Since the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, made his controversial apology that those who do not pay tithe would not make heaven, the mainstream and social media have been awashed with comments and editorials on the matter.
Their opinions have even drawn more controversies with some claiming that Pastor Adeboye’s apology meant that payment of tithes is not necessary to make heaven. The exact words of Pastor Adeboye were: ‘I am going to be apologizing for making a mistake, for saying that if you don’t pay tithe, you might not make it to heaven. I am sorry; that is wrong. That is not in the bible. What the bible says is, be at peace with all men and holiness, without which, no man shall see God…’
From his quote, it is very clear that the religious leader never asked people not to pay tithe. However, he was right and humble to have apologised for linking payment of tithe to going to heaven because the bible did not say so. Moreover, Deuteronomy 4:2 clearly states that: ‘Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it.’ However, there is an element of controversy in his apology and Pastor Adeboye understood this when he said ‘now, listen to me. It is possible to be right and wrong at the same time…’ The bible states in Exodus 20:15 ‘you shall not steal.’ Payment of tithe is a biblical command as stated in Malachi 3:10-12, which also states the benefits of paying tithes.
In the same Malachi 3:8-9, the bible describes those who do not pay tithes as robbers and under a curse. The question, therefore, is will those who steal/rob make heaven? For those whose answer is No, they can make meaning from what Pastor Adeboye said that it is possible to be right and wrong at the same time – the payment or non-payment of tithe and not making heaven is not in the bible, yet, it is God’s command.
Even when Pastor Adeboye held his earlier position, it was not compulsory, but optional for any member of the RCCG to pay tithes. Those who do not pay tithes have their reasons as it is for those who pay.
For some Christians who do not pay tithes, their reason is that the command was directed at the Levites. Conversely, those who pay tithes have their reasons and until and unless otherwise, nothing will stop them. Tithe payment should not be added to the recent controversies in Christendom.
For a while now, some Pastors and General Overseers have openly condemned religious beliefs they hitherto espoused on the altars of God, while some have joined in condemning the beliefs and religious practices of other pastors and churches. It is beginning to look like doggy dog world scenarios. The Christian faith took aback when well known Televangelist, Benny Hynn, apologized for his many years of prosperity gospel and prophecies not authorized by God. Lately, the Senior Pastor, Kingdom Life Network, Abel Damina, has been making headline news while some religious ministers claim his preachings are heresies.
The sermons associated with Pastor Damina include: ‘your spirit is the holy spirit; Jesus is not the Lion of the tribe of Judah; Angel does not know much; Abraham was a dubious businessman – we should copy only his faith; God didn’t tell Noah to build ark; Sin does not condemn anyone; Mary, the mother of Jesus was never a virgin.’ For many Nigerian Christians, the heresies of Pastor Damina are not in any way near that of the Indian-British, Salmon Rushdie in his book, The Satanic Verses, first published in 1988, while for others, he is preaching the truth.
Ordinarily, the body of Christ is one. But different denominations have come up with different doctrines and beliefs, making it look as if the bible contradicts itself. A good example is drinking alcohol. Many Christians or denominations take alcohol and many are tuthetolas. Both classes cite the bible as the basis for their decisions.
For those that take, they point to the bible verse where Jesus turned water into wine, John 2:7-10. Also, 1Timothy 5:23, states: ‘No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.’ Ecclesiastes 10:19 is categorical that ‘a feast is made for laughter, wine makes life merry…’
Conversely, there are Christians who are tuthetolas simply because the bible makes references to the dangers of taking alcoholic drinks. For example, Proverbs 20:1 is clear that “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” It is for this reason John Faucit Saville said that ‘the sight of a drunkard is a better sermon against the vice than the best that was ever preached on the subject.’
Many people have met their Waterloo or caused the deaths of others as a result of drunkenness. So, when the bible says in Proverbs 31:6: ‘Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish and wine unto the bitter in soul,’ we should understand what it means. Nevertheless, the bible did not condemn drinking of alcohol. My understanding is that Christians should drink moderately and not get drunk as drunkenness can lead to sin and death.
There are other controversial topics in the bible. For example, polygamy versus monogamy. Some polygamists in the Old Testament that God lauded for doing exploits were Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and David, while the chief chronic polygamist was Solomon. But critics of polygamy would say these examples are in the Old Testament. Yet, it is the same Old Testament in Malachi that those in support of tithe payment anchor their reference.
In order not to be confused by preachings of some so-called ‘Men of God’, Christians must read and understand the bible for themselves, as recommended in 2Timothy 2:15 ‘study to show your self approved like a workman rightly dividing the word.’ Finally, 2Timothy: 2:19, states that ‘the Lord knows those who are His.’ There is only one way to make heaven: ‘fear God and keep His commandments for this is the only duty of man’ – Ecclesiastes 12:13.
