Kingdom Matters: The Paradigm Shift from Law to Grace in Tithing

In the world of faith, few topics generate as much discussion and debate as tithing. It’s a practice deeply rooted in religious tradition and doctrine and has evolved over the centuries. But in today’s blog, we will explore the transformative shift from a legalistic approach to tithing to a grace-filled perspective. We’ll see how tithing is not merely a matter of obligation but an act of love and partnership with God in His kingdom work.

Before we dive into the theological aspects of tithing, let’s reflect on the words of comedian and TV host Steve Harvey. He aptly said, “God lets you be successful because He trusts you that you will do the right thing with it. Now, does He get disappointed often? All the time, because people get there and they forget how they got it.” His success is attributed to the lessons he learned from his parents – his mother taught him the Bible, and his father instilled a strong work ethic. These lessons combined to produce his success. This insight reminds us of the importance of stewardship and purpose in our lives.

The Old Covenant vs. the New Covenant

To understand the shift from law to grace in tithing, we must first distinguish between the Old and New Covenant. Under the Old Covenant, tithing and offerings were mandatory requirements established in a broader socio-economic system governed by Mosaic Law.

However, we are no longer bound by these legalistic obligations under the New Covenant. Instead, we are invited into a grace-based relationship with God, rooted in eternal principles established long before the Mosaic Law. In this new paradigm, giving is about deepening our relationship with God and actively participating in His kingdom work. That’s the reason why we now continue to tithe.

Understanding Jesus’ Message

Jesus summarised this paradigm shift beautifully in Matthew 23:23 when He rebuked the Pharisees. They meticulously tithed even the smallest seeds and plants but neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. Their legalistic approach missed the true purpose of tithing, which is a love-driven act of worship.

Three Perspectives on Tithing

The transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant has brought about varying perspectives on tithing among believers. Here are the three leading positions:

1. Obligation (Law-based):

Some believe tithing is still required based on teachings from Malachi Chapter 3 from a legalistic viewpoint.

2. Freedom (Grace-based):

Others argue that tithing is no longer required, and New Covenant believers are asked to be generous as led by the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 9).

3. Eternal Principle: 

A third perspective holds that tithing remains an eternal standard rooted in the foundational interaction between Abraham and Melchizedek (Hebrews 7/Genesis 14).

The Law of Tithing in Malachi

Malachi, meaning “My Messenger,” was the last of the Minor Prophets and spoke during a period of spiritual decline in post-exilic Israel around 450 BC. The people were divorcing faithful wives, engaging in idol worship, and holding back tithes, which affected the socio-economic system.

Malachi’s primary audience was the Levitical priests, and he criticised their failure to adhere to the Mosaic Law, particularly their withholding of the “tithe of a tithe” meant for the house of Aaron, the High Priest. This negligence disrupted both religious leadership and the broader community.

Land Ownership vs. Stewardship

To understand the purpose behind tithing, we must recognise the concept of stewardship. Leviticus 25:23 reminds us that the land belongs to God, and His people are stewards of it. God allowed His people to use the land but expected rent, symbolised by the first fruit or tithe.

The Levitical priests received the tithe, and a portion of it (the heave offering) was dedicated to the Aaronite priests, covering their needs. This demonstrates that tithing was not solely a religious obligation but part of a socio-economic system to support religious institutions and social welfare enforced through the law.

Tithing Under the Old Covenant

Malachi 3 speaks of various tithes and offerings, including the Levitical tithe, festival tithe, and poor tithe, as well as unique offerings and first fruits. An Israelite would have given considerably more than just 10% of their income, as these tithes and offerings added a substantial percentage in the region of 20% to 30%.

Theological Perspective

Theologian Dr. Jonathan Walton argues that the New Covenant does not do away with the entire law but reconfigures our relationship. While Jesus fulfilled ceremonial aspects, the moral and ethical aspects of the law, including principles of justice, love, and human dignity, remain relevant.

This reaffirms that the ethical core of the law, exemplified by the Ten Commandments, still guides Christians today. Thus, the New Covenant maintains a connection to the moral and ethical aspects of the law.

Jesus’ Confirmation of the Law

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus emphasised that He had come not to abolish the law but to fulfil it (Matthew 5:17). This reaffirms that the New Covenant ushers us into a grace-filled relationship with God, freeing us from the burdens of ceremonial law while retaining its moral and ethical core.

The Eternal Principle: Abraham and Melchizedek

Tithing didn’t originate with the Mosaic Law but predates it by approximately 430 years. The Law of First Mention, a rule of biblical interpretation, tells us that Genesis 14 first mentions tithing. In this passage, Abraham tithed to Melchizedek, establishing an eternal principle.

“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said: “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” And he gave him a tithe of all. Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself.” But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say,  ‘I have made Abram rich’— 24 except only what the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me:  Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.” – Genesis 14:18-24 NKJV

In Genesis 14 and Hebrews 7, a parallel is drawn between Jesus, our eternal High Priest, and Melchizedek, emphasising that tithing is not a legalistic act but an eternal principle deeply intertwined with our relationship with Christ. Under the New Covenant, tithing takes on a Spirit-led approach, as instructed by Paul in Galatians 5:18, where it’s stated that being led by the Spirit means we are not bound by the law. This empowers us to give generously and willingly, not out of compulsion, as highlighted in 2 Corinthians 9:7. These principles hold great significance for today’s believers as they are eternal and connect to our overall success. Tithing is not just a matter of financial stewardship but also a reflection of our spiritual engagement, dependence, and obedience. When approached as a love-motivated response to the love and finished work of Christ, tithing transforms into an act of worship and a potent tool for building God’s kingdom.

Conclusion

As New Covenant believers, it’s clear that tithing is not abolished but remains an eternal principle. It’s not about legalism but love and Kingdom stewardship. Tithing, motivated by love and guided by the Spirit, aligns us more closely with God’s Kingdom purposes on Earth.

Let’s embrace this paradigm shift from law to grace, recognising that tithing, when viewed as a love-motivated response to Christ’s love and finished work, becomes an act of worship and a powerful tool for kingdom building. Through tithing, we partner with God in His eternal story, joining Him in a love-based, Spirit-led financial commitment. It also proves our trust in His providence and being the source in our lives.