Does the New Testament Abolish Tithing?

No, the New Testament does not contain any statement abolishing the tithing system; rather, it upholds the enduring principles of God’s law. 📖

It is a joy to explore the Scriptures with you to see how God's truth remains consistent from the Old Testament through the New. When we look at the heart of the Gospel, we find that the moral obligations of the believer are not done away with, but are instead fulfilled through love and faith.

The Continuity of God's Law

Our Savior made it very clear that His mission was not to repeal the divine standards given in the past. He stated that not even the smallest mark of the law would fail as long as heaven and earth remain.

• ** Matthew 5:17-18**: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, Till heaven and earth pass, one stroke or one pronunciation mark shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."

• ** Luke 16:17**: "And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one pronunciation mark of the law to fail."

Tithing and Moral Principles

The tithing system is rooted in the principle that the earth and its fullness belong to the Creator. It was instituted as a beautiful arrangement to help us carry out the principles of His law. While some argue that tithing was merely part of the ceremonial "handwriting of ordinances" that was nailed to the cross (** Colossians 2:14**), tithing actually rests on underlying moral principles that apply to all ages.

• ** Leviticus 25:18-22**: God promised that if His statutes and judgments were kept—including the tithing and agricultural laws—He would command a blessing so great that the land would bring forth fruit for three years.

• ** Psalm 119:172**: "My tongue shall speak of your word: for all your commandments are righteousness."

The New Testament Affirmation

The New Testament does not present a "new" law that contradicts the old; it establishes the law through faith. Just as Abraham was justified by a faith that worked, we are called to be doers of the law.

• ** Romans 3:31**: "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yes, we establish the law."

• ** James 2:8**: "If you fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, You shall love your neighbor as yourself, you do well."

A Heart of Obedience

God's desire has always been to write His laws in our minds and hearts. This includes our stewardship and how we handle the resources He has entrusted to us. Turning away from any part of God's law can hinder our spiritual connection with Him.

• ** Hebrews 8:10**: "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts..."

• ** Proverbs 28:9**: "He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination."

In summary, there is no divine warrant in the New Testament to suggest that the tithing system has been repealed. It remains a vital part of our walk with God, reflecting our recognition of His sovereignty and our love for His work. 😊