Tithing: An Injustice to Our Oneness with God’s Spirit

Haggai 2:9 contrasts the limited glory of the former house with the surpassing glory of the latter house—the New Covenant established through Christ’s sacrifice. In this covenant, tithing is not just obsolete; it is an injustice, a sin that undermines the oneness believers share with God through His indwelling Spirit (John 17:22). By appropriating only 10% of our resources to God, we fail to live as mature heirs, acting instead as children under tutors, no different from servants (Galatians 4:1). God calls us to dedicate 100% of our resources to His purpose, walking in perfect righteousness as joint heirs with Christ.

The Historical Context and Injustice of Tithing

In the Old Testament, tithing was an agricultural practice tied to the Levitical priesthood and the physical temple (Leviticus 27:30). Deuteronomy 14:22-29 reveals that tithes were not solely for priests; they were eaten by the tither and their household in God’s chosen place, celebrating His provision (Deuteronomy 14:23, 26). Today, believers are the chosen temple of God’s Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16), meaning the tithe’s purpose is fulfilled in us. Insisting on tithing—especially monetary tithing, which lacks biblical precedent—misaligns with this reality. Malachi 3:8-10, often cited to enforce tithing, applied to Israel’s temple system, not the church. To demand tithes now is either an error of misunderstanding or deliberate mischief, twisting Scripture for financial gain. Both are injustices, as they deny the glory of oneness with God, where all that is God’s is ours, and all that is ours is His (John 17:10, 22).

Tithing suggests that only 10% of our resources belong to God, contradicting the truth that 100% of our income, time, and lives belong to the Spirit within us. This partial commitment is like buying a $5,000 car but paying only $500—you cannot drive it or claim it as yours. Similarly, God promises 100% of His Spirit, but appropriating just 10% of our resources limits our experience of His fullness. This injustice weakens our spiritual maturity, leaving us with the testimonies of the former house rather than the abundant glory of the latter house (Haggai 2:9).

Addressing Common Counterarguments

Some defend tithing by citing Matthew 23:23, where Jesus acknowledges the Pharisees’ tithing but critiques their neglect of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. This verse doesn’t endorse tithing for believers; it highlights the Pharisees’ error in prioritizing minor rituals—like tithing—over weightier matters of the heart. They paid tithes while ignoring God’s command to love and obey, much like those who redefine the seventh-day Sabbath to suit their convenience. Jesus spoke before the New Covenant was fully established, and His words affirm that righteousness, not ritual, is paramount.

Others point to Genesis 14:20, where Abraham tithed to Melchizedek, as a model for tithing today. However, this overlooks the New Covenant reality: the Most High God now dwells in us as His temple, and we are His priests after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:7-10; Revelation 1:6). There is no other legal chain of command to whom we owe tithes. Abraham’s tithe was a one-time act of honor, not a perpetual mandate, and our priesthood in Christ supersedes the need for such payments.

The Melchizedek Priesthood and Full Stewardship

Believers are kings and priests after the order of Melchizedek, with Christ as our eternal High Priest. Abraham paid a tithe to honor Melchizedek, but we, as co-heirs with Christ, do not pay tithes to any priest or institution. To do so is to act like tenants paying rent to an agent when we are the landlords of God’s temple—our bodies (2 Corinthians 6:16). Instead, we practice to perfection the righteousness that made Abraham a conqueror: keeping God’s commands, walking in love, and abiding in Christ’s word (Isaiah 56:1-2; 2 John 1:6; John 14:15, 21, 23-24).

God calls us to steward 100% of our resources as treasurers of His Spirit. This means seeking His guidance for every financial decision—whether investing in personal growth, supporting the poor, or funding kingdom initiatives. For example, paying for education to fulfill your God-given purpose, donating to a ministry aligned with His will, or helping a neighbor in need all reflect this stewardship, provided they flow from communion with the Spirit. When 100% of your resources belong to God, you need not fear being defrauded or taken advantage of (Matthew 5:44). As long as you communicate with God about your finances, do your due diligence, and release the outcome to Him, you rest in His peace, knowing vengeance is His (Psalm 4:4-5; 5:12; 91; Romans 7:14a). This trust brings the peace of the latter house (Haggai 2:9), as God fights your spiritual and physical battles when you walk diligently in righteousness, working in oneness with Him. Unlike tithing, which caps commitment at 10%, this full dedication supernaturally multiplies resources, manifesting the blessings of the latter house.

The Seventh-Day Sabbath: A Non-Negotiable Rest

To live in oneness with God, we must honor the seventh-day Sabbath, which God esteemed and commanded for rest (Genesis 2:3; Exodus 16:29b, 20:8-11). There is no flexibility here—God’s estimation of the seventh day is not subject to human opinion. Just as Christ rested in the grave on the Sabbath, we rest to align with His finished work (Matthew 12:8). Let no one judge you for keeping God’s command; He alone judges righteousness for all transgressions, including Sabbath violations (1 Corinthians 11:31-32). Misinterpreting this passage as limited to Holy Communion fails to rightly divide the Word of Truth. Sabbath-keeping, like full stewardship, prepares us to operate in sync with Christ, forming His character in us (Galatians 4:1; John 17:11, 21-23).

Living as Heirs, Now and Forever

Enforcing tithing stems from misunderstanding or, worse, deceit by those who twist Scripture for profit. Both dishonor the prayer of Jesus for oneness with God (John 17:22). By rejecting tithing and embracing 100% stewardship, we grow into mature heirs, no longer children under tutors (Galatians 4:1). This prepares us to reign as kings and priests with Christ in the millennial kingdom and dwell in His temple in the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 20:6; 21:22-23). There, as vessels of God’s Spirit, we complete the divine unity—Father, Son, and Spirit-filled people—reflecting the glory of the latter house.

A Call to Action

Stop tithing. Cease limiting your commitment to 10%. Dedicate 100% of your resources to the Spirit within you, seeking His guidance in every decision. Keep the seventh-day Sabbath, resting in God’s provision. By doing so, you will walk in oneness with the Greater One, experiencing the fullness of His Spirit and the glory of the latter house. At the appointed time, those who eagerly await Christ will join Him for seven years in heaven, return to reign in peace for a millennium, and inherit a new heaven and new earth.

Remain Blessed,

Immanuel (One with God).