I was raised with the belief that all Christians are commanded to tithe. My pastor, or any pastor in the Potter’s House church I grew up in, would often preach on the subject, and share sermon illustrations of people who God had blessed because of their faithful tithing. Not that we were into prosperity teaching, we even acted like we were against it — but in hindsight, it seems like we did believe in prosperity teaching.
The founder of our Fellowship, Wayman Mitchell, even went as far as saying tithing is what stops God from sending us to hell. I think most Christians would agree that that’s unbiblical nonsense. But where do we draw the line? Do we embrace the tithing doctrine? Or do we refute it? Are Christians commanded to tithe?
The Potter’s House teaches that tithing is a mandatory practice for Christians; questioning this doctrine was rebellious, and rebellion was as the sin of witchcraft (1 Samuel 15:22-23). They often reference Matthew 23:23, Hebrews 7:1-2, and Malachi 3:8-11 to argue that tithing is not only relevant but required for Christians.
What does the Bible say about tithing?
Matthew 23:23 is used to claim that Jesus endorsed tithing. The Potter’s House interprets the phrase “and not to leave the other undone” as a directive for Christians to continue tithing. However, Jesus was addressing the Pharisees, who were still under the Law of Moses, and He was emphasizing the importance of justice, mercy, and faith over strict adherence to the law, including tithing. Jesus’ rebuke of the Pharisees focused on their hypocrisy, not on endorsing tithing for His followers.
Hebrews 7:1-2 refers to Abraham giving a tenth of the spoils to Melchizedek and is used to argue that tithing predates the Law of Moses and therefore applies to Christians. However, Abraham’s act was a one-time event involving war spoils, not a regular practice from his personal wealth. Additionally, just because an action predates the Law does not mean it carries over into the New Covenant; circumcision is another example that predates the Law but is not required for Christians. Hebrews 7:1-2 is a historical account, not a prescriptive command.
Malachi 3:8-11 is perhaps the most frequently cited scripture in support of tithing. The Potter’s House interprets this passage as a command for Christians to tithe to their local church, equating the “storehouse” with the church. They also suggest that failure to tithe will result in a curse, while faithful tithing will lead to abundant blessings. However, this passage addressed the Israelites’ failure to support the Levitical priesthood under the Old Testament Law and is not directly applicable to the New Testament church.
What does the New Testament teach about giving?
The New Testament presents a distinct perspective on giving, contrasting significantly with the tithing mandates of the Mosaic Law found in the Old Testament. The teachings of the New Testament emphasize voluntary and heartfelt generosity rather than obligatory tithing. This shift is encapsulated in several passages that highlight the principles of cheerful and willing giving.
One of the key passages is 2 Corinthians 9:6-7. This scripture underscores the idea that giving should be motivated by one’s personal decision and joy, not by external compulsion or a sense of obligation. This principle of voluntary and cheerful giving is further supported by other New Testament passages. For instance, Acts 20:35 and 1 Timothy 6:17-19.
In conclusion, the issue of tithing within the Potter’s House underscores the importance of reading the Bible in context. Misinterpretations can lead to practices that may not align with the broader teachings of scripture. It’s crucial for believers to study the Bible thoroughly, considering the historical and cultural contexts of its passages.
For those who want to dive deeper into these issues, I encourage you to read my book, Escaping the Potter’s House. In it, I delve further into the doctrines and practices of the Potter’s House, providing a comprehensive analysis and personal insights from the experiences of former members. Understanding and interpreting scripture correctly is vital.