Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has issued an apology for a controversial statement he made regarding tithing and salvation. Speaking at the ongoing RCCG Annual National Youth Convention held at the Redemption City, Adeboye acknowledged that his previous assertion—that believers who do not pay tithes will not make heaven—was incorrect and not grounded in the Bible.
In his heartfelt apology, Pastor Adeboye clarified, “I made a mistake in saying that if you don’t pay tithe, you will not make heaven. That statement is wrong. It is not in the Bible.” He went on to reference Hebrews 12:14, emphasizing the importance of peace and holiness in the journey to heaven, stating, “The Bible says, ‘Follow peace with all men and holiness, without which no man shall see God.’”
Adeboye explained that even spiritual leaders can sometimes misinterpret scripture, saying, “It is possible to be both right and wrong at the same time.” He offered an example from science, mentioning how the understanding of light evolved from traveling in straight lines to waves, illustrating how perspectives can change over time.
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During his address, Pastor Adeboye also shared an inspiring personal testimony from an experience at a Kenneth E. Hagin convention in Tulsa, United States. He recounted how a businessman who started his company with just $500 pledged to give more than all other participants combined toward the construction of the Rhema Bible College. Years later, the businessman’s company had grown to a turnover of $50 million, illustrating the blessings tied to generous giving.
Pastor Adeboye used this testimony to emphasize the power of sacrificial giving and violent praise. He reminded believers that violent, heartfelt praise, much like King David’s, can bring about God’s favor and dominance in life. “David praised God with all his might, not gently but violently, and God elevated him to become king despite not being the firstborn,” Adeboye said.
He also pointed to King Solomon, who gave generously to God, leading to unparalleled peace and prosperity during his reign. Adeboye encouraged believers to follow Solomon’s example of extravagant giving, promising that such acts attract God’s blessings and favor.
