Tithing and Stewardship: Ellen White's Biblical Insights

Tithing is a sacred obligation and a divinely appointed system designed to sustain the ministry and advance the gospel message throughout the worldMYP 308.2+2. This plan, which originated with God's unerring wisdom, requires a faithful return of one-tenth of all increase as an acknowledgment of His absolute ownership of all our possessionsCS 75.3+2.

The Scriptural Foundation of Tithing

God's word is plain and decided regarding the requirement to render to Him His own reserved fundsCS 92.2+1.

• A Perpetual System: The tithing system was instituted by Christ and has never been repealed or relaxed; rather, it was to be more fully carried out in the Christian ageCS 75.3+1.

• The Law of Increase: Every believer is called to tithe all their increase and seed year by year Deuteronomy 14:22.

• A Test of Loyalty: Faithfully bringing the tithe into the storehouse is a constant, living test that reveals whether the love of the world or the truth predominates in the heartT06 19.3+1.

The Consequences of Withholding

Withholding the tithe is explicitly identified in Scripture as robbery against GodCS 92.2+2.

• The Divine Curse: Those who use God's reserve fund for their own desires are said to be cursed with a curse because they have robbed Him of the means intended to give light to souls in darkness Malachi 3:9PH166 8.3+1.

• Spiritual Backsliding: Neglecting systematic benevolence results in an impoverished treasury and a backslidden churchT24 113.2+1.

• Personal Loss: When people rob God, they also rob themselves, as He limits His blessings in proportion to how they limit their offerings to HimCCh 276.5+1.

The Blessings of Obedience

God has attached wonderful promises to the faithful practice of systematic benevolenceCCh 276.5+1.

• Abundant Blessing: To those who bring all the tithes into the storehouse, the Lord promises to open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing so large there will not be room enough to receive it Malachi 3:10T06 19.3+1.

• Protection for the Laborer: God promises to rebuke the devourer for the sake of those who are faithful, ensuring that the fruits of their ground are not destroyed Malachi 3:111T 222.2+1.

• Spiritual Vitality: Practical benevolence transforms selfish worshippers of mammon into earnest co-workers with Christ, giving them spiritual lifeCS 6.2+1.

Practical Application and Stewardship

The plan of systematic benevolence is designed to be simple, equitable, and a safeguard for the believerT24 113.2+1.

• Regularity in Giving: Following the apostolic rule, believers should lay by a portion on the first day of the week as God has prospered them 1 Corinthians 16:21T 714.4+1.

• Sacred Use of Funds: The tithe is to be held sacred for the support of the ministry and those opening the Scriptures to people in darkness, and it should not be diverted for incidental church expenses or personal useIR August 15, 1906, par. 6+2.

• Individual Responsibility: Every member of the family, from the oldest to the youngest, should act a part in this work of benevolenceCCh 277.2+1.

• Motivation of the Heart: God desires a cheerful and willing mind rather than an unwilling offering or pressed sacrifice 2 Corinthians 8:12T24 96.1+1.

• Accountability: Soon, every soul will hear the call to give an account of their stewardship regarding the talents and means entrusted to them Luke 16:2COL 373.4+1.