The World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) insists that “the Old Testament tithe must be observed in the New Testament era as well,” citing Bible verses to pressure members to pay tithes. However, such claims seriously distort the essential context of Scripture and the freedom of the gospel in the New Testament.

1. The Original Purpose of Tithing: Part of the Old Testament Law
The tithe was originally a compulsory offering commanded for the livelihood of the priestly tribe (the Levites) at the temple where the Ten Commandments were kept (Numbers 18:21–24). It was essentially a “religious tax” valid only under the Old Testament law.

2. Change in the New Testament: Believers Themselves Are the Temple and Priests
After the work of Jesus Christ on the cross, the system of the temple and priests was fulfilled in Him. In the New Testament age, with the coming of the Holy Spirit, every believer is God’s temple (1 Corinthians 3:16) and a priest who can approach God directly (1 Peter 2:9). Therefore, New Testament believers have no biblical basis to give or pay a legalistic tithe.

3. The Problem of Distorted New Testament Citations
WMSCOG uses Matthew 22:21 (“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s”) to argue for the obligation of tithing. However, Jesus’ words here were meant to emphasize spiritual devotion for Jews still under the Old Testament law, not to command a monetary tithe. Likewise, when Jesus said, “You give a tenth of your mint, dill, and cumin, but you have neglected justice, mercy, and faithfulness” (Matthew 23:23), He was rebuking the Pharisees for focusing only on the external law, not commanding tithing for New Testament believers.

4. The ‘Collection’ in Corinthians Is Not a Tithe
WMSCOG also cites 1 Corinthians 16’s instruction to “set aside a sum of money on the first day of every week” as evidence of tithing in the early church. In reality, this collection was a one-time, special offering to help poor believers in the Jerusalem church. There were even accusations that Paul might misuse these funds, but ultimately it was resolved as a single collection. Nowhere in the New Testament is there any regular or compulsory “tithe” commanded.

5. The True Meaning of Charity in the New Testament
Instead of legalistic tithing, the New Testament emphasizes voluntary love and sharing—helping the needy and doing good (2 Corinthians 9:7). Giving and charity are not compulsory obligations, but fruits of true faith, flowing from freedom and joy.

6. Conclusion
The Old Testament tithe no longer applies to New Testament believers. In Christ, we are freed from the burden of the law and called to serve our neighbors and worship God with love and voluntary devotion. Forcing tithing outside the true context of Scripture only undermines the essence and freedom of the gospel. Today’s church must move away from legalistic tithing and return to the true New Testament spirit of love and sharing.