•Pastor Enoch Adeboye
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has publicly apologised for a statement he previously made, claiming that those who do not pay tithes would not enter heaven.
The man of God’s earlier comments on tithing sparked widespread debate among Nigerians, with many questioning the biblical basis of such claims, reports Nigerian Tribune.
However, he has retracted the statement, admitting that he was wrong.
In a recent sermon, Pastor Adeboye acknowledged that his earlier stance was incorrect and not supported by the Bible.
He admitted that his remarks had caused confusion among believers and sought forgiveness from those who may have been misled by his words.
He said, “I’m going to be apologising for making a mistake. For saying that if you don’t pay tithe you might not make it to heaven. Sorry, that’s wrong. That is not in the Bible. What the bible says is have peace with all men and holiness without which no man shall see God.”
Giving 10 percent tithe to God is for only beginners — Pastor Adeboye
Pastor Adeboye however went on to described the act of giving 10 percent of one’s income as tithe to God as a practice meant for beginners in faith.
He emphasised that while tithing is a biblical principle, it represents just the starting point for Christians. He explained that mature believers are expected to give even more as an expression of their devotion and gratitude to God.
He explained that tithing, which is giving 10 percent of your income, is for beginners. As you grow in your faith and understanding of God’s blessings, you realise that God deserves even more.
He urged Christians to go beyond the minimum tithe and seek to live lives of greater generosity, noting that blessings come from a heart willing to give sacrificially.
He said, ”Now let me tell you. Listen to me. You know it is possible to be right and wrong at the same time. I will prove it to you. I may have been a scientist, I know that. For years, we thought that light travels in straight lines.’
“Now, is that correct? Atleast those of you who know a little bit of physics will say sure but light doesn’t bent at corners, it goes straight. But later on we discover that it’s not just straight at all as a rod, light travels in waves. Going one direction but in waves.
”It is wrong to limit you to 10% at a time when some of you should be paying 20%, 30% or 40%. 10% should be for beginners. Giving should be violently.”
The Frontier reports that tithing, a common practice in many Christian denominations, involves giving 10 percent of one’s income to the church as a form of worship and obedience to God.
However, the doctrine surrounding its necessity for salvation has long been a subject of contention.
