Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has issued a heartfelt apology for his previous statement suggesting that Christians who do not pay tithes would not make it to heaven. The apology was made during the ongoing RCCG Youth Convention at the Redemption City along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State.

In his address, Pastor Adeboye acknowledged that his earlier remarks were incorrect and not supported by biblical teachings. He clarified that the Bible emphasizes the importance of living in peace and holiness as the true prerequisites for salvation.

“I apologize 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,” Pastor Adeboye stated. “What the Bible says is, ‘Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see God.’”

Pastor Adeboye explained that his intention was never to mislead his congregation but to encourage a deeper commitment to faith and generosity. He shared a story of a businessman who pledged to give 90% of his company’s earnings to God, which led to significant success. This testimony, he said, inspired him to gradually increase his own tithing beyond the basic 10%.

“It is wrong to limit you to 10% when someone is talking of 20, 30, 40%. Ten percent should be for beginners,” he added. “I’ve not reached 90% yet, but I am striving towards it.”

The RCCG leader emphasized that his apology is a step towards correcting any misunderstandings and reaffirming the church’s commitment to biblical teachings. He urged his followers to focus on living a life of peace and holiness, as these are the true conditions for entering heaven.