Tithing by A.W. Pink (1886-1952)
Tithing is even more obligatory on the saints of the New Testament than it was upon God’s people in Old Testament days—not equally binding, but more binding, and that for two reasons: first, on the principle of “unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Luke 12:48). The obligations of God’s saints today are much greater than the obligations of the saints in Old Testament times, because our privileges and our blessings are greater. As grace is more potent than law, as love is more constraining than fear, as the Holy Spirit is more powerful than the flesh, so our obligations to tithe are greater, for we have a deeper incentive to do that which is pleasing to God.
Many people believe that because we are under grace that we have a free pass to live and do anything we want. They say we are not under the law anymore. What they fail to realize is that grace requires more than the law.
The law says don’t commit adultery, grace says that if we look with lust we are guilty. The law says don’t kill, grace says that if we hate we are guilty of murder.
How true it is, to whom much is given much is required.
What have you been given? What are you giving back?
When you say,”The obligations of God’s saints today are much greater than the obligations of the saints in Old Testament times, because our privileges and our blessings are greater.”
Are you saying that God had no mercy on His people in the O.T.? He called His people to live to a higher standard – to be a light to the Gentiles.(He still calls His Church to do that today.) They were a royal priesthood as well. When they repented, they were forgiven – just like today. Grace has to work with the law, not over or above it. The law tells us how to act and grace gives us the right motivation.
To whom much is given, much is required and we as children of God have been given a gift that cannot be repaid….except with our entire being.
Blessings to you in Christ,
Tim