Four Eras of Giving in Scripture
The topic of giving has become a sore spot for some in modern Christianity. However, if we want to stay aligned with the discipline of giving, it is important to study the different biblical eras of giving as they relate to contemporary Christian life today.
Although many ministries have begun to teach that tithing was a practice done under the law, in a new series by Apostle Mike Signorelli, the V1 church leader shows that tithing predates the Mosaic Law. The minister breaks down giving into four biblical eras to encourage Christians to embrace tithing to God’s work as it is a promising covenant both spiritually and materially for those who participate.
Giving is a blessing rather than an obligation under the law. From Genesis to the New Testament we can see that the act of giving is not obsolete but rather a foundational act of faith. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 9:6–7 that cheerful giving invites divine favor and rebukes spiritual opposition.
Let us take a look at the spiritual lineage of giving through the four eras Apostle Mike shared.
1. Pre-mosaic era (Before the law of Moses)
Though many people wrongfully state that this era was under the law it actually predates the law. The giving here is voluntary, intrinsic giving. In Genesis 14:18–20 we learn of Abram giving to the priest of God Most High, Melchizedek. Melchizedek, also described as the King of Salem, showed up with bread and wine. Many people associate God’s most high priest with Jesus who is our High Priest and symbolically used bread and wine as well to establish the covenant poured out from His body and blood.
Abraham, who was Abram at the time, gave 10% as the foundational example of tithing. No one instructed that amount but it was his intrinsic response to hearing about the blessing he would receive from God. Notice, he also gave before the blessing came which speaks to the trust he had in God. It takes trust and faith to give to God before he sends the blessing. Many people struggle to give before the blessing today because they treat God the way they treat others and that ought not to be so.
As we observe the next generation, Abraham’s son Jacob made a giving vow in Genesis 28:20–22 for himself. He did not make a commitment based off of his father’s generation, he made his own covenant. In those times, one's word was held in high regard, we too should live to be people of our word today. Jacob set up a stone as a pillar and vowed to give God a tenth of all he received.
A tenth is defined as 10% of one's earnings. Apostle Mike introduced the concept of the "full tenth" and said it should be a "heart posture" in the spirit. He instructed Christ's followers that the true definition of the full tenth is giving "first" and what is "best," not just any 10%. People give to God, the blesser because there is an intimate knowing that He is faithful. You need faith to give and hope to expect the blessing. Wages are when people get what they deserve but blessings from God are when you get what you do not deserve.
2. Mosaic law (under the law)
The next era of giving was now under the mosaic law. This is when giving was codified and a system of giving was set in motion. In Leviticus 27:30 the Lord gave Moses a list of commands at Mount Sinai for the Israelites. In this era it was established that the tithe belongs to God. Giving it is an act of obedience, not generosity. Per the scripture, we can make the distinction between "bringing" the tithe, returning what belongs to God and "giving" offerings which are beyond the tithe.
In Numbers 18:21 we see the Lord's desire for the system of the tithe was to be for the church. Many people today negate giving to the church to give to a non-profit organization or a great cause but Apostle Mike said the tithes should be given to the church as instructed in scripture.
Even if the money is misappropriated the giver would still be honoring God and will be blessed for it.
Malachi 3:8–10 is arguably the most popular passage on tithing. The prophet instructed God’s people to bring the full tithe into the house of God, indicating that some people may try to tithe partially. Consumerism has trained people today to think of how much they can get for the least amount but that is not the heart of God. A partial tithe is no tithe at all. We see later in the book of Acts the grave punishment that fell upon Ananias and Sapphira for only giving part of the money that he was supposed to bring the apostle.
3. Life of Jesus
We see in the third era of giving that when Jesus, the Messiah came he affirmed giving.
Jesus did not do away with the tithe, although that is what some people say. If Christ didn't want people to tithe He would have specifically stated that. In Luke 11:42 Jesus tells the Pharisees that they have done well to tithe but also told them along with giving they are not to neglect justice and the love of God.
In Matthew 5:17 Jesus said He came to fulfill the law not abolish it. The argument that Christians are no longer under the law would not apply to tithing because Abraham and Jacob were not under the law either, yet they tithed 10%.
Apostle Mike insisted that 10% is the minimum to give for the Christian because of all we have been given. Tithing should not be forced but it is a reflection of a transformed heart.
4. New Covenant
The fourth era did not minimize giving, it expanded giving. Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 9:13–14 that the Levites received their living from the temple, and went on to say that those who proclaim the gospel should gain their living financially “from the gospel."
2 Corinthians 9:6–7 states "Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." A heart still in captivity would merely tip God instead of tithe to Him. God blesses a "cheerful giver" that is one with a transformed heart who joyfully participates in God's principles.
The Apostle Mike concluded by saying that God gave His “first” and “best” with Jesus Christ, His only begotten son essentially "bankrupting Heaven by tithing Jesus." The followers of God are to act like Him, who gave generously. Our giving comes with a promise of blessing and rebuking of the enemy (Malachi 3:10–11). The early church was a great example of having no needs amongst each other due to the generosity they showed to one another. The sermon ended with a call to test God through tithing, which Pastor Mike said would lead to miracles and a life transformation.
About the Author
Jeannie Ortega Law is a chart-topping singer, evangelist, media personality and author from New York City. She can be reached on social media: @JeannieOrtega or emailed at Info@JeannieO.com
At V1 Church we believe in teaching Bible-based relationship principles so that you can your family can be strengthened. Connect with us using one of the links below – we’d love to see you and help you walk through the process of reconciliation.