In a surprising turn of events, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has publicly apologised for his previous statement that those who do not pay tithes may not make it to heaven.
The revered Nigerian pastor, known for his calm demeanour and spiritual leadership, admitted he was wrong when he claimed that tithing was a requirement for entering heaven. The cleric’s retraction came during the ongoing RCCG youth convention on Thursday, October 3, 2024, where he sought to inspire the younger generation to serve God with passion.
Speaking to a congregation of young believers, Pastor Adeboye took a pause from his sermon to address the controversial comment he made in the past. His earlier statement, which linked non-payment of tithe to one’s inability to enter heaven, had drawn attention and debate from various Christian communities. With his apology, he acknowledged the error in his earlier teaching.
“I am sorry for saying that if you don’t pay tithe, you won’t go to heaven,” Adeboye said, addressing the congregation. “That is not in the Bible. What the Bible says is, ‘Follow peace with all men and holiness, without which no man shall see God.'”
This clear admission from the pastor has resonated widely, especially given his previous firm stance on the matter. For years, Pastor Adeboye has been one of the most influential voices advocating for tithe payments, a practice where believers give 10% of their income to the church. However, this latest clarification underscores his humility and willingness to correct his statements when necessary.
Pastor Adeboye did not hesitate to take full responsibility for his earlier statement. “It is possible to be right and wrong at the same time,” he remarked, likening his previous teaching to outdated scientific beliefs. “For years, we taught that light travels in a straight line. Later, we say it travels in waves,” he added, illustrating how knowledge can evolve over time.
The pastor acknowledged that while tithing is an important practice in Christian faith, it should not be seen as a direct pathway to heaven. He further explained that peaceful living and holiness are the true criteria for entering the Kingdom of God, as outlined in the Bible.
His words echoed with sincerity as he made it clear that his previous statement about non-tithers being barred from heaven was a mistake. “I apologise,” he said firmly, drawing appreciation from his congregation and online viewers alike.
Though Pastor Adeboye corrected his stance on the necessity of tithe payments for salvation, he didn’t dismiss the importance of giving to God’s work. In fact, the pastor used the opportunity to challenge his audience to give even more generously. He urged his listeners not to be limited to the traditional 10% tithe, especially for those with greater means.
“10 per cent should be for beginners,” Adeboye said. He emphasised that giving to God should go beyond basic expectations and should be done with passion. “If you want to be on top and control finances, you will give beyond 10 per cent,” he added, encouraging the youth to give “violently” as a way to express their faith and commitment.
His advice to give more generously was accompanied by a story of a wealthy Christian businessman he met at a convention held by Kenneth E. Hagin in the United States. The man had started his business with just $500, and after committing to give more than 10% of his income to God, he saw his business grow exponentially, eventually making $50 million in turnover.
Adeboye recalled how inspired he was by the man’s sacrificial giving. “If we are going to dominate, we have to give violently,” the pastor said, pushing his congregation to consider more generous acts of giving.
The RCCG leader also offered some relationship advice, urging young couples to remain romantic in their marriages despite their spiritual commitments. “Be romantic,” he advised. “Anointing doesn’t reduce romance in marriage.”
