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(Introduction portion of Chapter 7 only)
7
430 Years Before the Law
Even though Christians claim their freedom from the law through the death of Jesus, many still perform a modified version of the tithing ritual - giving 10 percent of their income to the church. One reason for this is the concept that ‘tithing existed before the law.’ Some Christians say tithing started before the law and should continue today, since the law does not stop the rituals practiced before it.
Ironically, when tithers claim that tithing occurred prior to the law, they never mention, or perform, any other commands given or acts done prior to the law - even those acts performed by Abraham himself. Most say the reason for this is the defining passages found in the New Testament that refute the need to continue something practiced during the law or prior to the law.
This chapter focuses on several acts performed prior to the law that are not required of Christians today. It also points out the related New Testament passages that explain why Christians do not need to continue these practices - including the practice of tithing.
This chapter starts with Abraham and some of the acts he performed other than, and including, giving a tenth of the spoils of war to Melchizedek. The reason to focus on Abraham’s lifestyle and acts is that Christians tend not to use Abraham as an example in all areas of their lives - just in the area of giving. Some quote John 8:39 when encouraging Christians to tithe: “They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.” For clarification, Galatians 3:6-9 and Hebrews 11:1-3, 6, and 8, explain that the children of Abraham are those that have the ‘faith’ and ‘obedience’ of Abraham. These are the ‘works of Abraham’ talked about in John 8, and not the actual act of giving a tenth to Melchizedek.
Special attention is given to Hebrews 7:8 and Galatians 3:17. Hebrews 7:8 states, “In the one case, the tenth is collected by men who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living.” Whereas Galatians 3:17 reads as follows: “What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise.” These two passages cause quite a stir for believers when discussing traditional tithes and offerings and are covered completely in this chapter.
This chapter continues with Jacob, Adam and Eve, and any relationship they may have with tithing. Afterwards, examples of pre-law altars and offerings, more specifically burnt offerings, are shown to have occurred. In contrast, Christians do not build altars for sacrificial offerings today because it was ‘done before the law.’
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