The Tithe Issue
Returning tithe (one-tenth of one's increase) to the Lord is a Christian
duty. The tithe has only one proper use, the support
of the ministry of the Word of God. It includes those who minister
with pen as well as with voice. However, it excludes other forms of
Christian endeavor, such as church expense; church school expense; care
for the poor, sick, and the aged; charity, hospitality, and other benevolent
purposes. "There are exceptional cases, where poverty is so deep
that in order to secure the humblest place of worship, it may be necessary
to appropriate the tithes." (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 1, p. 191).
Scriptural basis for tithing
The Old Testament gives clear instruction for the return and
use of the tithe. Failure to perform this duty is tantamount to stealing
from God (see Malachi 3). The New Testament does not elaborate
further, except to endorse the necessity of tithe paying.
1 Corinthians 9:13-14 Do you not know that those who are employed
in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who
serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In
the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel
should get their living by the gospel.
Verse 13 is an obvious reference to the tithing system, by which the
Levites were supported. Verse 14 specifically applies the same principle
to another group. And who are they? “Those who proclaim the gospel.”
Their credentials are the gospel which they preach. And was Paul a pluralist?
Was he saying that preachers of any gospel and all gospels are to be
supported by the tithe? We will find the answer in Galatians 1: 8- 9:
Galatians 1:8-9 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should
preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we preached to you,
let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again,
If any one is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you
received, let him be accursed.
Does “let him be accursed” equate with “Let him be supported
by the tithe?” And notice that Paul includes even himself in the
warning, saying “Even if we should preach to you a gospel contrary.
. .” Is he not putting the test of truth above all other tests?
Is he not telling them that the true gospel is the highest of all credentials?
So much so that they should refuse to listen to even Paul himself if
he came back to them preaching a different gospel, a new theology? How,
then, can it be argued that if a minister is a member of a certain church
and carries credentials from that church, he is entitled to be supported
by the tithes of God's people regardless of what gospel he preaches?
Links on tithing
