Are You Going To Hell For Not Tithing? Bible Truths Explained

Will You Miss Heaven If You Don’t Pay Your Tithe? (Hear What The Bible Says)

The question of whether you will miss heaven if you don’t pay your tithe is a topic that stirs up much debate among Christians. It touches on issues of faith, obedience, and salvation, and it’s important to approach this topic with a clear understanding of what the Bible says. Tithing, which means giving ten percent of one’s income to the church, is a practice rooted in the Old Testament. However, the question of its impact on one’s salvation and eternal destiny requires a closer look at both the Old and New Testaments.

Tithing is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 14:20 (KJV), where Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything. This act of giving was a response to God’s blessing and provision. Later, tithing became a formal part of the Mosaic Law, as seen in Leviticus 27:30 (KJV): “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s: it is holy unto the Lord.” The Israelites were required to give a tenth of their produce and livestock to support the Levites, who were the priests serving in the temple.

In Malachi 3:10 (KJV), God challenges the Israelites to bring their tithes into the storehouse, promising to open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing. This verse is often cited in discussions about tithing, emphasizing the principle of giving and God’s promise to bless those who are faithful in their tithes. “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

While the Old Testament establishes tithing as an important practice, the New Testament provides a different perspective on giving and its relation to salvation. Jesus spoke about money and giving frequently, but He did not explicitly command tithing. Instead, He focused on the heart and the attitude behind giving. In Matthew 23:23 (KJV), Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their meticulous tithing while neglecting more important matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. “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, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.”

The New Testament emphasizes generous, sacrificial, and cheerful giving. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV) says, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” This verse highlights that giving should not be done out of obligation or with a grudging heart but should be an expression of gratitude and love for God.

When it comes to the question of whether you will miss heaven if you don’t pay your tithe, it is crucial to understand that salvation is not based on works or financial contributions but on faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV) clearly states, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Salvation is a gift from God that cannot be earned by tithing or any other good deed.

This does not mean that giving is unimportant. On the contrary, giving is a vital part of Christian life and discipleship. It reflects our trust in God’s provision, our commitment to supporting His work, and our willingness to help others. The early church set an example of generosity, as seen in Acts 2:44-45 (KJV): “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.” This communal sharing was a powerful testimony to their faith and love for one another.

The principle of tithing can still be a useful guideline for Christians today, but it should not be viewed as a legalistic requirement for salvation. Instead, it should be seen as a starting point for generosity. God desires that we give freely and joyfully, from the heart, and in proportion to how He has blessed us. 1 Corinthians 16:2 (KJV) advises, “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.”

In addressing the specific concern of missing heaven due to not tithing, it’s important to reiterate that our assurance of heaven is rooted in our relationship with Jesus Christ. John 3:16 (KJV) promises, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Faith in Jesus, not financial giving, is the key to eternal life.

That said, living out our faith includes following Jesus’ teachings on generosity. Luke 6:38 (KJV) says, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” This verse underscores the blessings that come from a generous heart. Giving, including tithing, is an act of worship and obedience that brings joy to the giver and blessings from God.

While tithing is a biblical practice with significant spiritual benefits, it is not a requirement for salvation. Our place in heaven is secured by our faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross, not by our financial contributions. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to live generously, reflecting God’s love and provision in our lives. By giving cheerfully and sacrificially, we demonstrate our trust in God, support His work, and bless others. Let us strive to be generous in all things, remembering that God loves a cheerful giver and promises to meet all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.