The Sacred Duty: Tithing in Old Testament and Modern Church

The Old Testament perspective on tithing is that it is a moral obligation and a sacred system of acknowledging God’s ownership and blessingsCS 69.1+1. Tithes are to be treated as holy to the Lord and kept sacred for the support of the ministry, a principle that continues to apply to modern churches with even greater weight due to the fuller light of the gospelEP 121.5+1.

The Origin and Nature of Tithing

• A Law for the Human Race: The tithing system was not merely a Jewish invention; it existed as far back as the days of Adam and was practiced by Abraham long before the Levitical codeCS 69.1+1.

• A Moral Obligation: Abraham’s act of giving a tenth to Melchizedek is the model for all believers, demonstrating that tithing is a duty recognized by moral agents regardless of their era Genesis 14:20TDOC 249.2+1.

• The Proportion of Increase: God specifically requires one-tenth of all increase from the land, the seed, the fruit, and the flock Leviticus 27:30-32ETI Tithe.3.

• First Fruits: Offerings are most pleasing to God when they come from the "first fruits" of our increase, representing our first duty to seek His kingdom above all else Proverbs 3:9ARSH March 31, 1859, page 150.9.

How Tithes Must Be Handled

• Kept Sacred: Tithe money is "trust money" and must be kept sacred for its designated purpose, specifically for the support of ministers who preach the wordPH157 7.2+1.

• Faithfulness in Stewardship: Neglecting this duty is considered robbing God and brings a curse upon the people, while faithfulness opens the windows of heaven for a blessing Malachi 3:8-10ETI Tithe.3.

• Systematic Giving: Believers are encouraged to "lay by in store" on the first day of the week as God has prospered them to ensure the resources of the church are maintained 1 Corinthians 16:2ARSH March 31, 1859, page 150.9.

Implications for Modern Churches ⛪

• Increased Obligation: Since Christians live under the clearer glory of the gospel age, our obligation to support God's cause is increased, not diminished, compared to those in the former dispensationEP 121.5+1.

• Support for Global Mission: When obligations in tithes and offerings are met, it opens a thousand doors of usefulness for home and foreign missions to share the message of mercy with the worldCS 36.3+1.

• A Remedy for Worldliness: Tithing and self-sacrifice serve as a safeguard against the "love of money" and avarice, which can otherwise drown the soul in perdition 1 Timothy 6:10CS 142.3+1.

• Perpetuity of the Principle: The principle of the tithing law is incorporated into the gospel, as the Lord has ordained that those who preach the gospel should live of the gospel 1 Corinthians 9:13-14ETI Tithe.3.

• A Safe Investment: Using means to aid in the salvation of souls is a safe investment that lays up a "good foundation" for eternal life 1 Timothy 6:19CS 151.2+1.

There is no discord between the Old and New Testaments regarding these principles; the law of God remains the standard for all moral agents in every age6BC 1095.7+1. By returning to the Lord His own, the church demonstrates its unreserved consecration to ChristEP 121.5+1.