The True Principle of Tithing - Will We Be Burned at His Coming for Not Paying Tithing? Worrying About This Comes from Not Knowing the True Gospel of Jesus Christ

Posted June 9, 2025 | End Times Watch

To my church member friends:
I write this post with love. It’s not my intent to demean your beliefs about tithing, but rather to offer insight that I hope relieves you of an unnecessary burden and fear.

When I speak with members of my church about the end times, two common beliefs often emerge about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ:

1. He is coming soon.
2. If you’re not caught up on your tithing, you’ll be burned.

Yes, Jesus is coming soon—but did you know it won’t be for at least seven years? I invite you to do your own study in the New Testament about Daniel’s 70 weeks and the 7-Year Tribulation. These passages offer greater clarity about the timing of Christ’s return.

No One Knows the Day or Hour—But We Can Know the Season

Matthew 24:36 (KJV)
“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.”

This verse tells us no one knows the day or hour, but it says nothing about the year or season. Studying these things for yourself will prepare you in deeper, more meaningful ways for His return.

Let’s Talk About Tithing

Please don’t be offended by what follows—but it’s important to understand that the institutional church has its own agenda when it comes to tithing. Through member contributions, the church has amassed a financial empire worth over $200 billion. But is that what God intended tithing to be used for—building an empire?

To explore the truth, let’s set aside church doctrine for a moment and look at what Jesus Christ actually taught about tithing.

What Is Tithing?

Tithing means giving a portion of one’s income or increase to God. In the Old Testament, it was commanded under Mosaic Law to support the Levitical priesthood.

Leviticus 27:30, Numbers 18:21 (KJV)

That was the “Old Gospel” So, What Did Jesus Say About Tithing?

Jesus didn’t abolish tithing, but He redirected the focus from the act to the heart behind it. You will see that tithing is not a commandment under the leadership and teachings of Jesus Christ. Knowing this should relieve your burden of feeling that you might be burned at His coming if you are not caught up on your tithing.

In the New Testament (under Grace):

Jesus mentions tithing in rebuking the Pharisees:
​​​​​​​Matthew 23:23 (KJV):
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law…”

This shows:

• Jesus acknowledged that tithing had value (“these ought ye to have done”).
• But He condemned religious leaders for their legalism and hypocrisy.
• His emphasis was always on mercy, justice, and sincere faith. Giving to the poor with a contrite heart was the focus.

Paul and the apostles never commanded tithing to New Testament believers. Instead, they taught generosity, cheerful giving, and helping the needy:

2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV):
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

Did Jesus Say You’ll Be Burned for Not Paying Tithing?

No. Nowhere in the Gospels—nor in the King James Version—does Jesus say that you’ll be burned at His coming for not paying tithing. This idea usually comes from Malachi 3, part of the Old Testament law.

Malachi 3:8–10 (KJV)
“Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings…”

This passage is frequently misapplied to New Testament believers. Jesus never taught in this curse-based framework in the New Covenant. Instead, He focused on heart-driven generosity.

Jesus’ Focus: Giving from the Heart

Luke 21:1–4 (KJV) – The Widow’s Mite
“…this poor widow hath cast in more than they all…”

• God values the heart behind the gift, not the amount.
• Sacrificial giving means more than tithing from surplus.

Luke 12:33 (KJV)
“Sell that ye have, and give alms…”

Matthew 25:35–40 (KJV)
“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Jesus emphasized direct giving to the poor, not giving to a religious institution.

A Personal Experience: When I Lost My Recommend for Helping the Poor

Two years ago, I lost my temple recommend because I gave my tithing to a Homeless Shelter and a Women’s Center. My bishop told me, “Oh, I wish that counted, but your tithing needs to go directly to the Church.”

As a friend, I asked him sincerely, “If Jesus Christ were in this room right now, would He say that giving directly to the needy doesn’t count?” He looked ashamed and replied, “I have to do and say what I’m instructed to do.”

That moment opened my eyes.

When Tithing Becomes About Power, Not the Poor

I understand that churches need money to operate—but when your assets exceed $200 billion, you’re not just keeping the lights on. You’re building something else.

That’s when I realized:
The Church was building itself, not the Kingdom.
It was not caring for the poor—it was amassing power.
And I was being punished for trying to live what Jesus actually taught. Giving my tithes to the poor directly.

The Early Church Model: Not Tithing, But Sharing

Acts 2:44–45 (KJV)
“And all that believed were together… and parted them to all men, as every man had need.”

In the early church, believers didn’t tithe as a legal rule. They shared freely to meet each other’s needs. That was the true spirit of Christ’s teaching.

A Tithing of Love: “Palms for the Poor”

Jesus never taught a percentage. He taught principles.
He taught giving to those in need.
He taught love your neighbor.
He taught “Give to the poor and you’ll have treasure in heaven.”

Final Thoughts: Take It to God in Prayer

Don’t take my word for it. Take this matter to God in personal prayer. He will show you the truth. Every institution has its untruths—even churches. And sometimes, they preach what benefits them more than what honors Christ.

Let go of the fear that you’ll be burned at His coming for not paying a complete tithe. Jesus never taught that. But He did say He’d recognize you for feeding the hungry and helping the poor.

“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these… ye have done it unto Me.”

The Church May Be Silent About the Second Coming—But God Is Not

The Church may be silent about the Second Coming, but God is not. He has given us chapter after chapter in the New Testament to study and prepare. Don’t wait for your church leaders to teach you about the end times—if they haven’t by now, it’s unlikely they ever will.

The writings in the New Testament are there so you can know the truth. That’s their purpose. Leaders who ignore these teachings are going against what God intended.

It’s worth asking: Why are they staying silent? As you continue to study for yourself, you’ll begin to see the reason—and it directly opposes what God has planned for you.

I invite you to Open your Bible. Pray. Read. It’s fascinating—and freeing.

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