According to Vanguard, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has issued a public apology regarding his earlier statement that any believer who does not pay tithes will not make it to heaven.
His remarks came during a message at the ongoing annual national youth convention of the church held at RCCG Redemption City.
“I am going to be talking to everybody as soon as God permit me, I am going to apologise for making a mistake for saying that if you don’t pay tithe, you will not be making it to heaven. That is wrong,” Adeboye stated, addressing a crowd of youth eager to hear his thoughts on the matter.
The pastor clarified his stance by emphasizing biblical principles, noting, “What the Bible says is to make peace with all men and holiness without which no man shall see God.”
He further reinforced his message by stating, “What the Bible says is, to follow peace with all men and holiness without which no man will make heaven.”
His apology has sparked conversations within the church community and beyond, as many believers grapple with the significance of tithing in their faith.
Adeboye elaborated on the complexity of spiritual understanding by explaining, “It is possible to be right and wrong at the same time. I will prove it to you. For years, we taught that light travels in a straight line. Later we say it travels in waves.”
This analogy served to illustrate how interpretations of faith and doctrine can evolve, reflecting a broader discourse within the church on the nature of scriptural teachings.
During his address, Adeboye also recounted an experience he had at a convention led by Kenneth E. Hagin in Tulsa, United States.
He shared a story about a participant who promised to contribute more than the total amount raised by all other attendees for the building of the Rhema Bible College.
“All participants had given about 3.5 million dollars towards the project,” Adeboye said, highlighting the extraordinary generosity and faith that can emerge within a community of believers.
The comments from the RCCG leader are particularly significant in light of the ongoing debates about tithing, especially as they relate to financial practices within religious institutions.
Many congregants have expressed their thoughts on the necessity of tithing, viewing it as both a spiritual obligation and a financial commitment.
However, Adeboye’s recent statement adds a new dimension to this discussion, suggesting that adherence to tithing is not the sole determinant of one’s spiritual standing.
Adeboye’s apology reflects a growing trend among religious leaders to address misconceptions and re-evaluate traditional teachings in light of contemporary understanding.
His acknowledgment of the need for humility and clarity in conveying spiritual messages has resonated with many, as it encourages a more inclusive interpretation of faith.
As the youth convention continues, many attendees are expected to engage in discussions surrounding Adeboye’s remarks, pondering their implications for personal faith and the collective mission of the RCCG.
His willingness to revisit and rectify past statements may not only strengthen his leadership but also foster a culture of openness and growth within the church community.
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