The Origin and Transformation of Tithing: A Biblical and Historical Perspective

1. The Origin of Tithing: An Economic System for the Levites

1.1 The Special Role of the Levites

• Among the 12 tribes of Israel, only the tribe of Levi did not receive an inheritance of land in Canaan.
• The Levites were tasked with temple service and relied on the tithes of the other tribes for their livelihood.
  [Numbers 18:21]

"I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting."

1.2 Purpose of Tithing

1. Temple Maintenance:
   Tithes were essential for the operation and upkeep of the temple and its rituals.
2. Provision for the Levites:
   Since the Levites were solely dedicated to temple service, the tithes supported their living needs.

2. The New Testament Shift: The End of Tithing's Relevance

2.1 Physical Inheritance Replaced by Spiritual Inheritance

• In the New Testament, the focus shifts from physical inheritance (e.g., the Promised Land) to a spiritual one: the kingdom of heaven.
  [1 Corinthians 3:16]

"Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?"

• Each believer became a temple of God, removing the need for a physical temple as a central place of worship.

2.2 Changes to the Priesthood

• Old Testament: The Levites acted as mediators between God and the people.
• New Testament: Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross made all believers spiritual priests, eliminating the need for a specific priestly class.
• Consequently, there was no longer a need for tithing to support a distinct priestly tribe.

2.3 The Example of the Early Church

• The early church did not mandate tithing as a compulsory practice.
• Believers contributed voluntarily to help those in need or sustain the ministry.
  [Acts 20:33-35]

The Apostle Paul supported himself by making tents and encouraged voluntary giving as an expression of faith and love.

3. The Revival and Corruption of Tithing in the Middle Ages

3.1 The Revival of Tithing in the Western Church

• Tithing, which had faded during the early church period, was reinstated by the medieval Western Church.
• In the 8th century, under the Carolingian dynasty, tithing became a legally enforced obligation, functioning as a church tax.

3.2 The Abolition of Compulsory Tithing

• Over time, forced tithing faced widespread resistance and was eventually abolished in most countries:
  • French Revolution (1789-1790): Tithing was abolished in France.
  • England: Eliminated through 17th-century legislation.
  • Germany: Fully abolished in 1807.

4. Modern Tithing Practices in Korean Churches

4.1 A Global Anomaly

• Globally, very few churches mandate tithing, but it remains a common practice in South Korean churches.
• Pentecostal and sectarian groups, such as the World Mission Society Church of God, often enforce tithing as a requirement for salvation, sometimes using fear of divine punishment as a tool.

4.2 The World Mission Society Church of God’s Tithing Doctrine

• The church demands strict adherence to tithing, teaching that failure to comply jeopardizes salvation.
• This approach distorts the biblical purpose of tithing and places undue financial pressure on members.

5. Conclusion: Tithing is No Longer Relevant

5.1 The New Testament Shift

1. Believers as the Temple and Priests:
   In the New Testament, every believer becomes a temple of God and a spiritual priest, rendering tithing unnecessary.
2. Voluntary Giving:
   The early church emphasized voluntary contributions motivated by love and generosity, not obligation.

5.2 The Problem with Modern Tithing Practices

• Korean churches’ tithing practices often reflect a misinterpretation of Old Testament law, with little biblical support.
• The New Testament prioritizes acts of love and voluntary giving over rigid financial obligations.

6. The Essence of Faith: Voluntary Love and Devotion

True faith is not about mandatory tithing but about living a life of gratitude and love, expressing devotion through voluntary giving.
[Hebrews 10:18]

"And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary."

Conclusion

Tithing played a vital economic role in the Old Testament as a means of supporting the Levites and maintaining the temple. However, its necessity ceased with the advent of the New Testament.

Modern practices that enforce tithing often distort its original purpose, creating financial burdens that conflict with the New Testament’s teachings on grace and freedom. Believers today are called to live out their faith through voluntary generosity and acts of love, embodying the true spirit of Christ’s teachings.