TITHING BY FAITH by Walter L. Black

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 13, 1900

TITHING BY FAITH.

By Walter L. Black

WALTER L. BLACK.

(Solomonville, Ariz.).

Every obligation of the gospel, every act of obedience, yes, every motive in the Christian’s life, is to be actuated by faith in Christ. “The just shall live by faith.” Gal. 3 : 11. “Without faith it is impossible to please him.” Heb. 11 : 6. Faith is the only means by which anyone may obey the teachings of Christ, or attain to the righteousness that is in him. How may we have his righteousness?—By having faith, which enthrones Christ within us; as it is written, “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith.” Eph. 3 : 17. Without him we can do nothing; we are helpless. John 15 : 5. On the other hand, Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Phil. 4 : 13. By faith the living Saviour dwells in our hearts. He says, “I will dwell in them, and walk in them.” 2 Cor. 6 : 16.

“By the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” It is Christ’s present obedience that makes righteous, and not simply his obedience eighteen hundred years ago. Paul speaks about bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 2 Cor. 10 : 5. God works in us to will and to do of his good pleasure. Phil. 2 : 13. It is true, then, that in every Christian Christ should be permitted to will and to do of his good pleasure. Oh, that we might realize that Jesus is alive in us, that he “ever liveth,” and is “the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever”! If Jesus taught tithing, and lived out his teaching while visibly among men upon the earth, does he not wish to live the same in us to-day, wherever he can have the opportunity? Oh, that all who profess his name would let him live the truth in them to-day! Then truly the Spirit of God would not be restrained in the least. Is it not time now to contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints? Jude 3. Surely something is wrong with our faith, and Jesus is restrained in his work, when we, knowing these truths, do not obey them. Then it may be said of us, as was said of the people of Nazareth, “He did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.” Matt. 13 : 58.

Paul sums up the experience of every true Christian by saying: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Gal. 2 : 20. We walk by faith, and not by sight. 2 Cor. 5 : 7. If we render to the Lord his own in tithes, by faith, we shall not be ready to look over our own interests first, to see if we have gained so much, and if we can “afford” to render to the Lord his own. Faith counts out the Lord’s money first, and renders to him “the first fruits” of our increase, and of our labor, regardless of our own plans, wishes, or failures. Faith acts just the same in the darkest hour, when business is a failure, as in the full blaze of prosperity. Faith is of God, and, like him, is the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever.

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things [the necessities of life] shall be added unto you.” Like all the rest of God’s promises, this must be accepted and acted upon by faith, and the results will follow.

THE BLESSINGS OF TITHING.

With every item of obedience, God has given accompanying blessings. Not only does tithing assure a blessed reward in the next world, but in this life as well. It guarantees the protection and the prospering hand of the Lord upon the property which he has graciously submitted to our care.

Here is the guaranty; and it must also be accepted by faith: “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. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.”