Pastor Adeboye’s Apology Sparks Renewed Debate on Tithing

 

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has issued an apology following a statement he made linking tithing to salvation. The apology came after a video of his sermon surfaced online, where he suggested that paying tithes was essential for entering heaven.

The sermon triggered widespread criticism, with many accusing the respected cleric of placing financial contributions above spiritual matters. Among those opposed to the message is Pastor Abel Damina of Power City International Ministry, who has consistently preached against the payment of tithes. Damina emphasized that there is no record in the Bible of Jesus paying or receiving tithes, nor did the early church demand them.

Responding to the backlash, Pastor Adeboye acknowledged that his statement was incorrect and lacked biblical support. He clarified during RCCG's National Youth Convention that salvation is based on following peace and holiness, as taught in Scripture, rather than financial contributions to the church. "I apologise for saying, ‘If you don’t pay tithe, you might not make it to heaven.’ 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,’" Adeboye explained. He also noted that paying 10 percent as tithe is meant for beginners in the faith.

Several Christian leaders praised Adeboye’s humility in apologizing. Dr. Samson Ayokunle, former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), described the apology as a reflection of the pastor’s humility and character. Similarly, Archbishop Osazee Williams lauded Adeboye's ability to acknowledge a mistake, noting that few leaders are willing to admit such errors publicly.

However, not all reactions were supportive of Adeboye's stance. Rev. Oyewale Oyeniyi, President of the Baptist Church in Ogun State, argued that refusing to pay tithes constitutes disobedience to God, which, in his view, could prevent one from entering heaven. He maintained that while the Bible may not explicitly state that non-tithers will go to hell, failing to follow God’s command on tithing is a form of disobedience that could have eternal consequences.

The apology has reignited debates on social media about the relevance of tithing in Christianity. While some view tithing as a biblical practice that encourages generosity, others criticize it as outdated and exploitative. Online personality Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, commended Adeboye for his apology and urged other pastors to follow suit, calling out those who have allegedly manipulated biblical teachings to fit personal narratives.