Evangelical and prosperity preacher Jesse Duplantis made a bold claim during an interview on a recent “Victorython”, claiming that he believes Jesus hasn’t returned yet because people haven’t given enough money.

“I honestly believe this — the reason why Jesus hasn’t come is because people are not giving the way God told them to give,” Duplantis said.

“I realized that I will not move people emotionally to give, I’m gonna have people move according to the word of God. What is God saying to you? … If people would call this number and put this victory all over the world, every available voice, every available outlet, God the Father would say, ‘Jesus, go get ’em.’”

The pastor continued: “…because, you see, he wants to see us as much as we want to see him. … And so what is hindering all these things is because people are not doing in the financial realm — because we’re living in an economic world — what God’s called them to do.”

“So I don’t have a problem with giving, I don’t have a problem with receiving. It doesn’t make any difference, I just made up my mind, I want Jesus to come.”

To be clear, these is no biblical evidence to support the claim that Jesus’ return is dependent on financial giving.

“Victorython” is a live, four day fundraising event for Kenneth Copeland Ministries, which Jesse Duplantis says God spoke to him and told him to do: “God told me to coordinate an effort to have every ministry featured on VICTORY Channel, who all receive and benefit from free airtime, to come together for a live, four-day, televised special to encourage people to support the expansion of the channel.”

To see the moment in question, skip to 1:42:30 below: