Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, has expressed regret for his earlier statement suggesting that Christians who don’t pay tithes might not reach heaven Initially, he claimed that tithing was essential for salvation. However, during a youth gathering at the RCCG Youth Convention in Ogun State, he referred to this remark as a “mistake” and highlighted that the Bible emphasizes peaceful and holy living as the true requirements for entering heaven.
“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. What the Bible says is ‘Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see God’,” he said.
Adeboye explained “It is possible to be right and wrong at the same time. I will prove it to you. I’m a scientist, so I know that for years, we thought that light travels in straight lines….
“We later learned that light travels in waves. It’s limiting to restrict yourself to 10 percent when others are discussing 20, 30, or even 40 percent. I think 10 percent is just for beginners. I trust that soon I will have the chance to share more details with you.”
Adeboye recounted a story about a man who pledged N3.5 million during a fundraising event at a conference for the late American preacher Kenneth Hagin, matching the total contributions of the entire congregation. He shared that this encounter motivated him to reconsider tithing beyond the traditional 10 percent. When he asked the man about his success, the man revealed that five years ago, he started a business with $500, telling God that he would not insult Him with just 10 percent—promising to give 90 percent instead if his business prospered. Now, five years later, his turnover is $50 million.
Adeboye remarked that since that day, he has been gradually increasing his own contributions. While he hasn’t yet reached 90 percent, he is certainly above 10 percent. He concluded that it would be wrong for him to suggest that others should limit themselves to just 10 percent.
