Tithing In the Writings of Ellen G White

Tithing In the Writings of Ellen G. White By Claire L. Eva —A summary of the book by Angel Rodriguez Biblical Research Institute Silver Spring, Maryland

Theological Grounding n What primary influence shaped Ellen White’s understanding of tithing? n Biblically materials dealing with § The importance of tithe § The use of tithe

Basic Theological Concepts As Creator, God owns the Universe

God’s love and goodness as demonstrated in— The redemptive work of Christ

Every gift granted to us— n Is only possible through that Divine self-giving Therefore—

The Giver is present in every gift we receive from Him

The Origin of Tithing n Pre-Hebrew – Abraham and Jacob tithed § Genesis 14: 20 and Genesis 28: 22

The Origin of Tithing n Pre-Moses – Genesis reveals tithing before Moses and the formation of a theocracy

Where did the idea and practice of tithing originate?

It was “ordained by God” n The distinctive arrangement of returning a tithe to God “was made by Jesus Christ Himself” – Testimonies 6: 384

Permanent Nature of Tithing n Recognized by Jesus § Jesus “recognized the payment of tithe as a duty” (DA 617) § Matthew 23: 23 –Jesus condemns the abuse of sacred obligation

The Tithing System— n Is an expression of God’s loving will for the human race n Was originated to “be a blessing to man”

How is the tithing system a blessing to mankind?

1. Tithing Recognizes God’s Lordship n Tithing indicates that the true center of our lives can only be found in God

2. Tithing is a Witness to God’s Power to Preserve Life n Tithing is “an acknowledgement of our dependence upon God” (CS 105)

3. Tithing Demonstrates the Restoration of Human Dignity before God n God reinstates us as stewards of His goodness and blessings

4. Tithing is an Instrument of Character Development n To “be His helping hands to bless others” n To liberate us from the enslavement of selfishness

The Nature of Tithe n “It is holy to the Lord” n “For like the Sabbath, a tenth of the increase is sacred” n “God’s portion is not at all the property of man”

In order to keep it holy, tithe must be returned to God

The Nature of Tithe “No appeal is made to gratitude or to generosity” “This is a matter of simple honesty. The tithe is the Lord’s and He bids us return to Him that which is His own. ” -- (Education 138, 139)

The Nature of Tithe n “A sacred fund” MR 13: 198 n “A sacred purpose”

Nature of Tithe n Tithe is holy—not simply because it belongs to God— § But because of the holy purpose God assigns to it

Therefore, with tithe— Nature and function are inseparable Nature of Tithe Function of Tithe

Motivation for Tithing n. A response to God's Lordship and saving acts n No traces of legalism or gaining acceptance

The Spiritual Life and Tithing— n Must be preceded by true conversion n Is the result of a sanctified life n Requires spiritual sensitivity

Motivation for Tithing n 1. Soteriological motivation: Love toward God for what He accomplished in Christ for us

Motivation for Tithing n 2. Theological motivation of the universal Lordship of God: He owns everything He has appointed us as His stewards

Motivation for Tithing n 3. Moral motivation: God appeals to our moral consciousness and sense of ethical responsibility

Motivation for Tithing n 4. Missiological motivation “As our blessings and privileges are increased … should not our gratitude find expression in more abundant gifts to extend to others the message of salvation? ” PP 528 -529

Motivation for Tithing n 5. The motivation of the blessing § “Shall we receive blessings from the hand of God, and yet make no returns to Him— not even in giving Him our tithe, the portion which He has reserved unto Himself? ” MYP 306

Withholding Tithe Is there a condition under which it would be right to retain or misuse the tithe?

Reasons for Withholding Tithe n The Spirit of Prophecy rejects: – Debt – Poverty – Lack of confidence in administrators

Logistics of Tithing n The tithing system, as well as the procedure developed during the time of E. G. White to collect the tithe, was rather simple and practical

Teaching the Tithing System n Step 1 - Train the Laity § Biblical foundation for tithing § Practical aspects of tithing

Ministers to teach that: n Tithing is binding, as much today as in Israel of old n One must give a faithful and honest tithe n Tithe is to be given to the Lord, acknowledging dependence on God

Collecting the Tithe n Set aside the Lord’s portion first as— – A “ritual act” demonstrating that God is first in our lives – To protect from misuse or misappropriation

Collecting the Tithe n As an act of worship, take the tithe to church n “Faithful stewards to place the Lord’s money in His treasury” T 9: 59

Titheable Sources n Tithe is to be paid from all income and increase, allowing the individual freedom to determine the details

Uses of Tithe n Most difficult question Who decides how tithe is used? ?

Uses of Tithe n “God has given special direction as to the use of the tithe. ” It is to be placed in God’s treasury “and held sacred for His service as He has appointed. ” CS 101

Specific Usage of Tithe n The tithe should be used to support: n 1. Ministers of the Gospel n 2. Bible Teachers n 3. Pastors’ Wives in Gospel Ministry n 4. Medical Missionaries

Specific Usage of Tithe n The n 5. tithe should be used to support: Retired Ministers and their Families n 6. Publishing Department Directors n 7. Needy Mission Fields

Exceptional Use of Tithe n Exceptional cases mentioned: – 1. Sanitarium Medical Missionary Work – 2. Building Houses of Worship – 3. Paying a “Tithe Collector”

Incorrect Use of Tithe n 1. Personal Misuse 2. Pastoral Misuse n 3. Canvassers and Colporteurs n 4. Churches’ Misuse n

Incorrect Use of Tithe n 5. School Expenses 6. Assisting the Poor and Sick n 7. Pastors in Politics n

E. G. White’s Personal Tithe n Her tithe was sent to the conference treasury – Two exceptions were: § Salaries for Southern gospel ministers § Salaries for Ministers’ Wives working full-time

The Second Tithe – Deuteronomy – Taken to sanctuary every 2 years – Thank offering – Eaten in religious feast by— § Levites § The stranger § The fatherless § The widow

The Second Tithe n During the third year “this second tithe was used at home, in entertaining the Levite and the poor” and was “a fund for the uses of charity and hospitality” PP 530

The Second Tithe n The “second tithe” of Deuteronomy was “a tithe in addition to, and entirely distinct from, that given every year for the service of God. ” RH, March 11, 1884

The Second Tithe n “Giving a second tithe today is not discouraged by Ellen G. White, but neither is it strongly promoted by her” p. 37