The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has publicly apologized for a controversial statement regarding tithing and salvation. During a recent message, Pastor Adeboye had previously implied that Christians who do not pay their tithe may not make it to heaven. However, he has since acknowledged that the statement was a mistake, explaining that his earlier comments were not supported by scripture.
Pastor Adeboye addressed the issue during a sermon at the RCCG’s ongoing Youth Convention, held at Redemption City along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State. Speaking to a large congregation of young Christians, he apologized for his earlier remarks, saying, “I apologise for saying, ‘If you don’t pay tithe, you might not make it to heaven.’ I’m sorry, that’s wrong, and it’s not in the Bible.”
Adeboye clarified that the Bible does not mention tithing as a requirement for entering heaven. Instead, he emphasized that living in peace and holiness is the true biblical prerequisite for salvation, as stated in Hebrews 12:14: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see God.”
The respected cleric used the opportunity to further explain that mistakes can happen, even to religious leaders. “It is possible to be right and wrong at the same time,” he said, providing an analogy from his background in science. He explained how it was once believed that light travels only in straight lines, but scientists later discovered that light also moves in waves, illustrating how new understanding can emerge over time.
During his message, Pastor Adeboye also shared his personal perspective on tithing, noting that while 10% is traditionally recommended, there is nothing wrong with giving more. He recounted an inspirational story about a businessman who gave 90% of his profits to God after his company prospered, attributing his financial success to his generosity. Adeboye admitted that since hearing this testimony, he has gradually increased his own tithe beyond the standard 10%, although he has not yet reached 90%.
Adeboye concluded his apology by urging Christians to focus on the core teachings of the Bible, which emphasize living a life of holiness and peace with others, rather than being fixated on tithing as a pathway to heaven.
