E. K. SLADE by E. K. Slade

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Sep 25, 1913

E. K. SLADE

By E. K. Slade

Gospel Finance—No. 10

Back Tithes

E. K. SLADE

THROUGH the prophet of old, God appeals to his children by use of the most-pointed question: "Will a man rob God?" Robbery of any form is a sin. It is directly forbidden by the specific command: "Thou shalt not steal." For men to rob one another is recognized in every nation as wrong, and is treated as a serious crime which is abhorred by Christians generally; yet man will rob his Maker and manifest little concern. For a man to rob God can be no less wrong than for him to rob his fellow beings. In my mind it is a more serious wrong for a man to rob his Maker and Benefactor than it is for him to rob another man. God freely gives to man all that he can need for his existence and happiness, and requires the return of one tenth on a basis that involves much more in principle than is involved in the relation of man to man in the matter of ownership.

Careful Christians see in the command, "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse," a requirement that cannot be ignored without becoming guilty of gross wrong. There are professed Christians who would be shocked at the suggestion to steal from a man, but who make it a practise to rob God. Some rob him of a part of the tithe and others rob him of the whole tithe as well as the offerings they should give.

There is hope for a man guilty of this sin if he will repent and confess his sin to God and make restitution wherein he has withheld the tithe. It is not possible nor is it required that an individual who

has newly come to see the requirements of God in the tithing system shall pay tithe on all increase previous to such knowledge. Christ's faithfulness in that respect will be counted for the believer. It is required, however, that restitution shall be made, as far as possible, by those who, professing to obey the Lord and knowing their duty in this respect, have knowingly withheld the tithe. There are many in our churches who will never stand right with God until they do this. Anciently God's children were required to add twenty per cent to the portion of tithe used, when restoring it. As the tithing system is "to be more fully carried out and more extended, as salvation through Christ alone shall be more fully brought to light in the Christian age," the binding obligation with reference to back tithes will be more fully pressed upon us. It is always interesting to apply the light recently given by God on such points. The following pointed words are found in "Testimonies for the Church," Vol. III, page 394: "All that is withheld of that which God claims, the tenth of the increase, is recorded in the books of heaven as robbery against him. Such defraud their Creator; and when this sin of neglect is brought before them, it is not enough for them to change their course and begin to work from that time upon the right principle. This will not correct the figures made in the heavenly record for embezzling the property committed to them in trust to be returned to the Lender. Repentance for unfaithful dealing with God and for base ingratitude is required." "Let the neglected tithes now be brought in, Let those who have withheld tithes, send them in before the year shall close, that they may be right with God, and never, never again run any risk of being cursed of God."

What more could be said or needed to have it known what our duty is in reference to back tithes? We are living in a time in which all should straighten out their account with the Lord. In this God is requiring of us only that which is necessary for our eternal good.