Are Tithes and Offerings a Scriptural Requirement of the Righteous Today?
Are Tithes and Offerings
Required Today?
This article, “Are Tithes and Offerings a Scriptural Requirement of the Righteous Believers Today?” seeks to thoughtfully examine the enduring question of consistent tithing and the giving of freewill offerings in the life of the faithful. Rather than leaning upon tradition or opinion, it rests squarely upon the living, time-tested principles revealed within Scripture itself. Our desire is to search the matter carefully, allowing the Word to define both obligation and blessing. Yet before we enter that study, let us begin with a remarkable account that illustrates how the Creator still honors trust placed in His promises.
Kerr Canning Company Tithing Miracle
Long before anyone became aware of the Creator’s Calendar, Alexander H. Kerr was a converted Christian under the ministry of Dwight L. Moody at the age of fourteen, and joined the Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. In 1902, Mr. Kerr read the book entitled “Judah’s Scepter and Joseph’s Birthright,” by Bishop Allen. In his book, Bishop Allen referred to the vow Jacob made in Genesis 28, where we find the following words, “Of all that Thou shalt give me, I will surely give the tenth unto Thee.”
As the Bible story goes, twenty years later, Jacob returned to his home with servants and cattle in great abundance. He thus became one of the richest men of the East as a result of keeping his covenant of tithing with the Eternal Most High.
Alexander Kerr, with some doubts, but a sincere desire to test if the promises of Scripture are true, set out to prove without a shadow of a doubt that there is a personal Alahim (God) and that His promises are from everlasting to everlasting, and that they are intended for people of this day. On June 1, 1902, Alexander made a special covenant with the Eternal Father to set aside one-tenth percent of his income for His sacred use.
At that time, he had a mortgage on his little home, owed many obligations, and was burdened with cares and worries, especially of a financial nature. However, he was determined to prove the Most High Eternal Father, as did Jacob (Prov. 3:9-10; Lev. 27:30-32; Gen. 14:20, 13:2; especially Mal. 3:7-18).
Mr. Kerr often remarked that if modern-day skeptics wanted proof that there is an Alahim (God) and that the Bible is His Holy Word and all its promises are true, all that is necessary is to tithe for one year, and the Eternal Most High will prove to them without a doubt that He is “the same yesterday, and today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8).
Within three months after Mr. Kerr began to tithe, unexpected and unforeseen blessings came to him – so much so that it seemed to him that God had thus opened his eyes to behold His love and His faithfulness to His promises, especially made concerning tithing or giving one-tenth.
“According to your faith be it unto you” Matthew 9:29
That same year, Mr. Kerr, with little capital but a strong faith in Alahim’s (God’s) tithing promises contained in Malachi 3:10-12, started his own business known as the Kerr Glass Manufacturing Company. It eventually became one of the largest firms selling fruit jars in the United States. The jars were manufactured for him in San Francisco.
After Alexander Kerr had put practically every cent he had in the world into this fruit jar enterprise, the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906 rocked California! Jumping to conclusions, His friends came to him and said, “Kerr, you are a ruined man.” He replied, “I don’t believe it… I know God will not go back on His promises.”
He wired to San Francisco and received the following reply: “Your factory is in the heart of the fire, and undoubtedly is destroyed. The heat is so intense that we will be unable to find out anything for some days.”
What a time of testing this was! But his faith in the Eternal Most High never wavered. He believed Malachi 3:11: “I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground.” Alexander stood unmoved upon this promise. About a week after the earthquake and fire, a second telegram arrived saying: “Everything for a mile and a half on all sides of the factory burned, but only your factory was miraculously saved.”
Alexander immediately boarded a train for San Francisco. His factory was a two-story wooden building containing huge tanks where the glass was melted. These tanks were kept at extremely high temperatures. Oil was used for fuel, and therefore, he knew his building was the most flammable in all of San Francisco.
The fire had raged on all sides of this glass factory, creeping up to the little wooden fence surrounding the building. Then the flames and fire leaped around, over, and beyond the building, burning everything in its path. However, the little wooden fence remained untouched by the scorching flames, as well as the entire building. Add to this that not a single glass jar was broken or cracked by either the earthquake or fire.
This was nothing short of a miracle of the Eternal Father’s divine power of protecting one of His own, who remained true to his faith that the promises of Scripture made to those who tithe would never be broken by any circumstances! The Eternal Father’s Word cannot return to Him void (Isa. 55:8-11).
Three weeks before his death, Alexander Kerr addressed the members of the First Baptist Church of Riverside, California, on the blessings and riches of tithing increase (income). Every business in which he had interests tithed. His returns were so great that he created a Tithing Fund and had it incorporated. His tithing gifts went around the world, for he was deeply interested in missions at home and abroad. He gave liberally. He was greatly interested in the distribution of Testaments, Gospels, and religious literature.
Alexander Kerr was able to bless others because he trusted that the Eternal Most High would honor His promise to pour out His blessings today upon those who would thoughtfully and carefully heed the tithing instructions provided in Scripture for His faithful followers – to set aside one-tenth of their income (increase) for His divine purposes.
Reprinted from an early Herald of His Coming issue.
The Billionaire’s Club
In 2010, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, two of the top three wealthiest men in the world at the time, crafted and introduced, for membership by a select few, the Billionaires’ Club. It came with two stipulations for joining: 1) One must be a billionaire, and 2) be willing to give away half of one’s wealth. As of 2018, in a sea of over 2,208 billionaires worldwide, fourteen billionaires have joined this philanthropic club to give away half their wealth to any cause of their choice. They have chosen to join it as a team effort to make a difference in the world, yet on their own terms.
Today, as many folks wake to TRUTHS not thoroughly understood since the Dark Ages began under Roman rule, some are hearing about the principles of tithing and free-will offerings for the first time. Yet, at the same time, others are writing books declaring all believers are under a new covenant with no obligation to anything written in the Old Testament TORAH (Law of Moses), including returning tithes and giving a heartfelt offering. What is the truth seeker to do? How can one know which view is correct concerning this vital subject? Warren Buffett and the Billionaires’ Club.
Following the Leader
Stunningly, many are unaware that history records that it was the Roman framers of “Christianity,” who founded it upon the premise that the TORAH (Law) was done away with. (This is revealed in their creed posted below.) This is the basis of the slogan proclaimed by most protestant denominations: “We are not under the law but under grace.” All this because of the Romans’ great hatred of all things “Jewish.” But because they so thoroughly eliminated the TORAH (first five books of the O.T. Law recorded by Moses) and the TANAKH (writings of the other canonized Old Testament Prophets), the Roman Catholics had to devise another method to extract funds from the people, as they could no longer utilize the Old Testament Scripture as support for tithing one-tenth or for freewill offerings. Thus, they introduced what they call “indulgences.” A method used to this day by creating a fear-based illusion that ordinary folks could receive forgiveness of sins through penance with a purchase price of buying their way out of hell, purgatory, or personal sin.
Creed of Constantinople Church
“I renounce all customs, rites, legalisms, unleavened breads and sacrifices of lambs of the Hebrews, and all the other feasts of the Hebrews, sacrifices, prayers, aspirations, purifications, sanctifications, and propitiations, and fasts and New Moons, and Sabbaths, and superstitions, and hymns and chants, and observances, and synagogues.
Absolutely everything Jewish, every Law, rite and custom and if afterwards I shall wish to deny and return to Jewish superstition, or shall be found eating with Jews, or feasting with them, or secretly conversing and condemning the Christian religion instead of openly confuting them and condemning their vain faith, then let the trembling of Cain and the leprosy of Gehazi cleave to me, as well as the legal punishments to which I acknowledge myself liable. And may I be an anathema in the world to come, and may my soul be set down with Satan and the devils.” Stefano Assemani, Acta Sanctorium Martyrum Orientalium at Occidentalium, Vol. 1, Rome 1748, page 105.
Refer to article, The Creed of the Constantinople Church, The Forgotten Foundation of All Christian Churches
Like Mother Like Daughter
Contrary to popular belief, ALL the Protestant Christian churches stand with Roman Catholicism, as her devoted daughters, to declare the TORAH (Law) ended at the cross/stake, even though it was Romanism all along that ended all things in the TORAH (Law). Anyone who would not abide by these newly fabricated teachings was dubbed a heretic, with the penalty of death if they did not bow to Roman law. Collectively, they have all thrown into the dumpster bin the original astro-luni-solar calendar that commenced in spring with the sighting of the full moon as the original New Moon. They eliminated all knowledge of how the 30 lunar phases demarcate the number of each calendar date and each seventh-day Sabbath as counted from the full New Moon, along with all the sacred Feast Days of Yahuah Alahim. Refer to the article, The Creator’s Calendar Portal.
Yet, even with this long-held respect for the Roman Creed that single-handedly did away with all things in the Torah Law (Old Testament), many among Protestantism have retrieved the Old Testament teaching about returning tithes and giving free-will offerings, holding it close to their hearts. Thus, many continue to follow the long-established TORAH (Law) principles, as found in the Old Testament, on tithing and freewill offerings because they believe these ideologies remain steadfast with an unchanging Alahim (God). This is because they continue to think its purpose remains a tie that binds humanity to their maker, but also to their fellow man.
Still, unresolved confusion remains as folks try to bring unity to these two opposing ideologies: 1) The Roman Catholic Church’s profession, albeit because of their hatred of all things Jewish, that the TORAH (Law) and all its laws of instruction ended at the crucifixion; or 2) that tithing and free-will offering as declared in the Old Testament TORAH (Law) are a continued responsibility of true believers.
So this article aims to provide ample evidence and historical relevance so that you may make an informed decision that is neither based upon fear nor greed but from biblical principles and an optimistic heart of gratitude to our loving and compassionate Creator and Redeemer.
Questions to Consider
Here are some questions to ask yourself as you read through the following 26 principles from Scripture:
- What was the original purpose of tithing?
- Are there any Scripture verses that declare tithes and offerings were done away with at our Messiah’s crucifixion as some Christians claim?
- Because there appear to be only two kinds of people, tithers and non-tithers, how can this be, and what is the difference?
- According to Scripture, are tithes and offerings needed and required of YAHUAH Alahim’s (God) righteous today?
- Are those who claim “no responsibility” to YAHUAH Alahim (God) for returning tithes and giving offerings, revealing their desire to be in one accord with Him or are they exposing thieving hearts of greed?
26 Tithing Principles from Scripture
1. Amos 4:13
“For behold, HE WHO forms the mountains, and creates the wind; WHO declares to man what His thought is; and fashions the morning light out of darkness, and walks above the high places of the earth, YAHUAH (יהוה) ALAHIM OF APPOINTED TIMES IS HIS NAME.” Amos 4:13
The one who made all things, including you and me, owns everything and has the right to make the rules. Simply living after the crucifixion changes none of this but rather punctuates it. In addition to making all things in the beginning, Yahuah, the Eternal Father, so loved the world that He gave His only Son, Yahusha, as a blood sacrifice and REMEDY for sin. What more could He give to show His great love and compassion for sinful humanity? Because He first loved us. He provided us the greatest gift that can be given, His life as a sacrificial offering, and rose again so that you and I may live eternally together with Him.
2. Chagi (Haggai) 2:8
“‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says YAHUAH (יהוה) of appointed times.” Chagi (Haggai) 2:8
All the silver and gold, the modern currency of the world, belong to the one who created all things.
3. Malachi 3:7-12
“FOR I AM YAHUAH (יהוה), I DO NOT CHANGE! Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob. Yet from the days of your fathers You have gone away from My ordinances and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says YAHUAH of appointed times. “But you said, ‘In what way shall we return?’ “Will a man rob [YAHUAH] Alahim? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says YAHUAH of appointed times, “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. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” says YAHUAH of appointed times. And all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land,” says YAHUAH of appointed times.” Malachi 3:7-12
The mastermind of all created things seen and unseen upon the face of this earth declares of Himself that HE CHANGES NOT! Consequently, the storyline of the Promise and Provision of the Messiah to save mankind from sin, as outlined in the TORAH Law of the Old Testament, continues into the Brit Hadasha (New Testament) and beyond, unbroken. Meaning the original Birdal Covenant remains intact for those with eyes to see and ears to hear. Every covenant has two parts. Each person has a responsibility to meet the obligations of their portion of the covenant. Opting out is to step outside the shelter of its promises, forfeiting the blessings secured within it and relinquishing the inheritance reserved for those who choose to remain faithful to its sacred terms.
YAHUAH defines that not returning the one-tenth that belongs to Him alone, nor giving thank offerings, is a direct act of robbing Him and stepping outside of the covenant.
For YAHUAH, the one behind all Scriptural inspiration is changeless, providing continuity for the generations that followed. He desires that we test Him in this regard to let Him prove Himself to us. If there are modern examples of great blessings as a result of returning tithes and giving offerings, might it be evidence that, indeed, it is still in operation? Have you yet experienced His overwhelming barakah (blessings) filling your barns and storehouses to overflowing?
4. MatithYahu (Matthew) 6:19-21
“”Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in the shamayim (heaven), where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
It is through the method of where we place our wealth that we illustrate where our hearts dwell. While it is true that YAHUAH has blessed several Scripture characters with wealth, he did so to honor their obedience. He asks for our obedient faithfulness by returning only a tenth back to Him, for He declares that it is actually His, whether we return it or not. When we don’t return the tithe to Him, He defines this as robbing or stealing from Him.
5. Yochanan (John) 10:10
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I [Yahusha haMashiach ] have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.” Yochanan (John) 10:10
A comparison is given of a thief compared to the one who gives His all, even His life, for those He loves. One is a robber and a thief, and the other cares about others more than himself or herself. Yet, even a thief can be forgiven. HalleluYAH!
6. Titus 2:14
“[Yahusha haMashiach]…gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” Titus 2:14
Forgiveness is available for all humanity through the atoning sacrifice of the Messiah to prepare a people who honor Him and His word and seek to humbly do His will.
7. Yochanan (John) 3:16
“For Yahuah (יהוה) Alahim so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that who ever believes (TRUSTS) in Him shall have everlasting life.” Yochanan (John) 3:16
Yahuah, the Eternal Father, gave to mankind upon this earth His only Son to die as a ransom for us. Our constant thoughts might include how we can show our thankfulness by giving back and paying it forward.
8. MatithYahu (Matthew) 5:17
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the TORAH (first five books of the O.T. Law recorded by Moses) or the TANAKH (writings of the other canonized Prophets); I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.”
Directly from the mouth of our Messiah, he declared as a foundational principle that he had no intention of destroying the TORAH (first five books of the O.T. Law recorded by Moses), most often referred to as the “Law,” or making it of no effect. As a result, the TORAH (Law) NEVER ended at his crucifixion but was ordained to extend throughout all generations upon this earth. It aimed to point the sinner to the saving work of the Messiah, which was performed on their behalf. So it was that Yahusha haMashiach’s entire purpose was to perfectly keep the TORAH (Law) and fulfill all its lunar appointed Feast Day prophecies at their lunar appointed time. For the temple/tabernacle types and shadows of the lamb and the Kohen (priest) were to be fulfilled by HIM alone in the specific work of redemption in the true tabernacle above, not made with hands. This in no way removes our responsibility to obey YAHUAH Alahim.
9. Ma’aseh (Acts) 3:6
“Then Peter said, ‘Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I you, in the name of Yahusha haMashiach of Nazareth, rise up and walk.'” Ma’aseh (Acts) 3:6
This example of a giving heart is recorded after Yahusha haMashiach laid down His life on the cross/stake for you and me. They didn’t have silver or gold, but because of their great love for their teacher, their savior, they rose up to give all for His sake. They became ministers of the Good News of Salvation. As a result, they were rewarded with power from above to heal the sick and lame.
10. MatithYahu (Matthew) 23:23
“Woe to you, teachers of the TORAH (law) and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices, mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the TORAH (Law), justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”
We are not to neglect returning tithes, giving our free-will offerings, consistently practicing justice, kindness, and mercy, and always trusting and obeying Yahuah Alahim and His Son, Yahusha haMashiach. Of particular note, mint, dill, cumin, and all other produce, sheep, and cattle were given as tithe and offerings, as it was the currency of the day. For that was, in many cases, all they had for trade and gifting.
11. B’midvar (Numbers) 18:21
“I give to the Levites all the tithes in Yasharal (Israel) as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting.”
Today, TRUTH seekers and TORAH (Law) followers may no longer give to a church or synagogue, but it does not eliminate the requirement to provide those who serve and worship YAHUAH of appointed times. Seek Yahuah in prayer and let Him lead you to those who are profoundly studying TORAH and seeking to restore all the TRUTHS and ancient paths of Scripture in preparation for Yahusha haMashiach’s soon return.
When Moses wrote the above verse, Yasharal (Israel) bore the oracles of His divine truth. Specifically, the Levites were honored as His Kohen priests on earth to reveal salvation’s story via the time-centered Temple services, a dramatized stage performance of the plan of Salvation, yearly, monthly, weekly, and daily, to all humankind. Yet, it is my personal view that over the last 2,000 years, they have gone above and beyond to erase all ties to their benevolent Creator and the long-promised Messiah, whom He sent to pay the price for their sins. With this said, be mindful that there are no perfect people, only those who seek to reflect the will of the Father through His promised Son. Add to this that Yahusha’s arms remain open to receive them back with full and loving forgiveness.
12. B’midvar (Numbers) 18:26
“Speak to the Levites and say to them: ‘When you receive from the Yasharal (Israelites) the tithe I give you as your inheritance, you must present a tenth of that tithe as YAHUAH’S offering.”
Years ago, while attending a Sabbatarian church denomination, the Pastor shared with me that as a pastor, he was not required to return tithes to YAHUAH, and this was all because he sat in the seat of those receiving it. Yet, here in B’midbar (Numbers), we find that EVEN THOSE who have received tithes and offerings are to give one-tenth of all they receive. So either this Pastor never read this verse in Scripture or unrighteously willed himself to be exempt from YAHUAH’S loving and obedient requirements. Can such a person receive abundant barakah (blessings) from YAHUAH ALAHIM? No!
13. Romans 2:29
“But he is a Yahudah (Jew) who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart by the RUACH (power, presence, and provision of YAHUAH), not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from Alahim.”
A true Yahudah (Jew) or Yasharalite (Israelite) is one because he/she is obedient to YAHUAH in all things, including giving one-tenth of all He has given them through His great love for His children. Theirs is to return what is already His with a cheerful and giving heart.
14. Romans 8:4
“…in order that the righteous requirement of the TORAH (law) might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh, but according to the RUACH (power, presence, and provision of YAHUAH).”
YAHUAH Alahim knows who His righteous (zaddik) children are by their natural display of loving, willing, and obedient hearts. The author of Galatians stated: “And if you be Messiah’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” This takes on new significance when one realizes that Abraham was blessed and anointed by Melchizedek, the “Righteous King of Salem.” He had been the last in a long line of “Righteous Kings” that began with Adam, Seth, and Methuselah. And most likely, he was Shem, the firstborn son of Noah. So, now we can see that if we are the Messiah’s (Abraham’s seed), then we can instantly trace our spiritual lineage back to Abraham and even Noah and Adam. This is the Melchizedek anointed order of the “Righteous Kings, those who desired to live according to YAHUAH Alahim’s will.” So, by extension, those who belong to the Messiah and have confessed all their sins are granted RIGHTEOUS KING STATUS, anointed by the blood of the LAMB. HalleluYAH!
15. Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of Alahim’s (God’s) mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, sacred and pleasing to Alahim, this is your true and proper worship.”
True and proper worship of YAHUAH Alahim includes offering every inch of our bodies and fibers of our hearts and souls to YAHUAH Alahim. Does this give us the license to be disobedient and steal from Him? No!
16. Mashali (Proverbs) 3:9-10
“Honor YAHUAH with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops [labors], then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
In ancient times, unlike today, money was not the most prominent currency. As an agrarian (farming) society, they mostly traded sheep, cattle, and crops grown on their farms. So when the verses speak of the first fruits of your crops, it implies giving of tithes and offerings first, before you pay all the bills and have nothing left for YAHUAH. The principle applies consistently whether your currency is physical goods or coin currency. The point is to return one-tenth of your increase to YAHUAH, whether daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly. This is not a gift to Him, but rather it is His test of your obedience to return to Him what is already His. Then, after that, the gifting must come from the 90% (crop or coinage) currency that actually belongs to you.
17. Davari HaYAmim Bet (2 Chronicles) 31:4-5
“He ordered the people living in Yarushalom (Jerusalem) to give the portion due the Kohenim (priests) and Levites so they could devote themselves to the TORAH (Law) of YAHUAH. As soon as the order went out, the Yasharalites (Israelites) generously gave the firstfruits of their grain, new wine, olive oil and honey and all that the fields produced. They brought a great amount, a tithe of everything.”
To be well-versed, wise, and knowledgeable, Kohen (priests), and suited to represent YAHUAH’S truths to the people, were required to study the TORAH (Law). Here, the detailed workings of the Temple ceremonies were defined, as they spoke of humankind’s transgression of the LAW (sin) and the only antidote and REMEDY provided by the PROMISED LAMB and SAVIOR of the world. The sacred astro-luni-solar calendar, with its lunar months, lunar Sabbaths, and lunar count to the Feast Days, all prophetically proclaimed the coming Messiah, accurately. It was the role of the Kohenim (priests) to keep a time-centric and constant expectation of the coming Messiah before the people, along with their tasks in seeking forgiveness for sin and accepting the pardon, as represented in the daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly temple ceremonies.
18. Devarim (Deuteronomy) 12:5-6
“But you are to seek the place YAHUAH your Alahim will choose from among all your tribes to put his NAME there for his dwelling. To that place you must go; there bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, what you have vowed to give and your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks.”
At one time, the Tabernacle in the Arabian wilderness at Mt Sinai was the place to bring all the tithes. Years later, after entering the Promised Land, the people brought their tithes and offerings to Yarushalom (Jerusalem). Some still do this today. Others felt called to give tithes and offerings to their organized church for special projects and to fund their Pastors at home and missionaries abroad. Each person must inquire of YAHUAH and His Son YAHUSHA, where to send their tithes and offerings. Let no man intercept or dissuade your purposeful, divinely guided appointment.
19. B’resheet (Genesis) 14:19-20
At the very least, Abram’s heart was overflowing with gratitude for the protection and loving-kindness YAHUAH had shown to himself and his army during the battle, as he was reminded by the Melchizedek (Righteous King) of Shalom (Salem). Our returning tithes of one-tenth must come from a sanctified and thankful heart, or the tithe is returned to YAHUAH in vain.
“…and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by Alahim Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to Alahim Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.”
I have read a few Facebook notes recently where some well-meaning folks declare that tithes and offerings are a thing of the past and that any organization that receives them is corrupt. Yet, we have discovered here that tithes and offerings never ended at the cross/stake but were instead eliminated by the Roman Catholic Church and replaced with indulgences in their infancy because of their hatred for the Jews. So, to the contrary, its principles were ordained to live on until the Second Coming. Their purpose is to keep humanity’s heart tender and compassionate and trust in the benevolent providence of their Creator and sustainer. So applying the view proclaimed by these few erring folks, “any organization that receives tithes and offerings is corrupt,” actually declares YAHUAH Alahim to be a LIAR, and His set-apart Kohen priest system ordained in ancient Israel was also corrupt for receiving the tithes and offerings.
Desire, above all things, the TRUTHS revealed in Scripture alone, and not a rogue man postulating for followers on something of which he has no knowledge, wisdom, or desire to humbly change.
20. B’resheet (Genesis) 28:20-22
“Then Yahcob (Jacob) made a vow, saying, “If Alahim will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then YAHUAH will be my Alahim and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be Alahim’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.”
Yahcob (Jacob) vowed to be faithful to YAHUAH by giving him one-tenth of all YAHUAH provided. How might we do the same?
21. Devarim (Deuteronomy) 26:12-13
“When you have made an end of tithing all the tithes of thine increase the third year, which is the year of tithing, and have given it unto the Levite (expositors of Scripture’s Torah Law), the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled; Then you shall say before YAHUAH your Alahim, I have brought away the hallowed things out of mine house, and also have given them unto the Levite, and unto the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy commandments, which you have commanded me. I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them.”
The command in verse 12 requires tithing to be distributed to the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. Each of these four groups would starve and be destitute without the assistance of tithes and offerings, as none of them had adequate means to acquire food and clothing on their own. We refer to these as the poor, although the Levites would not consider themselves in the “poor” category. Yet, they were utterly dependent in a “trust” relationship upon the other tribes for their sustenance.
Zephaniah 3:12 states: “I will also leave in the midst of you an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of YAHUAH.”
Mark 14:7 states in the words of the Messiah: “For you have the poor with you always, and whensoever you will you may do them good. . .”
It appears from these two verses that there is an additional lesson in humility for each person to be had by meeting the needs of the poor and afflicted, who will always be among us.
22. NechemYAH (Nehemiah) 10:35-37
“We also assume responsibility for bringing to the house of YAHUAH each year the firstfruits of our crops and of every fruit tree. As it is also written in the TORAH (Law), we will bring the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, of our herds and of our flocks to the house of our Alahim, to the Kohen (priests) ministering there. Moreover, we will bring to the storerooms of the house of our Alahim, to the Kohen (priests), the first of our ground meal, of our grain offerings, of the fruit of all our trees and of our new wine and olive oil. And we will bring a tithe of our crops to the Levites, for it is the Levites (those who are set-apart to study the TORAH law) who collect the tithes in all the towns where we work.”
Here, we find that we are responsible for tallying up and collecting the tithes to present before YAHUAH. We should not wait until someone comes to collect or talk us into it, but rather be systematic and forthcoming.
23. Maccabi (Mark) 12:41-44
“Yahusha (Jesus) sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling His disciples to him, Yahusha (Jesus) said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything, all she had to live on.”
Here, Yahusha the Messiah reveals that the woman with the least gave the most because she gave in her impoverished state. She had nearly nothing, yet gave all she had. She received accolades from the Messiah because this giving required the most extraordinary faith and trust that YAHUAH would provide for her needs. It is a strong testimony that no matter our situation, our bond of trust and thankfulness to our Creator will multiply exponentially, far beyond what we can think, know, or ask.
24. ViYAkra (Leviticus) 27:30-34
“‘A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to YAHUAH. It is sacred to YAHUAH. Whoever would redeem any of their tithe must add a fifth of the value to it. Every tithe of the herd and flock, every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd’s rod, will be sacred to YAHUAH. No one may pick out the good from the bad or make any substitution. If anyone does make a substitution, both the animal and its substitute become sacred and cannot be redeemed.’ These are the commands YAHUAH gave Moses at Mount Sinai for the Yasharalite (Israelites).”
Simply said, everything that becomes an increase to us is to be tithed. If one wins a car and a raffle, one-tenth of the car’s value must be returned to YAHUAH, for He has granted that the car was won. Whether one receives a one-time gift or a pay raise, YAHUAH has spelled out in detailed principles that He seeks your loving thankfulness, displayed by your obedience to His tithing principles.
25. Malachi 3:8-12
“Will a mere mortal rob Alahim? Yet you rob Me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing YOU?’ “In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse, your whole nation, because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the YAHUAH Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says YAHUAH Almighty. Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says YAHUAH Almighty.”
No matter what nation you live in or where you call home, you can probably agree that your country is under a curse, just like mine. I believe there has never been a time like this when all the nations are in unrest, either from inner or political turmoil, moral corruption, or from war, or other pressures from without. Thus, humbly confessing our sin of robbing YAHUAH Alahim of the one-tenth that belongs to Him has the complete ability to turn it all around. Suppose only we might become a blessed nation that walks on water, and its citizens come together under the banner of TRUTH as it is in YAHUSHUA ha Mashiach and YAHUAH Alahim. What a difference we may experience in our neighborhoods and cities. But it must start at ground zero, with each person who seeks YAHUAH with all their hearts and desires with rapt attention, looking to the soon return of Yahusha haMashiach (the Messiah). The following verse from the TORAH (Law) remains dynamic.
“In that I command you this day to love Yahuah your Alahim/Elohim, to walk in His ways, and to keep 1) His commandments and 2) His statutes and 3) His judgments, that you may live and multiply: and Yahuah your Alahim/Elohim shall bless you in the land whither you go to possess it.” Devarim (Deut.) 30:16
26. Romans 3:21-31
The Bridal Covenant contained in the TORAH (Law) was designed to be relevant forever throughout all generations. The secret is to love and obey YAHUAH Alahim and choose to walk in His ways, and He will bless you abundantly, beyond your wildest dreams. There is no difference between Yahudim and Gentiles, for all have sinned and fallen short. All must confess their sins and receive the pardon only YAHUSHA haMashiach can provide.
“But now apart from the TORAH (law), the righteousness of Alahim has been made known, to which the TORAH (first five books of the O.T. Law recorded by Moses) and the Tanakh (writings of the other canonized Prophets) testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Yahusha haMashiach (Jesus Christ) to all who believe.
There is no difference between Yahudah (Jew) and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of Alahim, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Yahusha ha Mashiach. Alahim presented Messiah as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of His blood, to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished, he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Yahusha (Jesus).
Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. Or is Alahim the Alahim of Jews only? Is he not the Alahim of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, since there is only one Alahim, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. Do we, then, nullify the TORAH (law) by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the TORAH (law).” Romans 2:21-31
It is the TORAH (Law) that we are provided the road map of His requirements, which defines that we are hopeless without the Messiah, our Savior. Without these, we would remain in darkness. Remember the instructions given by our Messiah, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the TORAH (first five books of the O.T. Law recorded by Moses) or the TANAKH (writings of the other canonized Prophets); I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.” As a result, we have it on good authority that the TORAH (Law) has never been destroyed, but rather, it is our lifeline of marriage to our beloved Bridegroom. YAHUAH Alahim and YAHUSHUA ha Mashiach want you to benefit from their benevolent love. They have given all for you and only ask that you be a lifelong giver of ten percent. This is one of His chosen signs that define who His faithful are to the end.
“But as for you, stand here by me, and I will speak unto thee all the 1) commandments, and 2) the statutes, and 3) the judgments, which thou shalt teach them, that they may do them in the land which I give them to possess it. You shall observe to do therefore as Yahuah your Alahim/Elohim has commanded you: You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. You shall walk in all the ways which Yahuah your Alahim/Elohim hath commanded you, that you may live, and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess.” Devarim (Deut.) 5:31-33
Summary
In our generation, it has become increasingly evident that money is never morally neutral. It is a form of power that amplifies the priorities of the heart, whether for good or for harm. The modern example of large-scale philanthropy, such as the Billionaires’ Club, provides a sober illustration of how immense wealth can be intentionally deployed to reshape culture, education, law, media, and even the moral imagination of entire nations. Scripture warns that a time would come when darkness would be marketed as light and evil would be repackaged as good (Isaiah 5:20), and many can sense the tightening of that prophetic trajectory in the present age.
Yet Scripture also presents a different economy, one governed not by self-appointed elites and private agendas, but by the unchanging character of YAHUAH ALAHIM. In contrast to systems that require vast sums from a wealthy few in order to advance man-centered purposes, the Creator extends an open invitation to all, whether rich or poor, learned or unlearned, established or struggling. His call is both simple and profound: return the one-tenth that He declares already belongs to Him, and give offerings from a grateful heart. In this way, the tithe becomes more than a financial practice. It functions as a covenant sign, a tangible confession that YAHUAH is the true Owner, Provider, and Sustainer of life.
This study has aimed to answer the central questions with clarity. First, the original purpose of tithing was not to enrich a religious class but to uphold the structure of covenant life. It sustained those set apart to minister and teach, and it provided practical mercy for the widow, the fatherless, the stranger, and the poor. Second, despite widespread claims to the contrary, there is no verse that explicitly declares tithes and offerings were abolished at the Messiah’s crucifixion. Rather, the Brit Hadasha upholds the continuity of righteousness by faith that never nullifies the TORAH but confirms its rightful place (Romans 3:31). Third, Scripture consistently frames the issue as a matter of allegiance and integrity: those who return the tithe acknowledge YAHUAH’s ownership and respond in trust, while those who withhold what He claims as His own stand in the posture Scripture calls robbing (Malachi 3:8-12).
Therefore, the question is not merely, “Is tithing still relevant?” but, “Will I walk in covenant faithfulness with the One who changes not?” The tithe does not purchase salvation, for redemption is only through the atoning blood of Yahusha haMashiach. Yet covenant faithfulness has always required a human response to divine mercy. Returning tithes and giving offerings is one expression of that response, alongside repentance, obedience, justice, mercy, faithfulness, and love.
Finally, in a world being rapidly conditioned to serve manufactured narratives and centralized control, the tithe stands as a quiet but powerful act of spiritual resistance. It trains the believer to reject fear and greed, to honor YAHUAH first, and to support the restoration of His truth in the earth, including the ancient paths so long obscured. It strengthens the hands of those laboring to teach, to warn, to feed, and to shepherd, outside the constraints of government-regulated religion. And it keeps the heart tender and awake, looking for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our great ALAHIM and Savior, Yahusha haMashiach, who is even now preparing a purified people zealous for good works (Titus 2:11-14).
May each reader seek YAHUAH in prayer, test Him as He Himself invites, and discover that His promises remain faithful in every generation.
“For the grace of YAHUAH ALAHIM that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great Alahim and Savior Yahusha haMashiach, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” Titus 2:11-14
Kerrie French
TheCreatorsCalendar29.5@gmail.com
TheCreatorsCalendar.com