(See the following verses affirming the personality and deity of the Holy Spirit: Luke 12:12; John 15:26; Acts 5:3-10; 13:2-4; 1 Cor. But you have the symbol!!! "Michael Burgos has produced a brilliant blend of systematic theology and biblical exegesis with a detailed and thorough discussion of the main passages at the center of the dispute between Oneness Pentecostalism and traditional trinitarianism. The UPCI was organized in 1945 with the union of two predominately white groups started earlier in the century. What arguments do they use to support this proposition? Arguing unipersonalism (unitarianism) assumes a conclusion that is meant to be proved. Encyclopedia of American Religions. While many studies have been written to provide a critique of other heterodox Christian groups (e.g., Jehovah's Witnesses, the LDS Church), there is a general lack of careful scholarship examining the theological claims of Oneness Pentecostals. 4. A Definitive Look at Oneness Theology: In the Light of Biblical Trinitarianism, Christianity without the Cross: A History of Salvation in Oneness Pentecostalism, In Jesus Name - The History and Beliefs of Oneness Penecostals, C.H. with v. 9) out and then pretext into them a modalistic understandingwe call this eisegesis. Further, the Father is spirit. Matthew 28:19 also affirms their views that Jesus commanded His disciples to baptize in the name (singular) of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The term Pentecostal is derived from Pentecost, an event that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of . And over two hundred times, Scripture speaks of the Holy Spirit and Jesus as distinct persons- and Never once does Scripture call Jesus the Father or the Holy Spirit.. But these do suffice in showing that the Bible affirms that God is triune, and militates against Oneness unitarianism. There are three problems with this worth pointing out. The block of Oneness ministers present urged against such a move but was overruled. But typically, God became a man. Mark 16:18 is part of a disputed portion of Marks text. But standing by the cross [para t staur] of Jesus were His mother, and His mothers sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.. The assumption that Jesus is never referred to as the Father is incorrect. If you are going to claim that there is a pattern in the book of Acts wherein everybody who is filled with the Spirit also speaks in tongues, you have a problem, because that pattern is broken on two occasions. John 6:38). The first two chapters of the text outline the basis for the Oneness Pentecostals' disbelief in the Holy Trinity - and their belief that the Father, Son and Holy Ghost are simply . Oneness Pentecostals brand themselves apostolic. They will suggest that they are following the model of the earliest apostles. Different prepositions: Throughout John chapter 14 (and chaps. For God does not share His glory with no one (cf. After all, he did not say, I am the Father, in this verse. Pentecostal Church of Apostolic Faith (PCAF)-25,000 Recently a well-known pastor, television preacher, and best-selling author was asked about his beliefs about God. In speaking of the coming of the Holy Spirit, Jesus tells them, I will come to you. Is this not a clear identification of the Holy Spirit with himself? How can tongues function as the sign of salvation if you do not even know the difference between tongues for edification and the gift of tongues? His will is one with the will of the Father. Every time somebody is saved throughout the book of Acts, we will see them speaking in tongues. This new anti-trinitarian belief needs to be understood and addressed, and it must be done so differently than Unitarianism of a by-gone day. 14:7, 10, 16; etc.). 2:10). Is Jesus the Father and the Holy Spirit? - Christian Research Institute Well, this would be to ignore all of the prepositions of this passage. The Apostle John was very concerned as to the false beliefs and teachings of Jesus Christ, as he gives this warning: Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also (1 John 2:23). Today, however, the strongest anti-trinitarian movement known as the Oneness Pentecostals exists as self-proclaimed Evangelicals. They believe that Jesus and the Father are one essential person, though operating as different modes. If there is anyone out there in a Oneness church who has questions in their mind about the truthfulness of Oneness doctrine and what the Scriptures actually teach, this is the book for them. Beisner, E. Cal. Oneness Pentecostal . They are not three distinct persons. During the Last Supper, the disciples were distraught. Unless you are going to say that Jesus only had one disciple, I do not think this can be used as a proof-text for Oneness theology. 50 This is the bread which comes down ek tou ouranou, so that one may eat of it and not die. Throughout the passage, it is clear that Jesus is speaking of someone else. If the Son has not eternally existed with (personally distinct from) the Father why then is the Son presented as the agent of creation, that is, the Creator Himself? Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. Oneness adherents (along with Muslims and Jehovahs Witnesses) wrongly assume that the concept or word one when referring to God (e.g., Deut. Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them. The argument isn't against modesty, but that the descriptions the New Testament gives are examples from the first century and aren't universal prohibitions for every time and culture . Further, turning to 1 John 1:3, not only does John show that believers have fellowship with both the Father and the Son, but the Father and the Son are clearly distinguished as two persons by the repeated article tou (the) and the repeated preposition meta (with): We proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with [meta] us; and indeed our fellowship is with the [meta tou] Father and with [kai meta] His Son [tou huiou], Jesus Christ (see esp. John 9:39) the invisible Father (cf. 14. To see our price, add these items to your cart. Biblical Response: The Oneness Pentecostal view of God is similar to the ancient heresy of Modalism. Many small Oneness groups formed after 1916, though many have remained independent. ; and there is a Japanese form, again with no religious significance. Second, when did the Son have this glory (which only God has, Isa, 42:8)? Second, it may be said that the name of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit is YHWH. The largest oneness movements today are the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) and the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW). plural nouns, adjectives, verbs, prepositions) to describe the one God? Note: In this beautiful passage (Jesus high priestly prayer) the Son (for Jesus says, Now, Father) says that He possessed or shared glory with the Father, before time. Jesus asked in verse 11, Are you the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things? Nicodemus should have understood as the teacher of Israel. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates, Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt, Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon. Library : The Pentecostalism Controversy | Catholic Culture If the Son did not eternally exist with the Father as a distinct person why is it that the Son is said to be sent from the Father out of heaven? He doesnt fully understand the Christology or Godhead. Thanks! Many trinitarians, unfortunately, have never heard of these arguments before. 2021 North American Mission Board, SBC. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness. Over fifty times, the Father, and Jesusare presented as explicitly distinct in the same passages (cf. ), we embrace the Christian significancenot its origin. Answer: Before time. As we read through the New Testament, we will encounter what boggled on Why Calvinists And Catholics Share The Nicene Faith, on Why Charismatics Should Cut Glossolalia (Tongues) Out of Their Theology, on Why Christians Should Empty Themselves of Kenotic Christology, The Shortcoming of Christian Apologetics From An Apologist. In 1918, Oneness adherents, needing to develop their own organization after effectively being ousted from Pentecostalism, founded the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, headed by African . How is that clear at all? If you have a friend who is trying to understand the Trinity, first the worst thing you can you is to confuse him with unclear and erroneous information. Of course, this is a mischaracterization. This view of the Trinity is connected with Oneness Pentecostals' Christology. T. D. Jakes and The Potter's House church | carm.org Oneness movements emphases on personal holiness and healthy lifestyles are commendable. Description: While most Pentecostals are orthodox, there is a segment within this movement of "Oneness" or "Jesus-Only" Pentecostals who are not. NOTE: the answers provided to the questions below are a simple and quick guide for the interested person wishing to compare Oneness theology with Trinitarian theology. The church has branded Oneness theology as heretical since the days of Noetus at the end of the second century. Where in the Scripture does it say that God is unitarian? Against Oneness Pentecostalism Archives - Therefore, God Exists They believe that the name of the Lord Jesus is, under the new covenant . The AmazonSmile Foundation will automatically donate 0.5% of the purchase price to your selected charitable organization. This is clearly a reference to baptism in water and baptism of the Spirit, right? Grammatically, when the preposition para (with) is followed by the dative case (as in this verse: para seaut, para soi), especially in reference to persons, it indicates near, beside, or in the presence of.. This case of marked distinction is also evident when Jesus differentiates Himself from God the Holy Spirit: I will ask the Father, and He will give you another [allon]3 Helper, that He may be with you forever (John 14:16; also see 14:7, 10, 26). Oneness Pentecostalism - Wikipedia 4. This movement first emerged in America around 1914 as the result of doctrinal disputes within the nascent Pentecostal movement and claims . These are great questions and wonderful references. Third, how could we recognize tongues for edification as opposed to the gift of tongues? The reason that I am doing that is because Oneness Pentecostalism is often not understood by trinitarian Christians. Acquire a basic knowledge of Oneness Pentecostals' beliefs and practices. Why is drinking poison not a criteria for salvation? There are some who are trained very well in Oneness theology and know how to maneuver through the various arguments and counter-arguments. is a must-read for any serious-minded Christian who wants to be better informed and better equipped to sanctify Christ as Lord . Well, there are a number of reasons that I think that interpretation is implausible. Thus, those churches adhering to its basic doctrines cannot be regarded as authentically Christian. Melton, J. Gordon. The Nicene Creed has defined historical orthodoxy for centuries. Pentecostalism or classical Pentecostalism is a Protestant Charismatic Christian movement that emphasizes direct personal experience of God through baptism with the Holy Spirit. 7. 2. Grammatically, when dia is followed by the genitive (as in these passages), the preposition indicates agency (cf. Oneness Pentecostals believe that the title "Son" only applied to Christ when he became flesh on earth, but that Christ was the Logos or Mind of the Father prior to his being made human, and not a separate person. Note: Nowhere in Scripture is God defined as one person, but rather as one Being: mono (from monos, meaning, alone or only one) and theism (from theos, meaning, God). If he and the Father are one, does that necessarily mean that he is the Father? : Pentecostal Theology - The Gospel Coalition 2. It is the final authority for the Christian on all matters of faith and doctrine. Again, in its proper sense, a mediator is one who is other than or distinct from the parties, which are being mediated. Michael Burgos builds upon his book "Kiss the Son" and provides an almost exhaustive study, and refutation, of the Oneness (Jesus Only) movement. 30:3; John 14:23]; Yahweh to Yahweh and Elohim (God) to Elohim correspondences in passages such as Gen. 19:24; Ps. He comes from a United Pentecostal, or Oneness Pentecostal, background. It would be to cherry-pick the verse that fits into ones doctrine. that that calendar in your office and/or house and/or in the rooms of your children, are filled with symbols of pagan gods (all days and names of months were named after pagan gods). Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2021. The Pentecostal arguments defending this special blessing are interesting and important. Copyright 1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. 6. In sum, John 17:5 the Son first commands/asks (doxason, aorist impart.) a. Spatial: near, beside, b. If Oneness Pentecostalism is true, how do we avoid the absurd image of Jesus asking himself permission and then sending himself? Note: in passages such as John 1:3, 1 Corinthians 8:6; Colossians 1:16-17, Hebrews 1:2, 10-12, the Son is clearly presented as agent of creation, the Creator Himself. It is enough for the disciples to see Jesus because they share a divine essence. UCJC: Institute of Biblical Studies-Baltimore, Md. , ISBN-13 How would you be able to tell the difference? Customize your subscription to get the latest of what matters most to you! As with other Christian symbols and Christian holidays (e.g., Christmas, Easter, cross, etc. Against Oneness Pentecostalism: An Exegetical-Theological Critique [4] This grammatical rule is also know as Granville Sharp rule #6: when multiple personal nouns in a clause are each preceded by the article ho (the) and linked by kai (and) each personal noun denotes a distinct person as in Matthew 28:19 (esp. Historically, for Christians, the Triquetra represents the Trinity, not its supposedly pagan origins. The answers do not represent a *full exegetical presentationrather it simply and basically demonstrates (a) the fundamental Oneness unitarian assumptions (viz. In addition, many Oneness advocates rely on the unbiblical revelations received by various Oneness leaders whom they regard as divinely inspired or anointed interpreters of the Bible. 4:30; Heb. This is an important reminder of the need to respond to contemporary . Oneness Pentecostalism, or Jesus-only teaching, is a modern recycling of the old Sabellianism and modalism of ages past. First and third person personal pronouns and verb references: Throughout John 14 and 16 Jesus clearly differentiates Himself from the Father. 3:17; 17:5; John 3:35; 5:20; 2 Pet. distinguished fr. How can you use Mark 16:17 to establish tongues as a criteria for salvation without using an absolute double-standard? The Hidden Cult of Oneness Pentecostalism - MarketFaith Ministries History of Heresies - History always repeats itself when no one is paying attention. Instead, you should focus on the biblical teachings within the text and not use non-biblical philosophy. It is noticeably absent. One could be baptized in the name of Jesus without actually reciting the words In the name of Jesus. For the Oneness Pentecostal to read a deep concern of baptismal formulas into the text is to retroject their situation onto the apostles. (as seen above). comments sorted by Best Top New Controversial Q&A Add a Comment . He says in verse 14 that he will ask the Father, and the Father will send the Holy Spirit. Isa. Please try again. In Acts 4:31 and 8:17, people are filled with the Spirit and tongues are simply not mentioned. Hence, Jesus could not have meant that by seeing Him they were literally seeing the Father. Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2016. I am going to [pros] the Father (v. 12; cf. so thre argument of development for the trinity is weak if it is already being defemnded in the church in different locations. Now revised, updated, and expanded. Other preachers, such as Frank J. Ewart and John G. Scheppe, joined McAlister in his non-trinitarian perspective. Preexistence of the Son - Is the Son pre-existing like the Father or did the Father become the Son. Oneness Pentecostal churches are, therefore, cultic in nature and outside the theological parameters of historic Christianity. Example: in Isaiah 54:5, Maker is plural in Hebrew, lit., Makers; same with Psalm 149:2 where Maker is in the plural in Hebrew. He disproves Oneness arguments and establishes Trinitarian truth. [2] Cf. It may also be that Father, Son, and Spirit is the name by which we know God. However, the Oneness Pentecostal could grant that it is not really Scripture. 6. In John 1:18, we read: No one has seen God [the Father] at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him (lit. There Are Different Kinds of Tongues Question for Oneness regarding "modes of existence." - CARM Forums If Jesus is the Father, why is it that Jesus is explicitly referred to as the Son over two hundred times in the NT, and never once is he called Father? But again Only by removing this passage from the document and immediate context can Oneness teachers posit a modalistic Oneness understanding. Oneness Pentecostalism constitutes one of the world's largest non-trinitarian expressions of Christianity. In doing so, they will think that they have mounted a proper argument against trinitarian theology because they believe that the doctrine of the trinity states that there are three gods. 6:4) has the strict denotative meaning of absolute solitude. If we were in the Court of Law, it would be dismissed as evidence. Jesus and the Father are both God. If you were to ask a Oneness Pentecostal to provide a proof-text for Oneness Theology, it is very likely that first passage that you will hear is Deuteronomy 6:4, which is Israels shema, essentially the thesis statement on the paper of the Jews. . Oneness theology distorts and thus rejects the biblical concept of the Son being Mediator (Intercessor) between the Father and men (cf. Answering A Few Common Oneness Pentecostal Arguments Unlike Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses, for example, Oneness Pentecostals teach both that there is one God and that Jesus is fully God. Col. 1:15) who brings out, that is, exegetes the Father: He [Jesus] has made known or brought news of (the invisible God) (Bauer, 2000: 349). Trinity 4, Oneness Pentecostals, the Holy Spirit, and the Trinity Against Oneness Pentecostalism: An Exegetical-Theological Critique Author Michael Burgos Publisher Church Militant Publications, 2016 ISBN 0692644067, 9780692644065 Length 246 pages Export. How would anybody understand what he is saying? 5:13 et al. also John 15:26; 16:28). The triquetra symbol has been found in Norwegian churches dating to the 11th century. I will come to you. This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt. (PDF) Boyd, Gregory A. Oneness Pentecostals and the Trinity. Grand They could also cite many of the various declarations of monotheism throughout the Old Testament, thus establishing that there is only one God. In this theology, the Father embodies the divine attributes of the Godhead and the Son embodies the human aspects. In Ephesians 2:18, Paul teaches that by the agency of the Son, Christians have access to the Father by means of the Spirit: For through Him [di autouthe Son] we both have our access in [en] one Spirit to the Father [pros ton patera] (Eph. 1:8; Lu. Well, first, you need to be baptized with the baptismal formula, In the name of Jesus. They will re-baptize you if you were baptized In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Second, you will need to receive the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues. Both of these are essential ingredients to salvation. 6th ed. 6:4). That the Son of Man was in heaven prior to Bethlehem creates a theological problem for Oneness doctrine. Book of Kells was an exemplified manuscript book in Latin containing all four Gospels together with various prefatory texts contained also figures of triquetras. The participle describes the means or manner of the emptying. Is this even a good argument that Jesus was God? Note: there are many places in the OT where God is presented as multi-personal (e.g., plural nouns, verbs, nouns, prepositions, and plural adjectives were used of God, i.e., Us, Our, in Gen. 1:26-27; 3:22; 11:7-9; Isa. John 3:13; 6:38, 46, 62; 8:23, 38, 42; 16:28). 1:6-7; etc.). Christian Life College-Stockton, Calif. Oneness Pentecostals take issue with the Trinity doctrine chiefly for its use of the term "person." Detroit: Gale Research, 1999.Dictionary of Christianity in America. Does the long ending of Mark vindicate the Oneness Pentecostal position about speaking in tongues? There is no doubt that there is some form of tongues in the Bible. Hence, exegetically these passages do not indicate that the Son was a mere instrument of creation (as Jehovahs Witnesses and Mormons believe), nor, as Oneness teachers argue, these passages indicate that the Son was only a thought or plan in the Fathers mind when the Father (Jesus divine nature) created all things. Atlanta: Atlanta Christian Apologetics Project, 1994. Let's look at the Foursquare Church and United Pentecostal Church International and see how hey differ. If you are interested in learning, I recommend you view my series Oneness Pentecostal Heresy. Author: Michael R. Burgos Jr., Burgos Jr., Michael R. Format: Paperback. He who has seen Me has seen the Father. If you read on, however Jesus goes on to say, The Father is greater than I. clearly establishing the Trinitarian concept. But what good reasons are there to think that? In the Incarnation, God in his divine nature is the Father; the Son is the perfect man in whom God was incarnate; Jesus is the one God manifested in the flesh. ISBN-13: 9780692644065. Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW)-1,000,000 reported [5] Beisner, Jesus Only Churches, 34. PO Box 2128 Winnetka, CA 91396 | 818-377-5272 | edward@christiandefense.org, Site Prepared and Built by ChurchWebPresence. But for a deeper understanding, please view my other posts on this important subject. Modalism is the belief that one God existed in time in three distinct modes of being: first as the Father in heaven; second, bodily as the Son on earth; and finally as the Holy Spirit. As a former Oneness Pentecostal Church member, Home Missionary, Assistant Pastor, Youth Director, and District Youth Board Member, I want to thank Pastor Michael Burgos for writing this fine book. 5. At the 1986 Oneness Symposium, Robert Sabin addresses the charge of whether the UPCI is Christian group or a cult. For the Son of Man in Oneness theology was not the Father, but the human Son who emerged not until Bethlehem, but here, the Son of Man came from heaven, that is, the Son (cf. The Son is speaking of something that He had, that He shared with the Father; the Son is not speaking of something that the Father had (in view). John 3:5 does not explicitly say that one must be water baptized before entering the kingdom.