Tithing

by B.C. Pratt

When the nation of Israel was born, coming out of Egypt and about to enter the land of Palestine, God divided the land among the tribes of Israel. He separated out the tribe of Levi to do the work of the Tabernacle, which involved the worship, the daily offerings and the burning of sacrifices. The Levites were given no inheritance; that is, they received no land as the other tribes received. Therefore, they were dependent upon the other tribes for provisions. To compensate for this, the other eleven tribes were to bring at least one- tenth of their produce and livestock to the Tabernacle or later to the Temple for the sustenance of the tribe of Levi. This provision was included in the Law given to Moses for the nation of Israel.

Today we live in the Dispensation of Grace where we are not under the Law of Moses.

Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the Law, but under Grace.

Why should we keep the Law of Moses which was given to the nation of Israel to obey? Gentiles have been given new principles and instructions which Christ revealed to the apostle Paul and which we have today.

Romans 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

Ephesians 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you Gentiles 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

In Romans 11:6 we are told,

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work."

Grace is what God has given to us as a free gift. Works are what we do to get God's approval. God says Grace and works must not be mixed.

Since we are not under the Law, what are the instructions for giving today? The information from the Lord revealed to Paul for us under Grace is different.

II Corinthians 9: 6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Today we are allowed under Grace to give as we wish, as little or as much and to whom we choose. God treats us as adults who can be responsible to make wise decisions. Knowing the needs of our pastors and teachers we ought to see that they be supported so they can devote their time to study and to carry out their ministry. (The principle is the same under Law.) We are encouraged to be good stewards of our time and money (since they really belong to God). It is important to decide just how to spend our time, talent and money. We should support those ministries where the doctrines that are taught are those that we believe.

Tradition in the church says: "You should tithe." Under Grace we say, "Why? The Levites are no longer doing the work of the Tabernacle or Temple. My money is not going to help support them. Besides, we are no longer under the Law." However, under Grace, we should want to have a part in getting the Word out to people, but we have no obligation to do so. Under Grace we are not obligated to do anything (that's not what tradition teaches!) but if we have the least bit of appreciation for what Christ did for us at Calvary, then that should encourage us to learn what God would have us to do in order to be faithful to Him and do that.

Mark 7: 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Mark 7: 9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.