Is Tithing New Testament?

This little booklet to which reference has been made says that tithing, meaning ten percent of your income, is also a New Testament ordinance, or principle if you prefer. The booklet quotes, "But woe unto you, Pharisee! For ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment, and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone." (Luke 11:42)

From this Scripture, the writer of that booklet deduced that ten percent off the top was a New Testament teaching. Let us see if this "reasoning" is correct. Jesus was born under the Law. The Law would not pass away, not even one jot or tittle until all things be fulfilled. Just because Jesus spoke in Matthew does not mean it is New Covenant teaching. The New Covenant is not the set of books from Matthew to Revelation! The New Covenant was not ratified until Jesus offered up His blood in heaven, which was after His resurrection! Prior to that, the Old Covenant, and the Levitical Priesthood, were still in effect. Jesus Himself said to do what those who sit in Moses seat said to do, but don't do what they do. (Matt. 23:1-4) Now isn't it interesting that what these Pharisees tithed were produce from the land. They did not tithe fish, gems, fabric etc. Even though they tithed even the smallest of seeds, the word to them was "Woe" not "well done thou good and faithful tither."

The other account of a tither in the improperly named "New Testament" occurred in Luke 18:12,14. Between the tither who "fasted twice a week and give tithes of all that I possess" and the publican, a sinner-it was the sinner who "went to his house justified" and not the tither. So much for tithers being blessed. It should be pointed out, at this time, that Jesus condemned the Pharisee who tithed even the smallest of seeds, but neglected other parts of the law dealing with proper judgment and the love of God, which points again to the fact that the law of Moses is an all-inclusive contract that does not allow one to pick and choose which laws to follow and which to discard. (Luke 11:42, Matt. 23:23) Also keep in mind that when Jesus told the people to do what those in Moses seat commanded, that He was not condoning their commands and actions. He was acknowledging the authority that God set up. The Levitical priesthood was the valid agency set up by Yahweh Himself. However, when the tree did not produce the fruit of the kingdom, He cursed it. When one studies the fruit of the Law of Moses and the Tree of the Knowledge of good and evil, one will find great similarities and powerful truths.

In summary, the New Covenant did not begin with the Gospel of Matthew. It began when it was sprinkled by the blood of the Covenant, the very blood of Christ, which was not spilled until the end of Jesus Christ's personal ministry here on earth. Jesus spoke under the Law of Moses and told those in His audiences to keep it because they were still under it. He also told them not to do as those who interpreted the Law of Moses with greed in their hearts; who "made the word of God of none effect by their traditions." It seems there are those who sit in Jesus' seat here on earth who have adopted a similar practice with similar results. When one studies the priesthood of Israel and its political, religious, and economic connections and practices, and compares them to the ecclesiastical systems of Christendom today, one may be amazed at the similarity.

Part 6 of The Tithe

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