p. 7 | Growing Recognition of the Tithing System

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Jan 6, 1916

Growing Recognition of the Tithing System

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS have been the denominational pioneers in teaching the Bible system of the support of the gospel work. It is gratifying to see that this principle is being recognized by religious teachers in other denominations. The Western Christian Advocate of Sept. 29, 1915, contains an article from A. D. Batchelor, S. T. B., a Methodist clergyman, which expresses the following views regarding the obligation of the church to render unto God his own:—

In Malachi we read, “Bring ye the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and prove me now herewith, saith Jehovah 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.” In Luke we read, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall they give into your bosom. For with what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you again.” These two passages from both Testaments emphasize the necessity of giving. Both promise a blessing to the giver. . . .

According to Malachi, the blessing was dependent upon the tithe. It is significant that piety and prosperity in Israel always followed the payment of the tithe. Every declension in morals was marked by a nonobservance of this duty. Every national repentance and regeneration was marked by its restoration. This was God’s appointed means for the support of his work. The obligation was not optional with the Jew. He owed the tithe. It was a debt which had to be paid. Provision was made for freewill and thank offerings, after the tithe had been paid. These were optional, and depended upon the good feeling and voluntary spirit of the individual. But the windows of heaven were not to be opened until the tithe had been given.