14/01/2025
It is very interesting that the same argument for tithing is the same argument for the fourth commandment Seventh-day Sabbath. Both existed before Moses, neither are ceremonial, both fix an objection proportion of time and possessions, both are declared holy and both have the same language as belonging to the Lord. Both have examples of pre-Sinai observance (see chart below). However the Sabbath argument appears to be stronger because Jesus grounds the Sabbath in Creation as made for man (Mark 2:27) and it is one of the Ten Commandments and begins with the word "Remember." In 1890 Presbyterian Dr. Robert Webb, former chair of Systematic theology, wrote “The tithe law and the Sabbath law are analogues. If one is unequal and unjust because it fixes a definite proportion of one's substance, the other must be unequal and unjust because it fixes a definite proportion of one's time. No other conclusion can follow.” In 1912 Baptist minister N.L. Rigby wrote “As institutions the Tithe and the Sabbath must, therefore, stand or fall together.”
The Sabbath presents a great challenge to people who promote tithing because any argument against one applies equally to the other. Churches that promote tithing but reject the fourth commandment have a big weakness as it demonstrates an inconsistent approach to Scripture. The fourth commandment is the Achille's heel for most (but not all) tithe promoting churches and denominations. Churches want money so they reach back into the Old Testament to support tithing but when it comes to the Sabbath they say "We don't need that Old Testament." We will address this in detail and provide several examples in an upcoming video.
