They Lie to Steal Your Money

Some tithing teachers claim that refusing to tithe will send a person to hell.

They often refer to 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 as "proof" of what they claim; in particular citing the phrase "nor thieves"..."will not inherit the kingdom of God"

"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God."

What these tithing teachers don't tell you is that 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 is speaking of the UNRIGHTEOUS, NOT THE RIGHTEOUS..."Do you not know that the UNRIGHTEOUS will not inherit the kingdom of God?"

We, as Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, those who have received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, have been ETERNALLY DECLARED RIGHTEOUS BY GOD, and our sins are FOREVER FORGIVEN...

"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." - 2 Corinthians 5:21

If we sin, we have an advocate with the Father...

"My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;" - 1 John 2:1

We may sin, and need to be cleansed of our sin, but we can never in the eyes of God ever be called the unrighteous again. Why? This is why...

"Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." - 1 John 3:9

And this is why...

"Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;" - Colossians 2:14

The part of you that is BORN OF GOD CANNOT SIN, therefore you CANNOT lose your salvation due to sinning, and because "His seed remaineth in him" ...that is to say Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, will forever REMAIN IN YOU, and NO ONE filled with God's Spirit will spend eternity in hell...NO ONE.

SALVATION

The truth is that Jesus DOES NOT NEED you to add tithing to His finished work on the Cross of Calvary in order to save you from your sins. The Word of God tells us...

"All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out." - John 6:37 

"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life." - John 5:24

"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life." - 1 John 5:13 

"For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” - Romans 10:13 

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." - Romans 8:1 

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one.” - John 10:27-30 

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God," - Ephesians 2:8 

"For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything." - 1 John 3:20 

>>> WHERE DO YOU SEE A NEED, COMMAND OR REQUIREMENT FOR TITHING IN ANY OF THOSE SCRIPTURES LISTED ABOVE FOR SALVATION? You won't find them there or anywhere else in God's Word!

Tithing teachers that make such a claim, a claim that you must tithe to be saved, ARE EVIL DEMONIC UGLY LIARS, and the truth is NOT in them. They are thieves who are after your money to satisfy their filthy demonic greed. As God's Word also says...

Titus 1:10-11 - "For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: WHO's MOUTHS MUST BE STOPPED, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for FILTHY LUCRE'S SAKE."

And...

"Perverse disputings (or claims) of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain (money) is godliness: from such withdraw thyself." -1 Timothy 6:5

SALVATION IS THROUGH...

Sola scriptura ("by Scripture alone")

Sola fide ("by faith alone")

Sola gratia ("by grace alone")

Solus Christus or Solo Christo ("through Christ alone")

Soli Deo gloria ("glory to God alone")

TITHING HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOUR SALVATION.

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Copyright 2020, Anthony Todd, All rights reserved. Permission to copy and distribute this article must be obtained in writing from Tithing Study Online.

Permission can be requested at: tithingstudyonline@gmail.com. Upon permission to do so, it is granted under the strict condition that no content of any article be removed or altered, and that all articles are to remain intact as is when used. You must include a notation that any article distributed originated from Tithing Study Online, and include our blog URL as: https://ExaminingTithingDeceptions.blogspot.com.

Three Simple Words

THREE SIMPLE WORDS

Do you people who teach or believe in tithing know what these words mean?...

1. WEAK

2. UNPROFITABLE 

3. DISANNULLED

If not, keep reading...

1. WEAK - lacking the power to perform physically demanding tasks; lacking physical strength and energy. Inability to perform something or cause something to happen.

2. UNPROFITABLE - not yielding profit or financial gain. Not returning anything to an investor, a venture returning nothing to all involved.

3. DISANNULLED - transitive verb. dis·an·nulled, dis·an·null·ing, dis·an·nuls. To annul or cancel. Related Forms: dis′an·nul′ment. To put an end to something.

>> Here are the words WEAK, UNPROFITABLE, and DISANNULLED from the Greek original language used in Hebrews chapter 7...

1. WEAK - Greek: ἀσθενής

Transliteration: asthenēs

Pronunciation: as-then-ace'

Definition: From G1 (as a negative particle) and the base of G4599; strengthless (in various applications literally or figuratively and morally): - more feeble impotent sick without strength weak (-er -ness thing).

KJV Usage: weak (12x), sick (6x), weakness (2x), weaker (1x), weak things (1x), impotent (1x), more feeble (1x), without strength (1x).

Occurs: 25

In verses: 23

> IN SHORT - FEEBLE, IMPOTENT, NO STRENGTH.

2. UNPROFITABLE- Greek: ἀνωφέλες

Transliteration: anōpheles

Pronunciation: an-o-fel'-ace

Definition: From G1 (as a negative particle) and the base of G5624; useless or (neuter) inutility: - unprofitable(-ness).

KJV Usage: unprofitable (1x), unprofitableness (1x).

Occurs: 2

In verses: 2

> IN SHORT - USELESS.

3. DIS-ANNULLED - Greek: ἀθέτησις

Transliteration: athetēsis

Pronunciation: ath-et'-ay-sis

Definition: From G114; cancellation (literally or figuratively): - disannulling put away.

KJV Usage: disannulling (1x), to put away (with G1519) (1x).

Occurs: 2

In verses: 2

> IN SHORT - CANCELLED, GONE FOREVER!

Or, as CLEARLY STATED IN HEBREWS 7:18...

"For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof."

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).

ALL THREE ARE WEAK, ALL THREE ARE UNPROFITABLE, AND ALL THREE ARE DISANNULLED!!

>> Tithing that God commanded was established in, and part of the Law of Moses; that is VERY CLEAR in 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:"

THERE IS NO COMMAND TO TITHE GIVEN TO ANYONE, JEW OR GENTILE, OUTSIDE OF THE LAW OF MOSES. ADDITIONALLY, GENTILES HAVE NEVER BEEN COMMANDED TO TITHE...

"He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the Lord." - Psalm 147:19-20

ALL COMMANDMENTS TO TITHE ARE IN THE LAW OF MOSES, OR SCRIPTURE REFERRING TO AND PURSUANT TO THE LAW OF MOSES SUCH AS IN MALACHI 3:10...

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." - Malachi 3:10

Malachi states in Malachi 4:4 that who he is talking to, who he is commanding to "bring in the tithe," ARE UNDER THE LAW OF MOSES...

"Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments." - Malachi 4:4

And, the command to bring in the tithe to the Storehouse is to the Priests of Aaron, not ANYONE ELSE...

"And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you." - Malachi 2:1...what commandment? THE COMMANDMENT TO BRING IN THE TITHE TO THE STOREHOUSE...

"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." - Nehemiah 10:38

NO ONE WAS TO BRING THE TITHE TO THE STOREHOUSE EXCEPT THE LEVITES AND PRIESTS OF AARON...NO ONE ELSE LEST THEY DIE...

"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. Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die." - Numbers 18:21-22

CHRISTIANS ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW OF MOSES, AND THEREFORE HAVE NO COMMANDMENT TO TITHE...

"For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are NOT UNDER THE LAW but under grace." - Romans 6:14

"Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave NO SUCH COMMANDMENT:" - Acts 15:24

SORRY TO INFORM YOU TITHING TEACHERS; YOUR TITHING GAME IS OVER, your cash cow has run off, your days of lying to your followers and stealing money from them ARE OVER.

You are described perfectly by the Apostle Peter...

"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 

And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness (LUST AFTER MONEY AND MATERIAL THINGS) shall they with feigned words (WORDS OF DECEPTION) make merchandise (A SOURCE OF MONEY) of you: whose judgment (THEIR EVIL EXPOSED AND JUDGED BY GOD) now of a long time lingereth not (WILL BE RIGHT ON TIME), and their damnation (BEING SENT TO HELL) slumbereth not." - 2 Peter 2:1-3 

>> We are warned to stay away from people who Peter is describing; Paul wrote this... 

STAY AWAY FROM TITHING TEACHERS...

"Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain (MONEY) is godliness: from such withdraw thyself." - 1 Timothy 6:5 

HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH TITHING TEACHERS, EXPOSE THEM WITH THE LIGHT OF GOD'S WORD...

"Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." - Ephesians 5:11

TITHERS...be free from tithing!

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Copyright 2020, Anthony Todd, All rights reserved. Permission to copy and distribute this article must be obtained in writing from Tithing Study Online.

Permission can be requested at: tithingstudyonline@gmail.com. Upon permission to do so, it is granted under the strict condition that no content of any article be removed or altered, and that all articles are to remain intact as is when used. You must include a notation that any article distributed originated from Tithing Study Online, and include our blog URL as: https://ExaminingTithingDeceptions.blogspot.com.

Executing Non Sabbath Keepers

If Malachi 3:10 is talking to Christians and commanding  Christians to tithe, then Malachi 4:4 must therefore also be telling Christians to obey ALL OF THE LAW OF MOSES...

Malachi 4:4 - "Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments."...

Malachi 3:10 - "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

If you must obey Malachi 3:10 and Malachi 4:4, then you must also obey Numbers 15:32-36 and Exodus 31:14 and execute (KILL) non-sabbath keepers...

"Now while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath day. And those who found him gathering sticks brought him to Moses and Aaron, and to all the congregation. They put him under guard, because it had not been explained what should be done to him."  Then the Lord said to Moses, “The man must surely be put to death; all the congregation shall stone him with stones outside the camp.” 36 So, as the Lord commanded Moses, all the congregation brought him outside the camp and stoned him with stones, and he died." - Numbers 15:32-36

"Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people." - Exodus 31:14

WHY?

Why must you obey Numbers 15:32-36, Exodus 31:14 and Malachi 4:4 if you obey Malachi 3:10? THIS IS WHY...

"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." - Galatians 3:10

And...

"For whosoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend on ONE POINT, he is guilty of all." - James 2:10  

THEREFORE...

If you obey Malachi 3:10, YOU MUST ALSO KILL NON-SABBATH KEEPERS OR BE CURSED YOURSELF.

That is what God's word CLEARLY SAYS. There is no way around it!

Have you killed any non-sabbath keepers lately? You can't obey one part of the law and not another part.

Now do you see why we are telling you that Malachi 3:10 HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANS, and is NOT instructing a Christians to tithe?

The Apostles wrote...

"Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave NO SUCH COMMANDMENT:" - Acts 15:24

BE FOREVER FREE FROM TITHING (then you won't have to kill non-sabbath keepers).

_______________________________________________

Copyright 2020, Anthony Todd, All rights reserved. Permission to copy and distribute this article must be obtained in writing from Tithing Study Online.

Permission can be requested at: tithingstudyonline@gmail.com. Upon permission to do so, it is granted under the strict condition that no content of any article be removed or altered, and that all articles are to remain intact as is when used. You must include a notation that any article distributed originated from Tithing Study Online, and include our blog URL as: https://ExaminingTithingDeceptions.blogspot.com.

Without a Biblical Basis...

Without a biblical basis, and deceptively, tithing teachers continue to demand "tithe payments" from their followers.

The tithe referred to in Numbers 18:20-24 was the personal property of the Levites; They owned the tithes given to them as an inheritance from God. God has never taken it back.

Facts;

1. The tithe wasn't based on income because they didn't own the tithe; they couldn't sell it or consume it. It wasn't their's to sell, derive income from or use. Numbers 18:20-24.

2. The tithe wasn't given to the Levites because you can't give something to someone that you don't own. Numbers 18:20-24.

3. The tithe wasn't an offering, love gift, or sacrificial giving because you can't give an offering to someone consisting of something you don't own. Numbers 18:20-24.

4. The tithe was never money (any form of currency; gold, silver, shekels, etc,); all Biblical references to the tithe describes the tithe as consisting only of agricultural products (fruits, vegetables and clean livestock from the Promise Land only). Lev. 27:30, 32, Num. 18:27, Num. 18:28, Deut 12:17, Deut. 14:22, Deut. 14:23, Deut. 24:21, Deut. 26:12, 2 Chron. 31:5, 2 Chron. 31:6, Neh. 10:37, Neh. 13:5, Mal. 3:10, Matt. 23:23, Luke 11:42.

5. God has never levied a tithe on income, and has never commanded individuals to tithe. The tithe was levied on the Nation of Israel, the Nation of Israel was to surrender the tithe from the increase of their land. Malachi 3:9. Malachi 3:8 refers to corrupt Priests who were stealing the "tithe of the tithe" from the Temple storehouse in Jerusalem. Malachi 2:1, Nehemiah 10:38, Nehemiah 13.

6. The ownership of the tithe has never been taken from the Levites and given to anyone. The title deed of ownership has never been revoked and transferred by God to any apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher or anyone else. None of these people own the tithe, none of them have a right to it or a claim on it.

7. All requirements to tithe that had been commanded of anyone has been forever ended as stated clearly in Hebrews 7:18. The commanded practice of tithing, as established by Mosaic Law, has nothing to do with New Testament Believers. Acts 15:24. There is no such New Testament practice as "tithing," and no other scripture outside of the Law of Moses commanding tithing to anyone. God never commanded Gentiles to tithe. Psalm 147:19-20.

8. New Testament pastors are not modern day Levites, there exists no scriptural basis for such a claim, and they have no Biblical right to demand and receive tithes.

9. There is no such Biblical practice or doctrine of tithing described as "love tithing," "grace tithing," or "90 day tithe challenges." They simply do not exist. The Book of Malachi was written to Israelis who were under the law. Malachi 4:4

10. Anyone attempting to "tithe" under the New Testament is doing so wholly without a Biblical basis for their efforts.

11. There is no Biblical basis to claim that churches are "storehouses to be tithed to."

12. There is no such thing as "New Testament tithing" that has been commanded, referred to, recorded, suggested or encouraged in the Bible.

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Copyright 2020, Anthony Todd, All rights reserved. Permission to copy and distribute this article must be obtained in writing from Tithing Study Online.

Permission can be requested at: tithingstudyonline@gmail.com. Upon permission to do so, it is granted under the strict condition that no content of any article be removed or altered, and that all articles are to remain intact as is when used. You must include a notation that any article distributed originated from Tithing Study Online, and include our blog URL as: https://ExaminingTithingDeceptions.blogspot.com.

Recently a tithing teacher made this claim on his blog...

Recently a tithing teacher made this claim on his blog...

"If the Melchizedek priesthood continues, the act of tithing also continues."

This was stated in the context of Hebrews chapter seven and Genesis chapter fourteen. Both chapters refer to Abraham tithing to Melchizedek.

My answer...

Where is Melchizedek so we can tithe to him? Where, in what scripture, have you been authorized to receive tithes for Melchizedek? Upon receiving tithes, do you turn them over to Melchizedek? If so, how? Can you provide proof that you have been turning the tithes you receive over to Melchizedek, and, tell me; how do you do so?

Facts;

1. Nowhere in God's word does it tell us that based on the continuation of the Melchizedek priesthood we are to continue tithing.

2. The priesthood of Melchizedek will last forever, including into the eternal Heavenly Kingdom; are we going to be required to tithe in heaven to Melchizedek? If so, what are we to tithe? You had better be a farmer or a rancher in heaven, and heaven had better be located on the Promise Land on earth because every command to tithe states that the tithe is to consist of fruits, vegetable and clean live stock from, and only from, the Promise Land God gave to the Children of Israel; where does God's word tell us that will be different for tithing to Melchizedek? There is not a single word in God's Word that the tithe commanded by God was to be anything but fruits, vegetable and clean live stock from the Promise Land. There is no scripture stating that tithes are to come from heaven.

3. Hebrews 7:8 does not command that tithing to Melchizedek is to continue into the New Testament...

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

Note: "receiveth them" is in italics, and was ADDED by King James translators. And, it was PAST TENSE... "there" referring to BACK THEN tithes were received; not now, not in the New Testament, not in the future.

Other translations read like this...

"In the one case tithes are received by mortal men, but in the other case, by one of whom it is testified that he lives." - English Standard Version

"received" ...past tense; no indication it is to continue into the future.

"and in one case tithes are received by mortal men, while in the other by him who is affirmed to be alive." - NET Bible

"received" ...past tense; no indication it is to continue into the future.

"In the same manner, here men that die take tithes; but there he received them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives." - Jubilee Bible 2000

"received" ...past tense; no indication it is to continue into the future.

"And here men that die receive tithes; but there one, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth." - English Revised Version

"men that die receive tithes" ...still past tense, the men who received tithes did so in the past and died in the past; no indication tithing is to continue into the future.. 

Hebrews 7:8 is saying this; mortal men in the past who died received tithes, and a man who lives forever, and is greater than mortal men, also received a tithe in the past. Hebrews chapter seven goes on to afirm the superiority of Melchizedek over Abraham based on Abraham (and the Levites in his loins) paying tithes to Melchizedek.

NOT ONE WORD about Jesus, via Melchizedek, still receiving tithes today. Or, any commandment to continue paying tithes to anyone.

4. What does Melchizedek, or for that matter, Jesus Christ, need with your tithe? Neither need a tithe, and neither are sustained by a tithe as the Levites were...

"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

Of Melchizedek, it is written...

"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

Doesn't sound much like Melchizedek needs a tithe, or that God commands that Melchizedek be tithed to.

5. Neither Hebrews 5, Hebrews 7, Genesis 14, Psalm 110 and any other scripture make any reference that "if the Melchizedek priesthood continues, the act of tithing also continues."

6. Your claim that "if the Melchizedek priesthood continues, the act of tithing also continues" is nonsense with no scriptural basis at all. There is no scripture to back your claim, and it appears that you are making wild claims the gullible will buy into (your claim does sound very "spiritual"), especially if they fail to adhere to this principle...

"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 

It's time the Church decides to be like the Bereans and really dig in and study. Be teachable, and make the choice to let the Scriptures "get in the way" of what you believe, even if it means that your whole paradigm, everything you believe, must change! THAT is the mark of a mature believer.

7. CONCLUSION;

So, tell me; where does the Word of God tell us "if the Melchizedek priesthood continues, the act of tithing also continues"? Chapter and verse requested.

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Copyright 2020, Anthony Todd, All rights reserved. Permission to copy and distribute this article must be obtained in writing from Tithing Study Online.

Permission can be requested at: tithingstudyonline@gmail.com. Upon permission to do so, it is granted under the strict condition that no content of any article be removed or altered, and that all articles are to remain intact as is when used. You must include a notation that any article distributed originated from Tithing Study Online, and include our blog URL as: https://ExaminingTithingDeceptions.blogspot.com.

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 Melecheidek and paid him tithes, and Melecheidek blessed Abraham, thus demonstrating that Melecheidek 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 Melchisedec 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 Melchisedec, 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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Copyright 2019, Anthony Todd, All rights reserved. Permission to copy and distribute this article must be obtained in writing from Tithing Study Online.

Permission can be requested at: tithingstudyonline@gmail.com. Upon permission to do so, it is granted under the strict condition that no content of any article be removed or altered, and that all articles are to remain intact as is when used. You must include a notation that any article distributed originated from Tithing Study Online, and include our blog URL as: https://ExaminingTithingDeceptions.blogspot.com.

Jesus Spoke of Tithing in the New Testament?

Jesus Spoke of Tithing in the New Testament?

No, He didn't; while on earth He never mentioned tithing even once in the New Testament, not a single word.

Tithing teachers love to refer to Matthew 23:23 (also Luke 11:42) as "proof text" that Jesus not only spoke about tithing in the New Testament, but, as they falsely claim; "validated tithing, and commanded tithing for New Testament Christians." They tell us "tithing is in the New Testament, Jesus commanded tithing, therefore a Christian should tithe." Nothing could be further from the truth.

Neither Matthew 23:23 or Luke 11:42 are in the New Testament; if by "New Testament" you are referring to the New Covenant era we are now in and will be forever.

When Jesus spoke His words in Matthew 23:23 or Luke 11:42, He had not gone to the cross yet, He was operating under the Law of Moses, and the New Covenant was not yet established or in force. Also, Jesus spoke Matthew 23:23 or Luke 11:42 to Jews who were still at that time under the Law of Moses and were, if growing fruits, vegetables or raising live stock on the promise land, required to tithe on them.

Jesus was not commanding New Testament Christians to tithe in Matthew 23:23 or Luke 11:42. To claim so is taking scripture completely out of proper context, the proper Covenant, and applying it to the wrong group of people in the wrong covenant era. The tithing Jesus was referring to was a commandment to the Children of Israel under the Old Covenant.

ORGANIZING THE BIBLE

Over the last few hundred years the Bible, the Holy Scriptures, have been organized into what we call the "Old Testament" and the "New Testament," with the Old Testament ending with The Book of Malachi and the New Testament beginning with The Gospel of Matthew. Sadly, most people do not realize that the majority of the Gospels, the records and events inside the Gospels, take place during the Old Covenant era, including Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42.

The Gospels, all four, can in fact be broken up into two parts; chapters and verses before Jesus' death on the cross (Old Testament period), and chapters and verses after Jesus' death on the cross (New Testament period). Where Jesus' death on the cross is the demarcation line between the end of the Old Covenant (including the Law of Moses which was the Covenant with the Nation of Israel) and the beginning of the New Covenant. The Gospels are placed in their complete condition in what we call "the New Testament" as a method of organization of the Bible. Men decided to place the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in their entirety (all chapters and verses) into what we call "The New Testament" set of scriptures.

If I were to break the Gospels into two parts, based on the Old and New Covenant sections, they would be organized like this...

>> MATTHEW;

Gospel of Matthew, Old Covenant period; Matthew 1:1 to Matthew 27:50 (Jesus' death).
Gospel of Matthew, New Covenant period; Matthew 27:51 to Matthew 28:20.

>> MARK;

Gospel of Mark, Old Covenant period; Mark 1:1 to Mark 15:37 (Jesus' death).
Gospel of Mark, New Covenant period; Mark 15:38 to Mark 16:20.

>> LUKE;

Gospel of Luke, Old Covenant period; Luke 1:1 to Luke 23:46 (Jesus' death).
Gospel of Luke, New Covenant period; Luke 23:47 to Luke 24:53.

>> JOHN;

Gospel of John, Old Covenant period; John 1:1 to John 19:30 (Jesus' death).
Gospel of John, New Covenant period; John 19:31 to John 21:25.

>> Why the demarcation lines in the Gospels placed where I placed them, where Jesus' death is recorded in each Gospel? This is why...

HIGH PRIEST OF THE OLD TESTAMENT ESTABLISHED IN THE LAW OF MOSES

The high priest was the supreme spiritual leader of the Israelites, the Nation of Israel. The office of the high priest was hereditary and was descended from Aaron, the brother of Moses, of the Levite tribe (see: Exodus 28:1; Numbers 18:7). The high priest had to be “whole” physically (without any physical defects) and holy in his personal conduct (see: Leviticus 21:6-8).

Under the Old Covenant only the High Priest was permitted to enter the Temple Holy of Holies. He could only do so once a year (the Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur, which is the holiest day of the Jewish year) and only after proper ceremonial activity was successfully completed, and after required sacrifices were offered up to God. If any of these requirements were not properly completed he was dead upon entering the Holy of Holies. God would not tolerate sin in His Holy presence. If the High Priest’s sins were not atoned for properly, he would die in the presence of the shekinah - the glory of God that filled the Holy of Holies.

The high priest had to offer a sin offering not only for the sins of the whole congregation (the Nation of Israel), but also for himself (see: Leviticus 4:3-21). 

The Holy of Holies was entered into once a year by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement to sprinkle the blood of sacrificial animals (a bull offered as atonement for the Priest and his household, and a goat offered as atonement for the people) and offer incense upon the Ark of the Covenant and the mercy seat which sat on top of the ark in the First Temple (the Second Temple had no ark and the blood was sprinkled where the Ark would have been and the incense was put on the Brazen Altar of incense). The animal was sacrificed and the blood was carried into the most holy place. The golden censers were also found in the Most Holy Place.

In Leviticus 16:2 it says...

"And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the veil before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat." The mercy seat was inside the Holy of Holies.

Anyone entering the Holy of Holies without being the right person (the High Priest) on the proper day (the Day of Atonement) would die in God's presence. Between the outside and inside of the Holy of Holies there was a thick veil covering the entrance.

At the moment Jesus died on the cross...

"Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;" - Matthew 27:50-51

...the veil that was torn in two in the temple was the veil over the entrance to the Holy of Holies. Why was it torn in two the moment Jesus died on the cross? Because the sins of mankind were paid for in total, and now anyone could enter the Holy of Holies and stand face to face with God with their sins forgiven and cleansed by Jesus' blood shed in His death.

That could ONLY happen under the New Covenant paid for by Jesus' shed blood and death on the cross. At the moment of Jesus' death the New Covenant was established and came into power, later to be revealed and detailed from the Book of Acts to the Book of Revelation.

The Word of God tells us...

"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures," - 1 Corinthians 15:3

"For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;" - 1 Peter 3:18

"For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." - Romans 5:10

"For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance." - Hebrews 9:15

"Knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ." - 1 Peter 1:18-19

How does the Bible express the significance of Jesus’ death as recorded in the Gospels? This is exactly what we find at the crucifixion of Jesus and the tearing of the temple "curtain" (or veil) immediately after his death. The tearing of the veil is described in all three Synoptic Gospels (see; Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45) and is God's way of saying that mankind can now approach Him in His holiest place and live.

In understanding the role of the High Priest, we can better comprehend the significance of Christ offering Himself for our sins once for all (see: Hebrews 9:26 and Hebrews 10:10-12). Through Christ’s sacrifice for us, we are sanctified and set apart for Him. 

CONCLUSION

Jesus has not commanded any New Testament Believer to tithe under the Old or New Covenants, He did not establish tithing in the New Covenant for anyone. That is the reason no Apostle ever taught tithing, asked for a tithe, rebuked any person or church for not tithing, or received a tithe themselves. Not one of them. The early church (i.e. Book of Acts) NEVER tithed. We have NO record of them doing so. In fact, concerning the law regarding tithing and the rest of the Law of Moses, the Apostles wrote...

"Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:" - Acts 15:24

Hebrews 7:18-19 says of the Law of Moses, including the commandment to tithe, which the writer of Hebrews tells us that the commandment is dis-annulled (ended), unprofitable and weak...

"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." - Hebrews 7:18-19

Where was mankind under the New Covenant first given the calling to "draw nigh unto God"? The first place was the Holy of Holies immediately after Jesus' death on the cross. There was no longer to be a veil between mankind and God. By faith anyone could enter.

Additionally, it must be understood that Christians under the New Testament are not under the law...

"For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace." - Romans 6:14

"But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter." - Romans 7:6

>> Concerning Jesus' statement...

"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone." - Matthew 23:23

And, recorded in the Gospel of Luke...

"But woe unto you, Pharisees! 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

...both verses record Jesus' words BEFORE the New Covenant era began, BEFORE Jesus went to the cross, BEFORE he died on the cross, BEFORE the veil to the Holy of Holies was torn in two inviting all to enter in faith (no tithe required).


So, as you can see; When on earth, Jesus never mentioned tithing in the era of the New Covenant. When He was on earth it was the era of the Old Covenant. Jesus waited until the Book of Hebrews (Hebrews chapter seven) after His resurrection, where He, through the Holy Spirit, revealed how and why tithing was forever ended.

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Copyright 2019-2020, Anthony Todd, All rights reserved. Permission to copy and distribute this article must be obtained in writing from Tithing Study Online.

Permission can be requested at: tithingstudyonline@gmail.com. Upon permission to do so, it is granted under the strict condition that no content of any article be removed or altered, and that all articles are to remain intact as is when used. You must include a notation that any article distributed originated from Tithing Study Online, and include our blog URL as: https://ExaminingTithingDeceptions.blogspot.com.