Why Did Tithing Become A New Testament Practice?

4 Part Series on New Testament Tithing/ #4

Part 1

When I started this series of studies on tithing, I purposed to go wherever it took me. So that is why this history lesson. Its very interesting and you will find here that the early church did not practice any form or similarity to Old Testament Tithing. The Apostles did not use or seek the use of any compulsory means of ministry support. Tithing was a Levitical Practice and that era was ended. It was used for the upkeep of the temple of tabernacle of sacrifice, and Jesus had brought that practice to a close. The Tithe was an ordinance, Not a commandment. No, its not one of the Moral Commandments, “ thou shall not kill, or give false witness”, etc. No longer was the practice of tithing in use after his death, burial and resurrection. A new covenant had begun.

Jesus, the Messiah of all mankind, promised a new and living way, including the practice of cheerful and joyful giving, from people who were converted from Judaism and other legalistic forms of Church government. What is very wrong today is preachers are taught in seminary and bible college that tithing is a commandment. That failure to tithe brings great condemnation and fearsome consequence upon the offender. Please know, this is not what the New Testament Covenant/ ordinance teaches or requires. Jesus set us free from the law and fear of its ordinances. Freedom is by Jesus Christ and the Grace that was born to us through his death on the cross. No longer is ANY of Christianity's practices to be forced, or of political origin. No more guilt, curse or condemnation as long as you are in Christ Jesus and walking in obedience to his word.. It has been convenient however, for modern preachers to make tithing (compulsory giving) a prerequisite and requirement of well doing or acceptance into the body of Christ. But is not based upon scripture; it is based upon tradition and early political intervention into the New Testament Church Culture. Most modern preachers don't even know the history of tithing all the way back to the early church, but rather today they are taught it is a law, and a commandment and they just teach it, oblivious of where and how it started, But they know when they read their bible that it was not a requirement, not taught to be followed by the New Testament church founders and no, not by Christ. Jesus condemned anyone trying to follow the old testament ordinances that were born out of Mosaic Law, and said if they did, they would be guilty of the entire law. How does that make you feel, when you know you have been abused through hundreds of hours of guilt and fear based preaching of tithing? And I'm not saying that tithing CAN'T be used today, but if it is, it better be based on New Testament teachings of individual willingness, cheerfulness, taking care of the needs of the poor and a good many more prerequisites that ARE taught.. Just think about it, The Apostles taught so much about giving and the spirit of giving, if tithing in any form was ok, they would have addressed it and laid down some sort of conditions for it, by naming it as an allowed financial support of ministry.

Where it was re-instituted was after the Roman Emperor Constantine incorporated the fledgling Jesus Church into the great Church of Rome. It occurred as follows, and again, regardless of effect on modern church finance, it was not ordained by either the Apostles or by Jesus in the new dispensation of Grace. Jesus deleted every form of tradition, ritual, and bondage or slavery brought about by the Mosaic Law. He set us free from its yoke, its condemnation and its demands for compulsory service to the kingdom of God. We were no longer supposed to be bound by the ordinances of the Old Testament Law. We were now to live by the doctrine of love and the freewill choice of Grace Living. Whatever you gave to the Lord's work had to be as an individual purposed in his heart and according to his ability and not by demands of the clergy. But, Alas, as time went on, and the State of Rome commandeered the leadership of the Church, many things happened to cause the loss of freedom by choice, freewill, and Holy Spirit leadership, as well as loss of adherence to the New Covenant.. The Church became politically powerful and stiff and unwieldy and controlled by men who were more political than they were spiritual.

Now, I'm going to state that my understanding of Christ and the New ordinance, you may give to the church and the ministry under almost any name, or method, AS LONG as you aren't trying give in order to fulfill an old testament ordinance. My total and only reason for stating this is Jesus telling us that THAT OLD COVENANT IS ENDED! You will quickly run afoul of God's displeasure if you try to re-instate the old ordinance and covenant and its practices, For You would be saying, “God what you did by sending your son, Jesus Christ is of none effect!” I'm sorry, but I'm not sorry, for truth has no apology. However; If you give today and call it tithe, and it is based on a church policy, stating this is NOT being done out of trying to fulfill an old testament ordinance, NOT trying to bring back to life the old covenant that was by the blood of bulls and goats, then, I don't think it offends the Holy Spirit, and Also,I believe many Christians and even non-Christians would have much more respect for the teachings on giving and the practices of the modern church, as long as there isn't any misuse of the moneys collected for the purpose of ministry and upkeep of church facility's. It's already sad that the government finds so many abuser's of it and of those who do, I call it “filthy lucre”, and a disgrace to the church. There should be no fortune seekers in the Work of the Gospel.

Part 2

We know from history that there was almost two hundred years of Roman persecution enacted upon the early Church. Slowly though, Christianity was accepted and gained status in the world. When it reached a place that it was more popular to be a Christian, some leaders began to lift ministry on a pedestal using teachings of tithing and Levitical priesthood. A certain scholar/ writer named Cyprian, (circa 200- 258) AD was the main voice towards this new trend or practice.

Later Emperor Constantine, (circa 300) was the first Roman Emperor and he began to popularize “being a Christian”, so across his domain, many followed this trend. Constantine gave much thought to church finance and under his tutelage, the church became an “institution” for the first time. Then gradually it became an ecclesiastical establishment which meant affluence in society for priests. So here we first find that Priesthood has already overshadowed the office of disciples, pastors and apostles within the church. But those who understand that the early Jesus Church was effectively hijacked by the Roman empire in the first place would not have reason to be surprised. But, per Constantine's declaration, now we are suddenly dealing with a state owned church society. Here we can say that by this time the practice of tithing was in practice after, BUT NOT PRIOR to the “Institutionally Controlled Church”.

Note: Constantine summoned church officials to the Council of Nicaea in 325. Out of this came the Nicene Creed, which affirmed that Jesus was a divine being. Church Leadership began to fall mainly into the hands of unconverted bishops, who were more a politician than man of God. (quote from Biography.com)

Tithing became more common around the sixth century. The “Council of Tours” held in 567 AD, advocated “Tithing”. It was supposedly a way to “get ahead” in life, while the wealthy benefactors became wealthier. Later, tithes were made obligatory by the Carolingian Empire, and in England in the tenth century.

Its interesting to see how Emperor Constantine's proteges, church politicians, wanted to build lavish, magnificent orifices in the “Name of Christ”. Tradition took over as the centuries went by.. Corrupt Bishops were “caught” and questioned for living in luxury amidst the starved peasants. They were basically cardinals and religious politicians appointed by the rulers and the kings of their day.

The established church, by now going under many different names and orthodoxies, had amassed great lands, properties and great wealth through use of the mandatory tithe system. But it grieved many for what had become a hated and abusive church “tax”. But it was the way of the rich and the wealthy and the royalty to fund their cathedrals and even their crusades.

Part 3

Evangelical scholars of the modern day church seemed unaware or unwilling to deal with these horrible violations, (not that we have named them all!) -until the tithe act of 1936.

Here is another twist: “Modern Restored Tithing” has adopted a change, in that while the old covenant tithe was in place to help the needy, hungry, unclothed, sick and the poor, the new system would rather focus on the modern tithe being collected for new “Super Church Facilities, world wide ministries call by the name of their leaders, for setting up ministry wage, endowments, retirements, housing, transportation and other benefits, alongside the normal congregational expenses. All this based on minimal New Testament mention of tithing, except for citing temple tax and Levitical tithing of the old testament.

To anchor us in New Testament, in Matthew 23:23, Jesus was only referring to the Pharisees who WERE still operating under the Old Testament Law. The New covenant was NOT established until after the death, burial and Resurrection of Jesus the Christ.

Ancient Law regarding tithing does not stand today. Jesus said its power was “broken” and we are no longer under its yoke, Otherwise his death would be void, and of no effect. This is a powerful witness by Jesus our Lord not to mess with his Word. He is ALL. He is everything. And He is whom we serve.

NOT ONE SINGLE NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE TEACHES US TO TITHE. Neither should we be following the old testament ordinances, warns the Apostle Paul!

Other scripture verification:

Luke 18:12 Reference is simple. He paid HIS tithe under the old law. WE are not of the old Law.

Hebrews 7:1-28 this chapter is NOT about tithing, but is about the superiority of the NEW COVENANT over the old. Nowhere does it say that Abraham gave a regular tithe of his earned income.

All manner of tithe in the New testament were shown to be inappropriate both by Jesus and the Apostles except those who were mentioned prior to his death burial and resurrection. Both our Lord Jesus and the early Apostles described a better and way of giving. It's purpose was greater, and stated that no money was to be given or received under any kind of compulsion. (which we all have experienced, at least I have, times hundreds, thousands of beat you up tithes preaching messages with fear and intimidation.)

What we have really been offered in the New Covenant is a chance to give by free will offering. Giving out of Love for the Gospel of Christ; we are offered FREEDOM IN CHRIST and a chance to help our neighbor, the poor and the destitute. In doing so, to serve Christ! But not to love money or mam-mon!

I know this might not impress those who are dependent on fulfilling the old covenant, but you're NOT going to please God by fulfilling the old covenant. Rather you are going to bring a curse of the law upon you and become guilty of the entire law!

2 Cor. 3: 7, Paul says the Old covenant is of Death, written on stones, but the New Covenant is of the spirit of LIFE written by Jesus Christ. 3:16-17, -when the veil is taken away,(the Law) and where the spirit of the Lord is, there is LIBERTY! Vs. 14 the vail is done away in Christ.

Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me to preach good tidings to the poor, to heal the broken-hearted and to proclaim liberty to the captive, opening prison doors to those who are bound. The Gospel is always associated with FREEDOM and LIBERTY. Chapter 61 ends with declaring FREEDOM OF ALL DEBT!

Conclusion:

Compulsive teaching on tithing sure to bring the gospel of Christ to a halt, and to make Christ and the cross of none effect, following old testament ordinance VOIDS our new testament salvation in Christ. This is the teaching of the NEW COVENANT. Mark 7:13 “through use of tradition”. Its violation of the New Covenant established in you by Jesus Christ, says Paul the apostle.

The Law was TEMPORARY; Heb: 7:23-25 23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: (Done Away With!)

24 But this man, (JESUS) because he continues (forever), hath an unchangeable priesthood.

25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. THIS IS THE NEW WAY.

Whatever you do, whatever financial plan you set up in HIS church, it is wise, it is wrong to follow the old covenant of tithing, but rather to follow the new way of Christ's church, based on our abundance and joy of being a part of the New Covenant that is of Jesus Christ. No condemnation or fear or intimidation or guilt or any other control technique should ever be used in preaching the word of God regarding giving of offerings. Neither should we be told it is in honor of the old testament ordinance of tithing. It should rather be a matter of following the New Testament teachings on giving to the church out of our abundance. - end.

MOJ/ series

Reference:

**Cyprian (SIP-ree-ən; Latin: Thaschus Cæcilius Cyprianus; c. 200 – September 14, 258 AD) was bishop of Carthage and a notable Early Christian writer of Berber descent, many of whose Latin works are extant. He is also recognised as a saint in the Christian churches.

**Constantine was a Roman emperor who ruled early in the 4th century. He was the first Christian emperor and saw the empire begin to become a Christian state.

Constantine I was born circa 280 in Naissus, Moesia (now Niš, Serbia). His father became the Western Roman emperor in 305; after his father's death, Constantine fought to take power. He became the Western emperor in 312 and the sole Roman emperor in 324. Constantine was also the first emperor to adhere to Christianity. He issued an edict that protected Christians in the empire and converted to Christianity on his deathbed in 337. ( quoted from: Biography.com)