The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has publicly apologized for a previous statement in which he claimed that believers who do not pay tithes would not make it to heaven.
Addressing thousands of attendees at the ongoing RCCG Annual National Youth Convention at the Redemption City, Adeboye humbly admitted his error.
He said, “I am going to apologize for making a mistake by saying that if you don’t pay tithe, you will not make it to heaven. That is wrong. That is not in the Bible.”
He clarified the biblical position, citing Hebrews 12:14: “What the Bible says is, ‘Follow peace with all men and holiness, without which no man shall see God.’”
The respected cleric went on to draw a parallel between his mistake and scientific developments, noting how once it was believed that light travels in straight lines, only to later learn it also travels in waves.
“It is possible to be right and wrong at the same time,” he explained.
Pastor Adeboye also shared an impactful testimony about a man he encountered during a Kenneth E. Hagin convention in Tulsa, USA. The man, who had begun a business with $500, made a commitment to God, vowing not to insult Him with just 10% of his earnings. Within five years, the man’s business had grown to an impressive turnover of $50 million, inspiring Pastor Adeboye to also give generously toward God’s work.
In his message, Adeboye emphasized the power of praise and giving, drawing inspiration from King David. He pointed out that David, despite being overlooked in his family, became king because he praised God “violently” and without reserve.
“When we are much younger in the Lord, we praise God freely. But as we grow, our praise becomes gentle, more civilised, and polite. David, even after becoming king, danced so vigorously that his wife mocked him.”
The RCCG leader urged believers to adopt what he called “violent giving,” referencing King Solomon’s extravagant offerings. He explained that Solomon’s generous giving earned him God’s promise of unparalleled peace and prosperity.
Pastor Adeboye’s message served as a reminder to the faithful to give and praise God with passion, leaving no room for half-heartedness in their worship.