Insights by GPI Partner

Mike Blanton

Arizona

GPI is pleased to bring you thoughts from a new GPI Partner, Mike Blanton.

Mike asks the following poignant question, “Is The Church Under The Tithe Today?”

Perhaps you have asked the same question! Mike brings you “food for thought” in his current GPI INSIGHTS.

THE GRACE OF GIVING | Is the Church Under the Tithe Today? by Mike Blanton

Recently I looked into Strong’s Concordance and found forty verses concerning the tithe. Thirty-six were speaking of the tithes given according to the Law of Moses. The other four spoke of when Abraham paid the tithe from the spoils of war to Melchizedek. While the principle of the tithe could be taught through these four verses, the main purpose of them is to teach the superiority of Melchizedek to Abraham and the Levitcal priesthood.

Melchizedek was the High Priest of Abraham’s day, and a type of our High Priest, Jesus Christ.  Both Melchizedek and Jesus have endless lives, which is the power of their ministry. Hebrews 7:17 says “For He testifies; ‘You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.’”  The overarching purpose of the scriptures concerning Melchizedek and Jesus, that include tithing, is to teach the Jewish people that Jesus is superior to any man, or priesthood, or angels. 

When you read the thirty-six verses that describe tithing under the Law, I think you will have to conclude that tithing is certainly part of the law. In Galatians 3:10-14 it says “For as many are as of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.’

But the good news is, Christ has redeemed us from the Law, having become a curse for us; ...for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’, that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.’”   In 2 Corinthians: 7a it says “But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones was glorious…”, and in verse 9 it says “For if the ministry of condemnation had glory…”   These verses about the Law, describe it as bringing condemnation and death. But the ministry of Christ, through God’s grace, has set Believers free from the Law!

So, what does this have to do with, “Is the Church Under the Tithe Today?”  In 2 Corinthians, chapters eight and nine, the Apostle Paul speaks of the grace of giving.  This teaches us how to give under the New Covenant. The amount is determined by you and God. You are to give out of what you have. You are to give abundantly, and you are to be a cheerful giver. In giving this way, God will make you sufficient in all things, multiply your seed that you have sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness (2 Corinthians 9:10b).  In 2 Corinthians 9:8b it says that “you will have an abundance for every good work.”  All of this comes through what Paul calls the grace of giving. Nowhere does the Apostle Paul, or any other apostle, mention the law of tithing under the New Covenant.

With this said, I believe the answer to, “Is the Church Under the Tithe Today?” is “No!”  The church is not under the tithe, but the Grace of Giving, which I believe, if given a chance, would probably be more effective than tithing!