Should You Tithe?

Did you know that the Creator has a financial LAW that is applicable to true Christians today? And that Almighty God will BLESS those who are willing to obey this law in faith?

What does the word "tithe" mean? Is the law of tithing in force today? Did Jesus Christ Himself indicate that we should tithe?

The answers to these and other related questions are important to understand, especially since the United States, Canada, Britain and Australia will soon be PUNISHED for carelessly disobeying the law of tithing-and many other laws of God. We have been physically blessed above all peoples on earth because of a promise God made to Abraham millennia ago. But now the British Empire is no more. Even its prestige in the Commonwealth is fading. And, as you will observe over the next several years, America's national "pride" and prestige will plummet.

Although America is still the world's most powerful nation, it is also the world's greatest DEBTOR. We owe other nations far more than any nation has ever owed in human history. And, although its debt is smaller than ours in dollar amounts, Canada's debt is bigger in proportion to its population!

The time will soon come for all of us to "pay the piper"! Many respected economists have been warning for years about this growing problem. As the San Diego Union-Tribune stated on November 22, 2000: "Many private economists say the deficit may have reached a level that could pose a risk to the overall economy if foreigners, who have been eager to sell their products and hold dollar-denominated investments, suddenly decide to dump their U.S. holdings. That could send stock and bond prices plunging.

'The inevitable question raised by huge and growing trade deficits is whether this situation represents a train wreck waiting to happen,' said Ken Mayland, economist with Clear View Economics in Pepper Pike, Ohio."

An economic train wreck "waiting to happen"?

WHY?

Because our peoples-individually and collectively-have FORSAKEN God and His laws, He is beginning to withdraw His blessings from us. That is the actual reason we are the world's "greatest debtor." That is the reason increasing millions of Americans and Canadians are seeking relief from mounting personal debts by declaring bankruptcy.

Yet even in the traumatic years preceding the Great Tribulation, God will protect and bless those who serve Him and truly OBEY His laws-including the law of tithing.

What is a tithe? The word "tithe" is simply an old English word meaning "tenth." It refers to the giving of a "tenth" of one's income to God or for other charitable purposes. And Almighty God directs that this tenth be given to Him-to His true ministers to do His Work-not just to be handed out anywhere.

The law of tithing simply means that the Great God who made us-who gave us our life, our talents, our minds, the strength with which we work and the very land and materials which we employ in our work-requires us to pay Him the first tenth of our increase or income.

As far as the direct matter of tithing is concerned, God does not consider that we are "giving" anything-but are PAYING our Creator a very nominal amount which He requires as our Maker, our Sustainer, our Landlord, our Protector and our God!

Nevertheless, the Almighty promises: "Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine" (Proverbs 3:9-10).

Yes, if you are faithful in obeying God and paying Him the first tenth-or "tithe"-of your income-He will BLESS your life in many physical and material ways. He has PROMISED-and God never breaks His Word!

In Malachi 3, speaking to modern-day Jacob or Israel (v. 6), God declares: "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In TITHES and OFFERINGS." God here indicts our modern English-speaking people for ROBBING our very Creator and His work today! No wonder there is so little true religion left on earth today! No wonder there is so much confusion and deceit going about in the name of Christianity!

And remember that the American and British descended peoples definitely are the descendants of the so-called lost 10 tribes of Israel. So in a dual sense God is speaking directly to us in Malachi's prophecy. If you do not yet understand our prophetic identity, call or write for our eye-opening booklet; What's Ahead for America and Britain? This booklet will prove to you who we are in Bible prophecy! It will be sent absolutely FREE upon your request.

God continues in Malachi: "You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation."

Then God PROMISES in His Word: "'Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,' says the Lord of host, 'if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it'" (vv. 8-10).

Here is a blistering CHALLENGE from Almighty God!

God says he will bless you if you begin tithing-AS He commands-through faith in Him and in His Word. Literally hundreds of case histories may be cited to show that God certainly does bless the tither even in material ways. He may not always do so immediately. You may have to obey Him and exercise faith for awhile. But as you serve Him, obey Him and trust Him, God WILL keep His part of the bargain.

What the Bible Actually SAYS

In spite of the obvious BLESSINGS that come to those who obey God's tithing law, some still have arguments or questions. Was the idea of tithing an invention of Moses? Was it "done away" by Jesus? Was it just for the physical nation of Israel-a form of taxation for both church and state?

Long before the "law of Moses" was ever codified, Abraham-the father of the faithful-was faithfully paying TITHES to God! We read in Genesis 14:17-20 how Abraham honored God's High Priest Melchizedek after God had delivered his enemies into his hand, "And he gave him a TITHE of all."

Later, Jacob promised to serve the God of Abraham and stated: "Of all that You give me I will surely give a TENTH to You" (Genesis 28:22).

Still later, when God temporarily instituted the Levitical priesthood, He directed that the tithe be paid to them during that time as His human representatives: "And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's. It is holy to the Lord…. And concerning the tithe of the herd or the flock, of whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the Lord" (Leviticus 27:30, 32).

Now notice Numbers 18:21: "Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the TITHES in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work which they perform, the work of the tabernacle of meeting."

Since God's ministry during this time was a physical ministry-of offering sacrifices and oblations-and since the Levites were fulfilling this ministry as their work, God's TITHE went to them as His representatives and servants.

New Testament Instructions on Tithing

In the New Testament, God inspired the Apostle Paul to show that the law of tithing is now altered or changed so that the tithes are once again to be paid to God's spiritual priesthood-as that of Melchizedek to whom Abraham paid tithes. This account is found in the seventh chapter of Hebrews.

Paul describes how Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek (v. 2). Next, he describes how GREAT Melchizedek's priesthood must have been (vv. 3-4). Then Paul shows that the Levites themselves-through their ancestor Abraham-paid tithes to Melchizedek, obviously a GREATER priest in view of this fact.

In verses 11-12, Paul shows that the Levitical priesthood was only temporary and never brought perfection. Therefore, once again the spiritual priesthood of Melchizedek has been re-instituted through Christ and the tithing law is again CHANGED so that God's tithes revert as before to the spiritual priests-the true ministers of Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul was writing to Jewish Christians who understood at least the letter of God's Law and had no "argument" about the FACT of the tithing law. While his main emphasis is the greatness of Christ's spiritual ministry, nevertheless, it is important to realize that throughout the above New Testament passage Paul definitely speaks of tithing as a LAW! And he shows that it is a law, which has existed since antiquity, from the days of Melchizedek-and STILL EXISTS-although now changed so that the tithes revert once again to God's spiritual ministers who are doing His work today!

So anyone who fails to tithe is breaking an important LAW of the Creator God! This is one reason for so many personal and financial CURSES on our land today!

Jesus Christ Personally Taught Tithing

Not fully understanding that Jesus Christ is the "Word" of God-the One who inspired the Old Testament-not realizing that the laws of God are fully listed ONLY in the Old Testament and simply spiritually magnified and explained in the New Testament, some will still insist: "We want some DIRECT statements by Christ which show that He approved the tithing law!"

All right-you shall have them! Will you then BELIEVE? Will you OBEY?

In speaking to the scribes and Pharisees, who often made a self-righteous display of strictly keeping some of the smaller points of God's Law, Jesus said: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done [these weightier matters], without leaving the others [carefully tithing] undone" (Matthew 23:23).

Is that clear enough? Jesus said that spiritual qualities such as mercy and faith ought to be put ahead of carefully and strictly paying tithes on every little plant that might grow in your garden-especially when that strictness leads to self-righteousness. But Christ said "NOT to leave the other undone"-NOT to fail to pay your full tithes as God has commanded!

In Luke 11:42, this same command is repeated in a similar manner-inspired to be placed here also by God's Holy Spirit!

Man would like to regard God's tithing law as of least importance. But speaking of even the smaller points of God's Law, Jesus stated: "Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and TEACHES men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:19).

How plain! If we are looking for an argument, we will always find one. But if we are willing to "hunger and thirst" for righteousness, to obey even the smaller points of God's Law, we will be BLESSED for so doing.

Do YOUR PART Fully

Yes, Jesus Christ taught tithing! And, as we have seen, He commanded His Apostles to teach the nations "ALL things that I have commanded you." He then promised: "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).

So, if we would have God's blessing and live the abundant life, which Jesus Christ promised, we should pay God's tithe faithfully and also do all the other things that Jesus taught.

Among these other teachings, relating to our job and success, Jesus said: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). The true Christian, then, is to be an EXAMPLE to others in all that he says or does.

The Living Christ inspired the Apostle Paul to write: "Bondservants [or workers], obey in all things your masters [bosses or supervisors] according to the flesh, not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men" (Colossians 3:22-23).

Christ's Word here instructs you to put your whole heart into your work at ALL times-whether the boss is around or not! You are told to do this sincerely and earnestly as if you were working for God Himself. For, in fact, you are! The true Christian life is a life "calling"-or vocation in the fullest sense of the term.

Be ZEALOUS in Your Work

In His Word, God states: "He who deals with a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes one rich" (Proverbs 10:4). Are you really DILIGENT in your work?

Again, God states: "Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, but he who gathers by labor will increase" (Proverbs 13:11). Many people today earn their living in what might be termed "marginal" occupations-such as gambling, selling people things they do not need or taking unnecessary profits as a middleman. But God says that the basis of permanent wealth and His blessing will be given to a man who labors-really produces and accomplishes something worthwhile!

Now notice Proverbs 13:18: "Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, but he who regards a rebuke will be honored." In this proverb, God advises you to heed the instructions of those over you in your work or in any situation in life. Learn to do the job, as your boss wants it done! Learn to listen carefully-to THINK-to keep GROWING in knowledge and ability on the job!

A very important principle for daily living is brought out in Proverbs 15:22: "Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established." When a big decision comes up involving your business or farm-or selling your house or changing jobs-learn to get advice from many quarters! Learn to weigh this advice carefully and objectively-asking God's guidance and wisdom.

Finally, God commands: "Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread" (Proverbs 20:13). Learn to get up early, to work diligently and to PRODUCE in your job or business!

Then obey God's financial law of tithing-recognizing that all the strength and ability with which you produce in your line of work, all the materials you use, all the food you eat and air you breathe in order to gain strength-all this comes from God who only asks that you pay Him ONE-TENTH of what you produce in return!

Where Should You Send GOD'S Tithes?

It is vitally important that you send God's tithe to His true representatives! Somewhere on earth today are true ministers of God. As the end of this age approaches, they will be carrying out Christ's commission with increasing POWER. They will make plain the Good News of the soon-coming Kingdom or Government of God.

Without fear or favor they will explain the LAWS of that Kingdom. They will make plain and clear the dozens of prophecies referring to this end-time. Through God's Spirit they alone can be definite and specific about the tremendous events soon to occur on this earth!

Jesus spoke prophetically of the great worldwide Work His true ministers would carry out in this last age: "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14).

You had better check up and PROVE to yourself that the Tomorrow's World broadcast and magazine are fulfilling Christ's commission! If this is not yet clear to you, then just keep an open mind and let the fruits PROVE to you where Almighty God is really working!

Check up and see where the Truth of the Bible is being made PLAIN and CLEAR. Determine positively for yourself (Acts 17:11) where the real Good News of the Kingdom of God (Tomorrow's World) is being preached! (Matthew 24:14). Find out who is warning the world of the specific, major prophesied events now beginning to affect your life! And most importantly for you personally, find that Work which shows how you can escape being destroyed during those same prophesied events. Look for the Work God is using today to bring the answers for your tomorrow!

For this is your life-your ONLY life! If you will take the trouble to prove it with an open mind, you CAN know where God is working!

God's true ministers are carrying on His Work. They represent Him-and as God's representatives, it is to them that you should pay your tithes and cheerfully give your offerings. God then directs them to use His money for His Work. This dying world desperately NEEDS to be reached with God's full Truth. It needs the understanding of the purpose for human existence, the great living LAWS of life, the DEFINITE prophesied events soon to occur in our time and the MEANING of all these things!

Be DILIGENT in Serving the Living God!

Once you have made your decision to tithe, be sure you send your tithes to God's representatives who will be doing His Work and preaching His message! Just as God commands you to be diligent in serving your human bosses, how much more ZEALOUS should you be in obeying your very Maker in this financial law?

Do not get to thinking you cannot afford to pay tithes. You cannot afford not to!

God often works through human instruments. He will work through you if you will yield to Him and put His Kingdom FIRST in your life. As we have seen, the law of tithing was a part of Christ's Gospel. As such, it must be proclaimed to the world-and to you-as a witness.

Ask God for wisdom, faith and strength of purpose to obey Him in this financial law. It will cause you to put God first. It will force you to budget-to plan-to organize your affairs perhaps more than ever before. It will lead you to exercise FAITH in your Creator to back up His laws and His promises.

But God cannot lie. So you will find that it is very much "possible" for you to tithe! And-if you act in love and faith-the physical and spiritual blessings that come will be just as REAL as God Himself is real.

Also, as we have seen, you will be following the direct New Testament teaching of Jesus Christ who said NOT to leave the "other [tithing] undone"! (Matthew 23:23). Our Father in heaven wants all of us to be generous and wholehearted in our tithes and in our offerings. For He inspired the Apostle Paul to write: "But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a CHEERFUL giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).

Remember the Great God whom we serve is "able" to give you the "breaks"-to bless you so that you have an "abundance" for every good work (v. 8). Yes, tithing involves FAITH that God is there, that He will back up His inspired Word, that He will DO what He has said He will do.

So as the clouds darken on the world horizon and nations experience more physical and financial problems of every sort, it is very important that you have the Creator GOD on your side. Even though He may not make you wealthy, He has always promised to take care of you if you serve and obey Him. He will make sure that you always have enough to get by. When others are starving or in horrible difficulty, the God of the Bible absolutely promises His faithful servants: "I will NEVER leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).

So for your own good, TRUST God to back up His promises! Pay the Creator of heaven and earth the "tithes" you owe Him-plus generous offerings-and see Him become more "real" in your life as you truly serve and obey Him.