Tithing & Giving

## Core Position

Tithing and giving are acts of faith, not law. As Abraham tithed in faith and was justified by faith, we too are saved by faith in Christ and give in faith. The 10% tithe is a biblical principle established before the law, confirmed under the law, and carried into the NT as a minimum expression of generous, faith-driven giving. The NT raises the standard — it does not lower it. The early church went far beyond 10%. Everything belongs to God. The tithe is the floor, not the ceiling.

Giving Is of Faith, Not Law

Genesis 14:20 — Abraham tithed to Melchizedek. This was before the Mosaic law. It was an act of faith and honor to the priest of God Most High.

Romans 4:10-11 — Abraham was counted righteous before circumcision, before the law. His faith preceded and exceeded the legal requirements. In the same way, Abraham's tithe preceded the law. It was faith in action, not legal compliance.

Hebrews 7:8 — Tithing is still operative in the Melchizedek order — to which Christ belongs.

2 Corinthians 9:7 — "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." Giving is a decision of the heart — not a legal obligation extracted under compulsion.

The Early Church Standard — Above the Tithe

Acts 4:34-35 — "There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need."

The early church sold land and houses. This is not 10%. This is radical, Spirit-led generosity that eliminated poverty in the community of believers. The tithe was the floor. The early church went to the ceiling and beyond.

Supporting Scripture

Genesis 14:20 — Abraham tithes to Melchizedek before the law. Pre-law faith precedent.
Malachi 3:10 — "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse... see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you."
Matthew 23:23 — Jesus affirms tithing: "These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others."
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 — "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly... God loves a cheerful giver."
Luke 21:1-4 — The widow's offering — two coins, everything she had. The spirit of generosity beyond the letter of the tithe.

The Abraham Parallel

Abraham was justified by faith before circumcision (Romans 4:10-11). The circumcision came later as a seal of the righteousness he already had by faith. In the same pattern, Abraham tithed by faith before the law codified the tithe.

We too give in faith, not of law. The tithe is not a tax paid to God under legal compulsion. It is an act of faith that honors God as the source of all provision, acknowledges that everything belongs to him, and positions the believer in a relationship of trust and expectation.

What This Rejects

The tithe is abolished under grace — Matthew 23:23 (Jesus says not to neglect it); Hebrews 7:8 (the Melchizedek order is still active).
Giving is purely a legal obligation — 2 Corinthians 9:7 (not under compulsion).
10% is the ceiling of generosity — Acts 4:34-35 (the early church sold land and houses); the tithe is the floor.
Tithing is only for Old Testament believers — Abraham tithed before the law.