament:
31. Jesus affirmed tithing was as defined by God in the law, and was "of the matters of the law".
Matthew 23::23
32. Jesus did not mention Abraham paying tithes before the law.
33. Jesus and the apostles never said paying a tithe from income was blessed but did say "GIVING" is blessed.
34. Jesus did say He required disavowing ownership of all we have,
or we could not be disciples. Luke 14:33
35. Jesus affirmed to Jews under the law, that they were to keep the law as it was written. Mat. 23:23
36. Jesus affirmed the tithe as it was given in the law, and not as 10% of income.
37. At His death, Jesus delivered the New Covenant through His apostles by the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 9:17 a testament is of force where there has been death: for it has no authority while he that made it lives.
(that is why Jesus affirmed tithing, and Moses laws while he lived)
32. Jesus did not mention Abraham paying tithes before the law.
33. Jesus and the apostles never said paying a tithe from income was blessed but did say "GIVING" is blessed.
34. Jesus did say He required disavowing ownership of all we have,
or we could not be disciples. Luke 14:33
35. Jesus affirmed to Jews under the law, that they were to keep the law as it was written. Mat. 23:23
36. Jesus affirmed the tithe as it was given in the law, and not as 10% of income.
37. At His death, Jesus delivered the New Covenant through His apostles by the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 9:17 a testament is of force where there has been death: for it has no authority while he that made it lives.
(that is why Jesus affirmed tithing, and Moses laws while he lived)
38. At the cross, Jesus annulled, discharged, abolished, blotted out, and canceled the ordinances of the Old Covenant.
Eph. 2:15 Col. 2:914, 2Cor 3:14 –are some of the verses affirming the passing away of the ordinances. There are many more.
39. The tithe ordinance and command under the law was never changed into a tithe from money in the New Testament, nor was a church building ever called "the storehouse".
Ministers and Tithes:
40. In Hebrews 7, it is pointed out that men here, the Levites, had a command to take tithes from their brethren. This was defined back in the Old Covenant Law.
Heb 7:5 And the sons of Levi that receive the priest's office have commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law.
41. There is no New Testament "office" of a priest and the “foregoing commandment” was CANCELED. Heb. 7:18 For there is a disannulling (canceling) of the foregoing commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness
42. The “foregoing” tithe commandment in Hebrews 7 was not from income, nor was it money. -it was the lawful tithe that was “commanded” for Levite priests to take from their brethren.
43. The tithes in Hebrews 7 were not transformed into money and set aside
for New Testament ministers.
44. The church assembled in Acts 15 to deal with people that were troubling the churches and Christians, "subverting their souls", in that they were teaching Christians to keep Old Testament law, including the tithe ordinance.
45. The apostles and elders stated "they gave no such command" to observe the Old Covenant ordinances which included tithes, and they forbid the legalists from going beyond the apostles teaching.
41. There is no New Testament "office" of a priest and the “foregoing commandment” was CANCELED. Heb. 7:18 For there is a disannulling (canceling) of the foregoing commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness
42. The “foregoing” tithe commandment in Hebrews 7 was not from income, nor was it money. -it was the lawful tithe that was “commanded” for Levite priests to take from their brethren.
43. The tithes in Hebrews 7 were not transformed into money and set aside
for New Testament ministers.
44. The church assembled in Acts 15 to deal with people that were troubling the churches and Christians, "subverting their souls", in that they were teaching Christians to keep Old Testament law, including the tithe ordinance.
45. The apostles and elders stated "they gave no such command" to observe the Old Covenant ordinances which included tithes, and they forbid the legalists from going beyond the apostles teaching.
46. In no fewer than 30 passages in Acts where money, giving, offerings, work, and alms are mentioned, there is not mention of tithing. See “Tithing in Acts?”
47. In Galatians 1:7 Paul warned of those bringing New Testament Christians back under Old Testament law, which he called "bondage" in Gal.5:1, and was what he warned about: "which is not another gospel only there are some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ."
: "pervert" means "to twist or change", as in changing the meaning of a word into something God did not say..
-Such like the agricultural "tithe" was or is from income, or a pastor is the equivalent of a Levite priest..
47. In Galatians 1:7 Paul warned of those bringing New Testament Christians back under Old Testament law, which he called "bondage" in Gal.5:1, and was what he warned about: "which is not another gospel only there are some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ."
: "pervert" means "to twist or change", as in changing the meaning of a word into something God did not say..
-Such like the agricultural "tithe" was or is from income, or a pastor is the equivalent of a Levite priest..
Giving or Tithing?
48. In none of the New Testament scriptures was "tithe" included in passages regarding "collection"s, gathering, giving, ministering, sacrifice, or offering.
49. Those who command and teach tithing from income are perverting the gospel because tithing as defined in God’s law, and tithing 10% from income are not given to any church or saint.
50. God forbid changing, twisting, adding to, or diminishing from the gospel.
48. In none of the New Testament scriptures was "tithe" included in passages regarding "collection"s, gathering, giving, ministering, sacrifice, or offering.
49. Those who command and teach tithing from income are perverting the gospel because tithing as defined in God’s law, and tithing 10% from income are not given to any church or saint.
50. God forbid changing, twisting, adding to, or diminishing from the gospel.
51. No pastor, prophet, apostle, or minister in scripture ever testified of paying or receiving tithes from income.
52. No prophet, pastor, apostle, or minister has a scriptural command to take tithes from their brethren according to Old Testament law, or New Testament command.
53. No teacher, preacher, pastor, apostle, or prophet has authority to pervert the OT tithe into NT doctrine. -Paul warned in 1Cor 4:6 ... "that you learn not to go beyond that which is written that none of you be puffed up... against the other"
52. No prophet, pastor, apostle, or minister has a scriptural command to take tithes from their brethren according to Old Testament law, or New Testament command.
53. No teacher, preacher, pastor, apostle, or prophet has authority to pervert the OT tithe into NT doctrine. -Paul warned in 1Cor 4:6 ... "that you learn not to go beyond that which is written that none of you be puffed up... against the other"
54. Paul and the other apostles gave us the New Testament commands of the Lord. There was no command, ordinance, quoting of tithe laws, or reminders to "pay tithes". Their words are the Words of God and the commands to Christians.
Jesus said in Matthew 28:20 make disciples, teaching them to observe all whatever I commanded you ...
and the gospel story continues into Acts 1:
..... :1 concerning all that Jesus began both to do and to teach,
(2) until the day he was received up, ==> after that he (Jesus) had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen:
Did you catch that?
The "commandment" to New Testament saints after the resurrection came through Spirit-filled apostles, who would teach what Jesus wanted us to observe.
The "commandment" to New Testament saints after the resurrection came through Spirit-filled apostles, who would teach what Jesus wanted us to observe.
Then after that, What did the apostles teach?:
55. The church in Acts continued in what the Holy Ghost filled apostles taught.
Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfast in the apostles teaching, fellowship, in the breaking of bread and prayers.
56. The church received the teaching and commands of the Lord through the apostles. 2nd Peter 3:2 that ye should remember the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and the commandments of the Lord and Saviour through your apostles:
57. The church was told to remember their teaching, and they never taught tithing to the church.
58. The church acknowledged the apostle’s writings as Christ’s commandments.
Since the apostles never commanded tithing, it is not a commandment of the Lord. Cor 14:37 If any man thinks himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him know that the things which I write to you, are the commandment of the Lord.
59. The churches were expected to continue in the apostles commands and not go beyond that.
2Thess 3:4 And we are confident in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we commanded you. NLT
(NIV) We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command.
58. The church acknowledged the apostle’s writings as Christ’s commandments.
Since the apostles never commanded tithing, it is not a commandment of the Lord. Cor 14:37 If any man thinks himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him know that the things which I write to you, are the commandment of the Lord.
59. The churches were expected to continue in the apostles commands and not go beyond that.
2Thess 3:4 And we are confident in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we commanded you. NLT
(NIV) We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command.
60. The early Jewish church knew what the Lord had commanded we are not to add to His Word, diminish from it, or pervert the meaning of it.
Galatians 1:7 which is not another gospel only there are some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Deuteronomy 16:19 you shall not twist justice: you shall not respect persons; nor take a bribe; for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. Yes, money tithes are twisted judgment and bring “respect of persons” toward those that tithe more than others.
61. Since the commands of the Lord given through the apostles do not include tithing from income, those who teach tithing from income are perverting His Word and need to be corrected.
Deuteronomy 12:32 What I command you, observe to do: you shall not add to, or diminish from it.
62. The original church in Acts never mentioned any tithing, rather they "had ALL things common", sharing, and meeting each others need.
Acts 2: 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; (45) and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all according as any man had need. <= Does that sound like tithes to you?
We find it strange how churches teach tithing but in the Book of Acts the disciples worked, gave, supplied each other, sold property, and ministered to the needs of others but not once is any form of tithing attached to any of those actions by the NT writers!
Acts 2: 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; (45) and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all according as any man had need. <= Does that sound like tithes to you?
We find it strange how churches teach tithing but in the Book of Acts the disciples worked, gave, supplied each other, sold property, and ministered to the needs of others but not once is any form of tithing attached to any of those actions by the NT writers!
63. NONE of the churches that teach tithing do as they did in Acts 2:44-45.
2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
64. When Tithes and offerings are recorded for charitable contribution tax deductions by every church organizations and ministry, and as such, are reported to the government for a tax deduction, you have your reward.
Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men,
to be seen (observed) of them: else ye have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.
65. Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men,
to be seen (observed) of them: or ye have no reward with your Father in heaven.
65. The tax deduction is a reward from man for reported tithing.
The reward comes from man and not from God.
Reported tax-deductible tithing is seen by a church administrator, bank, tax authorities to whom it is reported, and any official that looks at your tax forms.
What the New Testament DOES say:
66. "GIVE and it shall be given..."
Luke 11:41 But rather give alms of such things as ye have
Acts 20:35 I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.
Ephesians 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands, that he may have to give to him that needs.
Matthew 6:1 Take care not to do your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward
Luke 11:41 But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all are clean unto you
Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men,
to be seen (observed) of them: else ye have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.
65. Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men,
to be seen (observed) of them: or ye have no reward with your Father in heaven.
65. The tax deduction is a reward from man for reported tithing.
The reward comes from man and not from God.
Reported tax-deductible tithing is seen by a church administrator, bank, tax authorities to whom it is reported, and any official that looks at your tax forms.
What the New Testament DOES say:
66. "GIVE and it shall be given..."
Luke 11:41 But rather give alms of such things as ye have
Acts 20:35 I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.
Ephesians 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands, that he may have to give to him that needs.
Matthew 6:1 Take care not to do your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward
Luke 11:41 But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all are clean unto you
Words used such as “give”, “alms”, “gatherings”, and “collections” are never defined as a 10% tithe in the New Testament. Therefore it is “perverting the gospel” to insert someone’s idea or tithe definition into any of the text’s where those words are used.
If God meant “tenth”, surely at least one of the apostles would have mentioned tithing to someone, but…… There is not one single instruction to any church or saint under New Covenant scripture, to pay a tithe to anyone.