Untitled article by E. K. Slade

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Jul 24, 1913

Gospel Finance—No. 1

By E. K. Slade

The Only Source of Revenue

THE fall of man made the establishment of a kingdom of grace necessary, in order that the great gospel plan for man's salvation may be carried out. For nearly six thousand years this work has been in progress, and while having to do with men, nations, and conditions perverted and distorted and diametrically opposed to Heaven's ways, every plan and provision for the gospel work is based upon right principles. This is true as well of the financial phase of the gospel work. Whatever arrangements are made and whatever burdens are imposed for financing the gospel must be recognized as the best and most effective, for God's wisdom and perfect knowledge of our needs as well as his regard for our welfare would permit nothing but a perfect plan.

The gospel first calls a man from the world, from bondage, as, in the type Israel was called from Egypt, in these loving words, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest;" and then the commission, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations." This commission imposes a tremendous responsibility when we consider the field, "all nations," and all that is involved in heeding the command, "Let him that heareth say come." Every one who truly hears and heeds the call senses his responsibility regarding the teaching of all nations. This general responsibility of the individual is impressed more strongly by the Saviour's parting words to his disciples at the time of his ascension: "Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." This assignment can leave no question in our minds as to our relation to the home and near-home fields as well as to the "uttermost part of the earth." We note the promises that provide for power, "Ye shall receive power;" "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. . . . And, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." He also provides power to acquire wealth so that ample provision is made for the part we have to perform in carrying out the commission.

In view of this great responsibility thus placed upon believers, let us consider briefly the source from which the necessary funds for financing the gospel work are to come. This we should know definitely. There are those who seem to feel that it is a matter of slight importance to provide funds for the work, and many, I believe, are not aware that the responsibility is placed so fully upon humanity. An inspired statement on this point is fitting: "Voluntary offerings and the tithe constitute the revenue of the gospel. . . . The only means which God has ordained to advance his cause is to bless men with property. He gives them the sunshine and the rain; he causes vegetation to flourish; he gives health and ability to acquire means. All our blessings come from his bountiful hand. In turn he would have men and women show their gratitude by returning him a portion in tithes and offerings." For a few thousand believers to furnish the funds necessary to carry this message of the coming kingdom to all the world, calls for sacrifices and a sense of responsibility that many have not yet experienced. Nevertheless, the only provision known or provided for financing this great work is the revenue of tithes and offerings from men and women. This plan has been and will be carried out. At the risk of retarding his work, the Lord has fixed this financial arrangement, which makes such gifts and offerings the only source of revenue for the gospel.

The silver and gold, the beasts of the forests and the cattle on a thousand hills, belong to the Lord. He could place in the hands of our conference and mission treasurers a sufficient amount of gold to meet every requirement out in the great needy fields and the needs in our home conferences and institutions. And what a relief it would be! What a burden would be lifted from our shoulders if all these perplexing financial problems could be thus suddenly solved! As a people we possess but little wealth. Through our connection with this cause we take on the great responsibility, and God holds strictly to the plan of having his work wholly financed by our tithes and offerings. Why should this be required? Why is such a heavy burden imposed? In our next article we shall consider the answers to these questions.

Mount Vernon, Ohio.