Examining Tithing Deceptions

One of the most consistent falsehoods in churches today is that you are obligated to "pay tithes." There are no such instructions anywhere in God's Word. The purpose of this Blog is to examine false doctrines in today's teachings on tithing. Anyone claiming that a Christian must tithe is teaching a falsehood. "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." - Acts 17:11

Saturday, November 4, 2023

HEBREWS CHAPTER SEVEN

What is DISANNULLED? What is WEAK? What is UNPROFITABLE? These three...

1. The Levitical Priesthood (which could bring perfection [salvation] TO NO ONE, Hebrews 7:11).

2. The Law of Moses relative to New Testament Christians who are NOT UNDER THE LAW (Romans 6:14, Acts 15:24).

3. Tithing, which is of the law of Moses (Hebrews 7:5, Numbers 18:21-24, Matthew 23:23).

In Hebrews Chapter Seven tithing is mentioned 7 times, verses number; 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 9 again, focusing CLEARLY ON TITHING, and while proving the superiority of Christ's priesthood, ALSO places tithing (along with the rest of the law of Moses) in a position of INFERIORITY and declares it all...

ALL THREE ARE WEAK, ALL THREE ARE UNPROFITABLE, AND ALL THREE ARE DISANNULLED (CANCELED)...INCLUDING TITHING.

"For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof." - Hebrews 7:18

AND...

If we are to tithe BECAUSE Abraham tithed, then logically, and if Abraham is to be our example concerning tithing, we should also tithe AS Abraham tithed; unless you can find a scripture that says; "Tithe because Abraham tithed, but not like him" - 1 Nonsense 3:1.

Abraham also circumcised before the law; should we circumcise also, why just tithing? ... and Abraham gave all he was in possession of (not just 10%) which was property he didn't own; should we do the same, tithe as Abraham did, on other people's property? Also, where does the word of God instruct anyone to "tithe because Abraham did?"...NOWHERE; not to anyone in the Old or New Testaments. Abram, and his one time tithe to Melchizedek, is NEVER used in God's Word as a reason for, or example of tithing.

Abram's tithe in Genesis 14 was a non-compulsory tithe. Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek of his own free will. The voluntary nature of Abram's tithe counteracts arguments that would link his tithe to any form of compulsory giving on a regular basis.

Abraham paid a one-time tithe of war spoils from his local battles, and he followed the local Arabic custom to pay that tithe to the Semitic priest-king Melchizedek. Abraham was a very wealthy man before this time, and he didn’t tithe from that, but paid a tithe from the aforementioned war spoils. This event was the only instance recorded in the Bible of Abraham offering/paying a tithe. (Hebrews 7, Genesis 14, Psalm 110).

>> Here is how Abraham tithed...

1. The example of Abraham is not a normative pattern; some people claim that tithing is required because Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek, and he lived before the Mosaic covenant (the Law) was in place. Such an example hardly prove tithing is for all time, however. Abraham’s gift to Melchizedek was a one-time event; there is no evidence he regularly gave God (or anyone) a tithe.

2. Abraham tithed on the spoils of war (which would be illegal under the Law, which is the tithing system, rules and procedures GOD ESTABLISHED; God did not establish a system of tithing outside of the Law of Moses, the Torah. There is no such a "second tithing system" in the Old or New Testament).

3. Abraham tithed by paying 10% to a Priest, Melchizedek, and the remaining 90% he gave to a pagan King (and some to his men); in Abraham's case, to the King Sodom.

4. Abraham tithed one time (no record of Abraham ever tithing before or after, and no record of him teaching Issac to tithe or anyone else...Abraham was not a tithing teacher).

5. Abraham tithed without being commanded to do so. God never held Abraham responsible for tithing, and did not tell him to do so. We have no record of any such command from God to Abraham.

6. Abraham tithed on things he didn't own. Some of which were Lot's property ("And he gave him tithes of all." - Genesis 14:20).

7. And, possibly, Abraham tithed human beings taken in his rescue of his Nephew, Lot.

8. Abraham tithed directly to a Priest, NOT to a church, tithing teacher or TV Evangelist. Also, he didn't tithe to an organization, but rather to a person; Melchizedek.

9. Abraham tithed because of a ONE TIME special event; the slaughter of the Kings upon rescuing Lot, his tithe was not a regular weekly event.

10. God gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision, yet tithing, not given by God, is held in higher priority by tithing teachers than a God-ordained covenant; the covenant with Abraham was confirmed with circumcision, not tithing.

11. Abraham tithed to a KING, Melchizedek; are we to treat pastors as KINGS and the church they oversee as a "Kingdom run by a KING?"

12. Since God NEVER called the Children of Israel to tithe based on Abraham tithing to Melchizedek (there is NO SCRIPTURE commanding the Children of Israel to tithe as Abraham did), the very Abraham who was the Father of their Nation, and HIGHLY revered; why would God instruct the New Testament Church to "tithe as Abraham did?"

13. Abraham tithed to Melchizedek, thus according to Hebrews 7:5-8, proved and established that Melchizedek was superior than Abraham; when we tithe to a pastor or other person, are we to then conclude they are superior to us?

14. That is "Abrahamic tithing" ...AND WOULD BE ILLEGAL UNDER THE LAW, and the Law (or reference to the Law) is the ONLY PLACE God has ever commanded tithing.

15. And, how and where does scripture say that Abraham's tithe was an "eternal law," and why weren't the Israelites tithing BEFORE the Law, since Abraham's tithe was supposed to be some kind of "eternal law" and was before the Law of Moses, the Torah? Where is it recorded in scripture that Israelites tithed before the Law and did so because of Abraham tithing? Nowhere.

16. Abram's tithe didn't come from the Promise Land, it came from spoils of war from Sodom and Gomorrah. In God's system of tithing, any tithe from outside the Promise Land was illegal.

Genesis 14:11-12...

"And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their victuals, and went their way. And they took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed."

>> Tithing is not a New Testament doctrine; there is no such thing as "New Testament tithing," or "Tithing under grace." If tithing was required and taught in the New Testament for Christians, it would have to be clearly detailed and outlined in the terms and conditions of the New Testament like all promises and commands of the New Testament are. Tithing instructions would be clearly included in the New Testament.

No such terms, conditions or details are outlined anywhere in the New Testament.

>> Tithing teachers enjoy pulling out highly selective sections of scripture to fool their followers into handing over their "tithe" money. That is called taking scripture out of context to deceive. They love the "BECAUSE" part, they hate the "AS" part.

>> THE WORD OF GOD warns us to be careful and alert...

"That we from now on be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;" - Ephesians 4:14

As a friend of mine has pointed out...

"Better read the account of Abraham tithing to Melchizedek again (Hebrews ch. This time, I suggest you take the blinders of religion off and read with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Abraham did not tithe his own wealth (Genesis 13:2) He tithed the property of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. (Genesis 14:16-23)

Abraham only tithed after killing a bunch of wicked people. Are you killing wicked people before you tithe?"

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TITHE AS ABRAHAM?

TITHE AS ABRAHAM?

You tithe as Abraham did? Are you sure? Consider...

>> 1. Abraham tithed with Levi in his Loins. Is the tribe of Levi in your loins? Is Levi descended from you?

Hebrews 7:5 - "And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:"

Hebrews 7:10 - "For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.

Hebrews 7:9 - "And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham."

>> 2. Abraham tithed to Melchisedec...TO MELCHISEDEC...not to a New Testament pastor, church or anyone else. Where does God's Word give authority to any pastor, minister or church in the New Testament to receive tithes on behalf of Melchisedec? Answer; NOWHERE.

Hebrews 7:6 - "But he [Melchisedec] whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises."

>> 3. Abraham's tithe confirmed the superiority of the Order and Priesthood of Melchisedec over the tribe and priesthood of Levi by having Levi in his loins when his tithe was given. Is your tithe being used by God to confirm the superiority of the Order and Priesthood of Melchisedec over the Levites? Why would God have to do so, confirm and establish, over and over again with your "tithe" to a church, pastor or some other ministry the superiority of Melchisedec? Was it not firmly confirmed and established once and for all? Or, did God fail to do so? NO, God did not fail!

Hebrews 7:4 - "Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils."

Hebrews 7:6-7 - "But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better."

Hebrews 7:21 - "( For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec: )"

>> 4. Abraham's tithe, the purpose thereof, was to confirm the superiority of the Order and Priesthood of Melchisedec over the tribe and priesthood of Levi by tithing to Melchisedec in Abraham; how could your tithing to your church confirm Melchisedec as superior over Levi? Answer; it can't. Why would God have to attempt to confirm Melchisedec as superior over Levi over and over again with your tithe? Answer; He doesn't, it has already been established FOREVER. God does not need your tithe to your church to attempt it over and over again.

Hebrews 7:6-7 - "But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better."

Hebrews 7:21-22 - "(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament."

CONCLUSION

God has never intended any other tithe other than Abraham's singular tithe to Melchisedec to confirm the superiority of the Order and Priesthood of Melchisedec over the tribe and priesthood of Levi. If you are "tithing because Abraham did," your tithe effort is worthless, not required and an unbiblical waste of time. You have been deceived by deceptive tithing teachers who are deceitfully using Hebrews chapter seven to fool you into tithing. DON'T BE FOOLED!

To claim that you are "tithing because Abraham did" is foolishness. The New Testament NEVER refers to Abraham and his tithing as an example to be followed today by a Believer under the New Covenant.

In the Bible, there is no record of any patriarch; any prophet or any apostle giving tithes of their monetary income. So when you accuse me of robbing God because I do not give tithes of my monetary income you also accuse the patriarchs, the prophets, and the apostles of robbing God.

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GOD IS NOT RESTRICTED BY TIME OR ANYTHING ELES

GOD IS NOT RESTRICTED BY TIME OR ANYTHING ELES

Abraham's tithe could be said to be "before the law," before the Law of Moses; TRUE, but not limited to being before the Law of Moses from God's eternal timeless point of view, and God's point of view is the ONLY ONE that counts.

The Bible tells us the following...

Revelation 13:8 - "And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."

>> How could Jesus be slain (crucified) from (or before) the foundation of the world when the world wasn't even created yet when He was slain? Was Jesus not crucified just outside of Jerusalem at about 33AD long after the creation, foundation, of the world?

Galatians 2:20 - "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

>> How could Paul be crucified with Christ when Paul was not physically nailed to the cross on the day when Jesus was crucified?

Matthew 11:13-15 - "For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias [Elijah], which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."

>> How could John be Elias, yet Jesus said he was; "And if ye will receive it, this is Elias" (Ref; See Malachi 4:5 - "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:"

The answer is simple; God is not bound by or restricted by time, space, order of events, by distance or by anything at all. If God reveals that from His point of view (the ONLY ONE that counts) that Jesus was crucified from the very foundations of the world, then HE WAS. If God reveals that from His point of view, Paul (meaning all of us) was crucified with Christ, then WE WERE. If Jesus, who was, and is God Almighty, tells us that John was Elijah fulfilling Malachi 4:5, then HE WAS.

Do as Jesus pointed out; receive it, receive that spiritual principle; "And if ye will receive it, this is Elias [Elijah]..."

In the same manner, based on the same eternal timeless concept seen in this verse we see the eternal point of view of God;

Hebrews 7:9 - "And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham." ...the Levite's tithe was a part of Abraham's tithe; they "payed tithes in Abraham..."

The Levites represent the Law of Moses in Abraham's tithe, and therefore include a component of tithing under the Law of Moses in Abraham's tithe to Melchisedec...

Hebrews 7:11 - "If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?" The people received the law FROM THE LEVITES; Moses was a Levite who was the Law giver.

So, therefore; yes, Abraham tithed in an earthly time-line before the Law of Moses, but from God's eternal perspective as we see in Revelation 13:8, Galatians 2:20 and Matthew 11:13-15, Abraham's tithe to Melchisedec was a tithe that included the Levites which was a tithe representing the Law.

CONCLUSION

Look at Abraham's tithe from God's eternal point of view, not from man's limited point of view. Abraham did not tithe before the Law from God's point of view, he tithed with the Law in him...

Hebrews 7:10 - "For he [Levi] was yet in the loins of his father [Abraham], when Melchisedec met him."

THE ETERNAL TIMELESSNESS OF GOD...

... Psalms 90:2 - "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God."

... Revelation 1:8 - "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty."

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MORE ON THE HEBREWS 7:8 STUDY

MORE ON THE HEBREWS 7:8 STUDY - "And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth."

The Levites were involved in the tithe and tithing based on the Law of Moses. There is no record of Levi or his descendants given the tithe or receiving tithes before the Law of Moses...

The Levites did not receive or pay tithes outside of the Law of Moses...

Again; "have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though [or "even though"] they come out of the loins of Abraham:" ...coming out of the loins of Abraham did not preclude them or eliminate them from the Law of Moses regarding tithing.

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 unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house."

Numbers 18:26 - "Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the LORD, even a tenth part of the tithe."

Numbers 18:21 - "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."

Numbers 18:23-24 - "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."

The Levites were included in the tithing of Abraham, not only was Abraham tithing to Melchisedec the Levites were also tithing to Melchisedec...

Hebrews 7:9 - "And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham."

Because of this reality...

Hebrews 7:10 - "For he [Levi] was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him."

The Levites represent the Law of Moses in Abraham's tithe, and therefore include a componant of tithing under the Law of Moses in Abraham's tithe to Melchisedec...

If there were no component of the Law of Moses / the Levites present in the tithing of Abraham, Abraham's tithe to Melchisedec would have proven the superiority of Melchisedec over Abraham, but not over the Levitical Priesthood...

Hebrews 7:7 - "And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better."

The Levite's tithe in Abraham did not cease to be a tithe of the Law because the Levites in Abraham did not cease to represent the Law and the priesthood of the Law.

The writer of the Book of Hebrews clearly points out the Levitical component and focuses on the Levites tithing in Abraham to Melchisedec to establish the superiority of the order of Melchisedec and the priesthood of Melchisedec over the Levites and the Levite priesthood.

The Levitical priesthood was established by the law of a carnal commandment, the Law of Moses, in stark contrast to the priesthood of Melchisedec (Jesus Christ) that was established after the power of an endless life...

Hebrews 7:15-17 - "And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."

That is why the writer of the Book of Hebrews concludes the following...

Hebrews 7:8 - "And here men that die receive tithes; but there he, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth."

Hebrews 7:8 is telling us that under the law carnal commandment (the Law of Moses) the Levites received tithes (Hebrews 7:5), but he who has the power of endless life also received a tithe from both Abraham and the Levites via the loins of Abraham. Hebrews 7:8 does not tell us that Melchisedec continues to receive tithes. He does not have to because by Abraham's one tithe to Melchisedec the proving of the superiority of the priesthood of Melchisedec has been clearly proven forever. It does not need to be proven over and over again with tithe after tithe. Paying a tithe to Melchisedec, or to a person claiming to represent Melchisedec, over and over again would produce nothing and prove nothing.

This has been established and proven forever...

Hebrews 7:15 - "And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest"

Hebrews 7:17 - "For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."

Hebrews 6:20 - "Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Psalms 110:4 - "The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek."

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THREE KINDS OF TITHING

THREE KINDS OF TITHING;

Hebrews 7:8 refers to three kinds of tithing;

1. Levites who took and received tithes under the Law of Moses. (Hebrews 7:5)

2. Levites who paid tithes through Abram to Melchisedec. (Hebrews 7:9)

3. Abram who paid a tithe to Melchisedec thus establishing the superiority of Melchisedec over Abram, the Levites and Levitical priesthood being in the loins of Abram. (Hebrews 7:2-7, Hebrews 10:1-11)

Neither tithing example 1, 2 or 3 apply to the New Testament Church, they are acts and events of the Old Testament. Additionally; the tithe given to Melchisedec has proven the superiority of the priestly order of Melchisedec once and for all and does not need to be repeated over and over again to establish again the superiority of the priestly order of Melchisedec, Melchisedec being a similitude of Jesus Christ our eternal High Priest has been established (Psalm 110:4, Hebrews 5:6, Hebrews 7:15,17).

The spiritual purpose of Abram paying tithes to Melchisedec was to demonstrate and forever establish Melchisedec's superiority; that has been accomplished and no further tithes need to be given to Melchisedec to prove anything further. There is no practical Biblical reason to "pay tithes" to Melchisedec as Abram did, and no Biblical basis for paying tithes to a person claiming you must pay tithes to them as Abram paid to Melchisedec. Abram paid tithes once to Melchisedec, he did not pay a tithe to a pastor, TV preacher, a church or any other person under the New Testament.

In Abram, the tithing under the Law of Moses [ergo; the Levites; Hebrews 7:5,9] and tithing before the Law of Moses by Abram, are brought together as one event, one process, one act in and by one person; Abram tithing to Melchisedec. One factual statement of the superiority of the priesthood of Melchisedec who is a type, a similitude of the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ [Hebrews 7:7,15]. Any further tithing as combined and seen in Abram (under the law or before the law) is declared thus...

Hebrews 7:18 - "For there is verily a disannulling [cancellation] of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof." Canceled because it is both weak and unprofitable, therefore not continued into the New Testament.

CONCLUSION;

No New Testament person has been authorized by God to receive a tithe for Melchisedec or for Jesus Christ. As for paying any tithes; God's word makes it clear; tithing of any kind is now canceled having accomplished what it needed to accomplish under both Abraham and the Law of Moses...

Hebrews 7:17-18 - "For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof." And;

> The law justifies nobody. - Galatians 2:16

> Christians are dead to the law. - Galatians 2:19

> The law frustrates grace. - Galatians 2:21

> To go back to the law after embracing faith is “foolishness”. - Galatians 3:1

> The law curses ALL (including Gentiles) who practice it and fail to do it perfectly. - Galatians 3:10...

"For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them."

Note: "For as many" ..i.e., ANYONE

> The law has nothing to do with faith. - Galatians 3:11-12

> The law was a curse that Christ redeemed us from. - Galatians 3:13

>> Hebrews 7:8 - "And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth."

"Here;" referring to tithes received by the Levites under the Law of Moses.

"There;" referring to the event of the tithe paid to Melchisedec by Abraham which included a tithe from the Levites in Abraham.

"Receiveth them;" referring to the actual tithe paid to Melchisedec by Abraham of which also included a tithe from the Levites in Abraham.

Simply stated; "there" = Levites ... "here" = Melchisedec.

>> The Law of Moses in the tithing of Abraham is present and represented by the Levites...

Hebrews 7:9 - "And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham." ...PAYED TITHES IN ABRAHAM

STOP TITHING TO LIARS WHO BURDEN YOU WITH THEIR GREED AND DECEPTIONS. TITHING HAS NO FURTHER BIBLICAL PURPOSE.

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HEBREWS 7:8; NOT INSTRUCTIONS FOR TITHING, BUT OFTEN USED BY DECEPTIVE TITHING TEACHERS

HEBREWS 7:8; NOT INSTRUCTIONS FOR TITHING, BUT OFTEN USED BY DECEPTIVE TITHING TEACHERS.

Hebrews 7:8 "And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth."

Anyone who claims that Hebrews 7:8 instructs a Christian to tithe has clearly demonstrated that they know little or nothing about the Book of Hebrews, and does not understand why the Book of Hebrews was written. In fact, there is not a single word in the Book of Hebrews instructing any person to tithe anything to anyone, including chapter 7 verse 8.

>>> Verse breakdown, Hebrews 7:8...

>> 1. "And here men that die receive tithes" ...Notice; "HERE" referring to Hebrews 7:5...

This is a reference to Hebrews 7:5; "And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:"

Who received tithes? Answer; The Levites; this is a future reference to the Levites that descend from Abraham that would receive tithes under the Law of Moses (See Hebrews 7:5). That first section of Hebrews 7:8 points out that they represent a priesthood that has no power to end death, no power to provide endless life; "here men that die ..." It's interesting to note that the writer of Hebrews places the receiving of tithes juxtaposition to death, not endless life.

>> 2. "receiveth them," added by translators, and not found in the Greek text.

>> 3. "of whom it is witnessed that he liveth."

This is in contrast to men receiving tithes under the Old Covenant, under and by the authority of the Law of Moses, who die, yet under the New Covenant, life eternal is through the Priesthood, the Order of Melchisedec, who was a type of Jesus Christ and the New Testament. (or as Hebrews 7:15 tells us; "the similitude of Melchisedec.")

In Hebrews 7:8 there is no mention of Jesus, Melchisedec or anyone else still receiving tithes. Neither is there any requirement to pay tithes by any New Testament Christian seen in Hebrews 7:8. No well studied and competent teacher of the Word of God would conclude that Hebrews 7:8 instructs a New Testament Christian to tithe. The point of Hebrews chapter seven concludes this...

Hebrews 7:15-19 - "And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God."

NOTE: "For there is verily a disannulling [CANCELLATION] of the commandment [LAW OF MOSES] going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof." ...including tithing of any kind.

OTHER CHAPTERS;

In Hebrews chapter seven the writer uses tithing as an example of an activity, an example of the Old Covenant, that cannot bring eternal life and is therefore discontinued being no longer needed, and in Hebrews chapter eight the writer uses multiple examples of how elements of the Old Covenant cannot provide eternal life....

Hebrews 8:6-10 - "But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:"

In Hebrews chapter ten the writer uses the blood of bulls and of goats as yet another example of an activity (animal sacrifice) that cannot bring eternal life and is therefore discontinued...

Hebrews 10:1-4 - "For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins."

VERSE EIGHT;

Hebrews 7:8 tells us that here men that die receive tithes, but he that has the power of endless life received a tithe from Abram, and when Abram gave a tithe to Melchizedec he demonstrated that the New Testament Priesthood was superior to the Old Testament Priesthood because Old Testament Priesthood could not provide endless life, but the New Testament does. Abraham presented Melchizedec with a tithe of all the items he had obtained through battle. By this act Abraham indicated that he recognized Melchizedec as a priest who ranked higher spiritually than he.

CONCLUSION;

Since the Old Covenant was flawed, based on limited priests and limited sacrifices, it is inferior to the priesthood of Melchizedec, which is unending. Jesus Christ fulfills God's promise to establish a priest ''forever'' in a way which perfectly meets our needs, and tithing has NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. Hebrews 7:8 points to the superiority Melchizedec. The Levitical priests are mortal men; but of Melchisedec it is testified that he lives forever and provides endless life to those who trust Jesus Christ for salvation.

There is not the slightest hint in Hebrews 7:8, or in the entire chapter, or the entire Book of Hebrews that tithing is to continue into the New Testament, or that Jesus Christ is still receiving tithes. To conclude that Hebrews 7:8 is a command to tithe would be concluding that tithing brings endless life. Tithing does NO SUCH THING.

Tithing? No. Endless life through Jesus Christ? Yes!

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What does Hebrews Chapter 7:8 Tell Us?

What does Hebrews Chapter 7:8 tell us?

"And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth." -

NOTE: "receiveth them" is referring to receiving tithes, but was ADDED by the KJV translators. Those two words "receiveth them" are NOT in the original Greek text. And, even if "receiveth them" was part of the original Greek text, that phrase still refers to tithes taken THERE..."but THERE he receiveth them," THERE is past tense and referring to events BACK THERE when Melchizedek received a tithe from Abram. "BUT THERE" does not refer to tithes to be taken today. We are not back there.

What does Hebrews Chapter 7:8 tell us? THIS...

1. Men who die (mortal men) were receivers of tithes; i.e., the tribe of Levi.

2. "receiveth them" is not in the original Greek, it was added by translators. The Interlinear version [exact word for word from the Greek] of Hebrews 7:8 reads like this...

"And here indeed tithes dying men receive in that place moreover being testified that he lives on." NO MENTION of Melchizedek continuing to receive tithes today in Hebrews 7:8.

3. Melchizedek, a type of Christ, a type of the eternal Priesthood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 7:3), lives forever (Hebrews 7:17, Psalm 110:4).

4. The eternal Priesthood of Melchizedek / Jesus Christ is requiring tithes from no one.

SUMMARY

Priests of Aaron (of the Tribe of Levi), received tithes to live (Numbers 18:20-24), who also paid tithes via the loins of Abram to Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:9), though they received tithes to live on earth, they were mortal men and they died.

On the other hand, by contrast; Melchizedek (being a type of Jesus Christ) is eternal and lives forever as an eternal Priest of the Most High God (Hebrews 7:17, Psalm 110:4). Being eternal, as it is said of him; "of whom it is witnessed that he liveth," (i.e.; Scripture testifies that he lives), Melchizedek does not need, does not demand or receive tithes in the New Testament.

Additionally, no minister or any other person has been authorized by God to receive tithes on behalf of Melchizedek or Jesus Christ.

Also, no minister or any other person has been authorized by God to receive tithes on behalf of themselves.

There exists NO SCRIPTURE authorizing them to do so. Men and women doing so, receiving tithes on behalf of Melchizedek / Jesus Christ, or themselves, ARE UNAUTHORIZED FRAUDS STEALING WHAT IS NOT THEIRS.

A DEEPER STUDY

>>> The Improper Use of Hebrews 7:8

Many tithing teachers and tithers often refer to Hebrews 7:8 as a "proof text" that a Christian must tithe, and that tithing is commanded in the Bible, the New Testament, today.

Their basic claim is that Hebrews 7:8 says that "Jesus is still receiving tithes today so therefore we must tithe," and they usually claim that Melchizedek was, and is, Jesus.

Prosperity gospel false teacher Kenneth Copeland once claimed "for those of you who don't believe in tithing, the Bible says he who ever lives still receives tithes."

That false and misleading quote of Hebrews 7:8 is found in Copeland's teaching series called "The Laws of Prosperity," and is keeping with the prosperity gospel's false teachings on tithing.

Let's take a close look at Hebrews 7:8 and what it actually says by taking it apart and by looking at that verse piece by piece in proper context. We will use the King James Version.

Here is the breakdown of Hebrews 7:8;

"And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth."

>> 1. "AND HERE"

Those two words, "AND HERE," are referring to Hebrews 7:5-7...

"And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better."

The "HERE" refers to a time in the past when Abraham met with Melchizedek and paid him tithes, and Melchizedek blessed Abraham, thus demonstrating that Melchizedek was greater than Abraham by receiving tithes from Abraham and blessing him. This is said to be "without all contradiction " that the lessor is blessed by the greater.

Also, "HERE" refers to a time when Levi (tribe of) PAID TITHES IN ABRAHAM (not TO Abraham, but rather IN or THROUGH Abraham); "And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham." - Hebrews 7:9. This shows that ALSO Levi (the priesthood of) was inferior to Melchizedek.

>> 2. "MEN THAT DIE RECEIVE TITHES"

Those men that die is a reference to Levites who had the command to take tithes of their brethren, namely, from descendants of Abraham and Sarah, and had all died. Another point showing the inferiority of the Levitical priesthood; that they die in contrast to Melchizedek who continues to live. It also is a reference to the sons of Levi paying tithes in Abraham.

Kenneth Copeland, a man who receives tithes, has claimed that "tithing is God's system for living." I it find interesting that God in Hebrews 7:8 calls men that receive tithes as "MEN WHO DIE" ...just a thought, Kenneth.

>> 3. "BUT THERE HE RECEIVETH THEM"

The words "RECEIVETH THEM" are two words added by King James translators, and are not words found in the Greek text that we have which was used as source text for the King James Bible. Though added or not, RECEIVETH THEM is still referring to BACK THERE, ("but THERE he receiveth them") and is not stating that Melchizedek is currently receiving tithes today; "but THERE he receiveth them" is a reference to something that happened in the past, that of Melchizedek receiving tithes from Abraham, and the Levites both taking tithes from their brethren and paying tithe in Abraham. This shows that BOTH Levi and Abraham are inferior to Melchizedek, and in the case of Levi, an inferior Priesthood to Melchizedek.

The Aaronic Priesthood of the Tribe of Levi was a mortal Priesthood comprised of mortal men who die. To sustain the Aaronic Priesthood on earth, God gave them all the tithe of Israel...

"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." - Numbers 18:21

This is in obvious contrast to the ever living eternal Priesthood of Melchizedek that is not in need of tithes, or to be sustained by tithes. Why would an eternal being, an eternal Priesthood, require a constant taking of tithes to live? To claim that the Priesthood of Melchizedek is still receiving tithes today is to claim that the Priesthood of Melchizedek is mortal rather than perceptual and eternal, and therefore would not be superior to the Aaronic Priesthood as is declared in Hebrews chapter seven...

"And without all contradiction the less [Abraham and Levi] is blessed of the better [Melchizedek]." - Hebrews 7:7

The eternal nature and condition of the Priesthood of Melchizedek is declared...

"The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." - Psalm 110:4

The tithes paid to Melchizedek by Abraham and Levi were symbolic of, and a demonstration of, the superiority the Priesthood of Melchizedek. Abraham's paying of a one time tithe to Melchizedek was not intended to sustain Melchizedek as were the paying of tithes to the Priesthood of Aaron. The writer of the Book of Hebrews reveals Melchizedek as...

"Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually." - Hebrews 7:3

This is not a person or Priesthood in need of anyone's continual paying of tithes to them.

>> 4. "OF WHOM IT IS WITNESSED THAT HE LIVETH."

"WITNESSED" in this case means VERIFIED, a truth, has been seen, on record, well known, a clear fact that cannot be denied. And what is the verified fact? ...That Melchizedek is still alive not having died.

>> As you can see, Hebrews 7:8 says NOTHING of Melchizedek (or Jesus) continuing to receive tithes today (i.e., under the New Testament), or Christians being told to tithe based on Hebrews 7:8. That claim is simply FALSE.

>> Hebrews 7:8 In proper context (Hebrews 7:5-11)...

5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:

6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.

7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.

8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.

9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.

10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchizedek met him.

11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

>>> The Interlinear version of the Bible ...

The Interlinear version (exact word for word from the Greek) of Hebrews 7:8 reads like this...

"And here indeed tithes dying men receive in that place moreover being testified that he lives on."

Where do you see anything about "tithes still being received today by anyone"? NOT ONE WORD about Jesus, or Melchizedek, still receiving tithes today.

>> Melchizedek still receiving tithes today? No proof of that at all. We are to be free will givers, NOT tithers. We have no instructions in Hebrews 7:8, or anywhere, to tithe.

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Examining Tithing Deceptions

Saturday, November 4, 2023

HEBREWS CHAPTER SEVEN

TITHE AS ABRAHAM?

GOD IS NOT RESTRICTED BY TIME OR ANYTHING ELES

MORE ON THE HEBREWS 7:8 STUDY

THREE KINDS OF TITHING

HEBREWS 7:8; NOT INSTRUCTIONS FOR TITHING, BUT OFTEN USED BY DECEPTIVE TITHING TEACHERS

What does Hebrews Chapter 7:8 Tell Us?

A REQUIREMENT TO TITHE?

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