I apologise for saying if you don’t pay tithe, you won’t make it to heaven. I’m sorry, I was wrong, it’s not in the Bible

Pastor Enoch Adeboye the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God has issued a heartfelt public apology for his earlier statement that Christians who fail to pay tithes might not make it to heaven.

Speaking during the ongoing RCCG youth convention at Redemption City the revered cleric openly admitted his mistake and clarified the biblical position on salvation.

Adeboye stated that his previous teaching was wrong because it is not supported by Scripture. He emphasized that the Bible does not link tithing directly to entry into heaven. Instead, he pointed to the true biblical requirement for seeing God which is to follow peace with all men and pursue holiness without which no one shall see the Lord.

He humbly told the congregation he is sorry for saying if you do not pay tithe, you will not make it to heaven because that is not in the Bible.

The seasoned pastor illustrated his point by noting that it is possible to be right and wrong at the same time.

Drawing from his scientific background he explained that for many years people taught light travels only in a straight line until later discoveries showed it also travels in waves. This analogy served to show how teachings can evolve or need correction even when rooted in good intentions.

While correcting the record on salvation Adeboye strongly encouraged generous giving among believers. He said it is wrong to limit people to ten percent when many should be given twenty percent thirty percent or even forty percent.

He described ten percent as suitable only for beginners and urged that giving should be done with passion and violence in the spirit. His message highlighted the importance of going beyond the minimum to achieve greater financial and spiritual impact.

In the same address Adeboye shared a powerful testimony from one of Kenneth Hagins conventions in Tulsa United States. A man pledged to give more than all other participants combined toward building Rhema Bible College. When asked about his success the man revealed he started his company with just five hundred dollars and made God his senior partner promising not to insult Him with ten percent but to give ninety percent. Five years later his business turnover reached fifty million dollars. This story reinforced Adeboyes call for extravagant generosity.

The apology which comes years after the original teaching has sparked widespread discussions among Christians in Nigeria and beyond about tithing salvation and biblical accuracy. Many view it as a demonstration of humility from a leader who has influenced millions while others see it as an opportunity to reexamine long-held practices in the church. Adeboye expressed his plan to address the topic more fully in future messages as God permits.

This moment underscores the pastor’s commitment to aligning teachings with Scripture while inspiring believers toward deeper faith and open-handed generosity.