| What is Oneness Pentecostalism by Michael W Matkin |
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I Intro
II A Brief History
III Oneness Doctrine
IV Biblical Truths of the Triune Nature of God
V What We Believe - Our Doctrinal Position on the Trinity
INTRO
I am writing this article because of the ever growing concern I feel burdened with over the increasing
distance the church is drifting; deeper into apostasy. Due to the absence of sound Biblical teaching in
todays church the average Christian is now unequipped, spiritually immature and can easily be
deceived, confused and led astray by todays popular false teachings that on the surface appear to be
Christian. For the most part Oneness Pentecostalism and the apostolic church movement have seemed
to go unnoticed by the church (see 5 fold ministry). Oneness Pentecostalism boasts the third largest
anti-Trinitarian church movement (5-6 million), falling under the Jehovah witnesses and Mormonism.
The growth rate of apostate churches embracing doctrinal errors should alarm every true believer in
Christ and more alarming is they appear to go unnoticed. They have crept in unnoticed and we have
put up with it. They may deny the Trinity but they affirm the deity of Christ, therefor resembling the
true church in that aspect and creating difficulty in discerning the difference in their perverted gospel.
John MacArthur wrote "most false teachers are not so conspicuously unspiritual, they usually do a
passable job of imitating the fruit of the Spirit."1 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms
himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves
into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. (NKJV. 2 Co 11:14)
II A Brief History
III Oneness Doctrine
IV Biblical Truths of the Triune Nature of God
V What We Believe - Our Doctrinal Position on the Trinity
INTRO
I am writing this article because of the ever growing concern I feel burdened with over the increasing
distance the church is drifting; deeper into apostasy. Due to the absence of sound Biblical teaching in
todays church the average Christian is now unequipped, spiritually immature and can easily be
deceived, confused and led astray by todays popular false teachings that on the surface appear to be
Christian. For the most part Oneness Pentecostalism and the apostolic church movement have seemed
to go unnoticed by the church (see 5 fold ministry). Oneness Pentecostalism boasts the third largest
anti-Trinitarian church movement (5-6 million), falling under the Jehovah witnesses and Mormonism.
The growth rate of apostate churches embracing doctrinal errors should alarm every true believer in
Christ and more alarming is they appear to go unnoticed. They have crept in unnoticed and we have
put up with it. They may deny the Trinity but they affirm the deity of Christ, therefor resembling the
true church in that aspect and creating difficulty in discerning the difference in their perverted gospel.
John MacArthur wrote "most false teachers are not so conspicuously unspiritual, they usually do a
passable job of imitating the fruit of the Spirit."1 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms
himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves
into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. (NKJV. 2 Co 11:14)
A Brief History
Although Oneness Pentecostalism/Jesus Only movement has gone by somewhat deceptively unnoticed, in order
to give an accurate historical description we must go back to the third century. Satan is the master deceiver but
he often uses the same tactics and methods of deception wrapped in a new contemporary package. During the
third century, Sabellius, a leading church leader in Rome, was able to influence his distorted beliefs throughout
much of the church, eventually leading to his excommunication from the church. By the mid third century
Sabellianism had spread through the Mediterranean region. Sabellianism stresses the 'oneness' of God to the
extreme degree of denying any form of a Triune Godhead or distinctions between the Father, Son and Holy
Spirit. Sabellius claimed the three names all belong to one person of deity who manifest himself into different
characters or even three different modes of being; a form of modalism. Modalism is the belief that God
expresses himself in three different 'modes' as if to transform himself in order to fit the need at the current
moment in time, not existing simultaneously in three person's making no distinctions between Father, Son and
Holy Spirit. Oneness Pentecostalism is nothing more than a revived form of Sabellianism molded to fit the
modern needs (wants) of todays church of prosperity with TD Jakes as its main media figure. They reshape the
gospel and make it about them, not about God and His sovereign grace. As far as the recent history of
Oneness Pentecostalism, the movement can be traced back to a revival meeting in LA, CA. on April 15, 1913. A
Canadian revivalist, R.E. McAlister, baptised in the name of Jesus only, on the grounds of Acts 2:38, claiming
this scripture out of context. As a result of spending time with McAlister, evangelist Frank Ewart was converted
to this practice. Two years later Ewart gave a sermon on Acts 2:38 further developing his modalistic theology.
He was then rebaptised into the Jesus only practice of baptism. Thus began the rebaptism of numerous
Pentecostals, spreading rapidly throughout the Assemblies of God Church. However, it must be noted that as a
response in 1916 the Assemblies of God required the adherence to trinitarian theology in their statement of
faith resulting in many of their ministers leaving to form an independent Oneness Pentecostal denomination.
Oneness Doctrine
Biblical Truths of the Triune Nature of God
The Trinity is the belief of the triune nature of the Godhead existing in three distinct persons, the Father, the
Son and the Holy Spirit, yet one in essence. The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the most important teachings
in Christianity. In Pauls second epistle to the church in Thessalonica he explains the work of God on behalf of
believers by all three persons of the Godhead. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren
beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of
the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our
Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught,
whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath
loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
(KJV 2 Th 2:13 emphasis added).
To list all the Biblical text supporting the Trinity could take several pages, so I will list only a few,
(taken from the KJV).
Col 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full
assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
2 Co 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be
with you all. Amen.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Colossians 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
Matthew 3:16,17 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens
were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a
voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Defending the Truth Ministries doctrinal position on the Trinity
We believe there is one, eternal, infinite God existing in three distinct persons of the Trinity yet one in essence.
The Father, Son and Holy Spirit coexisting in unity of the Godhead. Each containing separate identities and
functions yet act in unity; consisting of different personalities which share in the same essence of omniscient,
omnipotent, eternal, uncreated Spirit. The clear distinctions of the Father, Son and Spirit does not subtract
from their unity of one God.
Oneness Pentecostalism creates an alternate Christ as well as a different gospel, distorting and perverting the
person of Christ. The triune nature of God is a central doctrine in scripture and has been revealed to us. To
deny this is to reject the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.(Jude 3)
Notes:
1 (John MacArthur, The Truth War p. 79)
2 The Apostles' Doctrine - http://www.upci.org/tracts/doctrine.htm.
Although Oneness Pentecostalism/Jesus Only movement has gone by somewhat deceptively unnoticed, in order
to give an accurate historical description we must go back to the third century. Satan is the master deceiver but
he often uses the same tactics and methods of deception wrapped in a new contemporary package. During the
third century, Sabellius, a leading church leader in Rome, was able to influence his distorted beliefs throughout
much of the church, eventually leading to his excommunication from the church. By the mid third century
Sabellianism had spread through the Mediterranean region. Sabellianism stresses the 'oneness' of God to the
extreme degree of denying any form of a Triune Godhead or distinctions between the Father, Son and Holy
Spirit. Sabellius claimed the three names all belong to one person of deity who manifest himself into different
characters or even three different modes of being; a form of modalism. Modalism is the belief that God
expresses himself in three different 'modes' as if to transform himself in order to fit the need at the current
moment in time, not existing simultaneously in three person's making no distinctions between Father, Son and
Holy Spirit. Oneness Pentecostalism is nothing more than a revived form of Sabellianism molded to fit the
modern needs (wants) of todays church of prosperity with TD Jakes as its main media figure. They reshape the
gospel and make it about them, not about God and His sovereign grace. As far as the recent history of
Oneness Pentecostalism, the movement can be traced back to a revival meeting in LA, CA. on April 15, 1913. A
Canadian revivalist, R.E. McAlister, baptised in the name of Jesus only, on the grounds of Acts 2:38, claiming
this scripture out of context. As a result of spending time with McAlister, evangelist Frank Ewart was converted
to this practice. Two years later Ewart gave a sermon on Acts 2:38 further developing his modalistic theology.
He was then rebaptised into the Jesus only practice of baptism. Thus began the rebaptism of numerous
Pentecostals, spreading rapidly throughout the Assemblies of God Church. However, it must be noted that as a
response in 1916 the Assemblies of God required the adherence to trinitarian theology in their statement of
faith resulting in many of their ministers leaving to form an independent Oneness Pentecostal denomination.
Oneness Doctrine
- The Trinity - The most distinguishing belief of Oneness Pentecostalism is the fact they deny the Trinity.
They believe God transforms Himself into different roles of the Trinity, manifesting himself into different
characters. Oneness belief states that God is one with no distinctions of persons, also known as
modalism. Simply stated, the Godhead does not consist of three distinct persons of one substance but
rather a single person changing titles when performing various roles. Modalistic theology can not be
supported Biblically - Jesus only baptism - Oneness Pentecostals have continued the practice of Jesus only baptism. David
Bernard, a Oneness apologist, claims Matt 28:19 refers to the three names of one being. Oneness beliefs
also claim Jesus only baptism is essential for salvation.2 Ironically, Matt 28:19 is clear in refuting the
erroneous doctrine of Oneness Pentecostalism. During the baptism of Christ all three persons of the
Trinity were present. Christ was baptised, the Spirit of God descended from heaven upon Him and the
Father said "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."(Matt 3:17). How could the Father speak
and the Spirit descend on Jesus if the Father, Son and Holy Spirit were not three distinct persons.
Matthew 3 :16-17 disproves Oneness doctrine beyond any doubt. "When He had been baptized, Jesus
came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the
Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven,
saying,“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16,17 NKJV) - Tongues - Many Oneness Pentecostals believe that speaking in tongues is not only a sign of true
salvation but a requirement. However, they do not believe speaking in tongues in itself will save anyone
but believe it is a sign. Just as works will follow faith, they believe tongues will follow a Spirit baptism.
Biblical Truths of the Triune Nature of God
The Trinity is the belief of the triune nature of the Godhead existing in three distinct persons, the Father, the
Son and the Holy Spirit, yet one in essence. The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the most important teachings
in Christianity. In Pauls second epistle to the church in Thessalonica he explains the work of God on behalf of
believers by all three persons of the Godhead. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren
beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of
the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our
Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught,
whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath
loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
(KJV 2 Th 2:13 emphasis added).
To list all the Biblical text supporting the Trinity could take several pages, so I will list only a few,
(taken from the KJV).
Col 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full
assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
2 Co 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be
with you all. Amen.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Colossians 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
Matthew 3:16,17 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens
were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a
voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Defending the Truth Ministries doctrinal position on the Trinity
We believe there is one, eternal, infinite God existing in three distinct persons of the Trinity yet one in essence.
The Father, Son and Holy Spirit coexisting in unity of the Godhead. Each containing separate identities and
functions yet act in unity; consisting of different personalities which share in the same essence of omniscient,
omnipotent, eternal, uncreated Spirit. The clear distinctions of the Father, Son and Spirit does not subtract
from their unity of one God.
Oneness Pentecostalism creates an alternate Christ as well as a different gospel, distorting and perverting the
person of Christ. The triune nature of God is a central doctrine in scripture and has been revealed to us. To
deny this is to reject the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.(Jude 3)
Notes:
1 (John MacArthur, The Truth War p. 79)
2 The Apostles' Doctrine - http://www.upci.org/tracts/doctrine.htm.