Expert: Wayne Tucker - 4/27/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi

Reading Hebrews Chapter 7 would you say tithing is done away with in the New Testament.

Thank you

ANSWER: Ini,
   I would say, after reading Hebrews 7 again, that the text strengthens the idea of tithing as a way of funding the work of the Kingdom on earth.  Abraham paid the tithe to Melchizedek.  Jesus is greater than Melchizedek, and we are the descendants of Abraham by faith. It seems to me that the tithe is a starting point for our giving; that 10 is a minimum, not a maximum.  I would add that the penalty for not tithing has been done away with by the cross of Christ.  But the practice of tithing is still valid today.
   I hope this helps some.  Feel free to follow up if other questions arise.

Respectfully,
Wayne Tucker

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your response.

In view of this fact, why do New Testaments Pastors emphasize tithing. Is this a deception?

ANSWER: Ini,
   Let me try again.  I disagree with your assessment that Hebrews 7 is done away with in the New Testament.  Far from it!  Tithing is everywhere praised in the Scriptures of both the Old and New Testaments.  Hebrews 7 reinforces this position.  We teach tithing because it is the best model the Bible offers for giving.  No deception is involved.  The Bible teaches tithing.

Respectfully,
Wayne Tucker

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Sir,

You seem to have perfectly confused me even more than before.

Thanks so much

Answer
Ini,
   What is the confusion?  In both answers I tell you plainly that Hebrews 7 does not do away with tithing.  To the contrary, Hebrews 7 strengthens the role of tithing in the Christian community.  The tithe belongs to God.  That has never changed.  Tithing is one way to demonstrate our love for God.  Jesus declared love for God to be the first and greatest commandment.  Why would we not tithe and teach others to do the same?

Respectfully,
Wayne Tucker