arguments against oneness pentecostals

If Oneness doctrine is biblically true, why then do the biblical authors use grammatical features that personally distinguish between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? But what good reasons are there to think that? UPCI: Apostolic Bible Institute-St. Paul, Minn. Revelation 2:13: I know where you dwell, where Satans throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you [par humin], where Satan dwells (cf. The assumption that Jesus is never referred to as the Father is incorrect. The Bible teaches that the one God exists eternally in three separate and distinct Persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 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. But they would simply amend their argument by saying, But this is clearly what early Christians believed because it is here. So I am willing to grant the long ending of Mark for the same of argument. 1:1-13; Jude 1:1; Rev. While pastors generally understand apologetics, we often misunderstand the apologist. It would be to cherry-pick the verse that fits into ones doctrine. (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. Charles R. Koester . Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app. Oneness/Jesus-only proponents will often say that this is a new revelation that came sometime during or after the Azusa Street Revival of 1906, which is generally regarded to be the birth of modern Pentecostalism. [1] In Phil. 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. Pray and trust the Holy Spirit to lead you as you share. He has exgsato [lead out, unfold, declare, Thayer, 1996: 223] Him (the Father). ISBN-10: 0692644067. Jesus then reiterates (as a corrective) that by seeing Him they can see, that is, know or recognize the invisible Father (v. 9). . On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. When they see Jesus raised from the dead, they will realize that he is in the Father and the Father is in him. Though, this would also be too simplistic of a reading. The Contender for the Faith (COLJF) That the Son was the Creator clearly disproves the Oneness position. 4200 North Point Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30022, Employment Media & Public Relations NAMB Store. ' Note the first person plural verbs (eleusometha, We will come, and poisometha, We will make). Suppose that modalism is true about the Son. 3. 11:27; Luke 10:22; John 7:29). This book is well researched and more than enough to satisfy any challenges to the Trinitarian position. The trinity is found even earlier especially the writings of Jesus being God as the son pof God.The trinity was udsed before Tertullian or Irenaeus debated with Oneness . John 1:14). Recently a well-known pastor, television preacher, and best-selling author was asked about his beliefs about God. (as seen above). Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web. You're listening to a sample of the Audible audio edition. A better work to understand the balance between " oneness" and "trinitiarisism" is the works of Thomas Fudge. John 6:38). Hence, the Son emptied Himself by means of His incarnation (cf. Further, the idiom in the name of does not always refer to a reciting of the name. Salvation is eternally assured for those who have accepted Christ as personal Lord and Savior (see John 1:12; 5:24; 1 John 5:13). Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability Accredited. 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). 2:6-11). The Global Witness (UPCI) Note also that in 14:10, Jesus clearly differentiates Himself from the Father when He declares: The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. To reiterate, the undisputable fact is this: not one time in the New Testament does Jesus (or any other person) state that He Himself is the Father. 30:3; John 14:23]; Yahweh to Yahweh and Elohim (God) to Elohim correspondences in passages such as Gen. 19:24; Ps. This use of different prepositions shows a relationship between them,5 and clearly denotes essential distinction, e.g., no one comes to [pros] the Father but through [dia] Me (John 14:6); he who believes in [eis] Me . There are three problems with this worth pointing out. Hence, Jesus could not have meant that by seeing Him they were literally seeing the Father. Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them. 9. the God)], and [kai] the fellowship of the [tou] Holy Spirit be with you all. . (3rd Edition) is a thoroughly researched critique of Oneness Pentecostalism. v. 6), they could really see (i.e., know/recognize, cf. If we were in the Court of Law, it would be dismissed as evidence. 1. : Trinitarian who is struggling with the Oneness doctrine. Behind this question lay a criticism of the commonly-held Trinitarian Pentecostal argument that the name of Jesus in baptismal texts from . It is noticeably absent. Oneness Pentecostals are vehement anti-trinitarians who commonly maintain that the doctrine of the trinity states that there are three gods. McAlister of Toronto, Ont., began teaching that the Trinity doctrine was untrue and that baptism should be done correctly in Jesus name only-not in the traditional trinitarian formula. He coyly answered that he believed in one God who manifests himself in three ways: the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. However, there are only a few places throughout the book of Acts wherein people speak in tongues. First, it is not an assumption- For nowhere did Jesus ever state that He was the same person as the Father, nor did anyone in the NT ever call him Father. 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. 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. That the Son of Man was in heaven prior to Bethlehem creates a theological problem for Oneness doctrine. asserting that God is one person) and (b) the basic theological errors of Oneness theology (e.g., denying the deity of the Son). How does He now say, I have come down ek tou ouranou?. 1:2). References of the Son coming down from the heavenappear eight times in John chapter 6 alone! ", ASIN All modern writings or revelations must be analyzed in light of sound principles of biblical interpretation. So I want to provide a resource for understanding Oneness Pentecostalism, some of the arguments that they will use and how to respond to them. Good works and holy living are the natural responses of salvation already received-not its cause (see Eph. Mark 16:18 is part of a disputed portion of Marks text. Acquire a basic knowledge of Oneness Pentecostals beliefs and practices. No Christian used it as a pagan symbol, in the same way no Christian uses a calendar today on their wall to exalt the pagan gods of the days and months it representsthus, calendars were factually derived from pagan in origins. Paul, too, regularly uses different prepositions to clearly differentiate the Father from the Son. Oneness theology is the doctrine that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are not distinct persons. 3. Acts 2:38 must be read in context and in light of Jesus clear command in Matthew 28:19. First and third person personal pronouns: Throughout chapter 14, Jesus clearly differentiates Himself from the Father by using first person personal pronouns (I, Me, Mine) to refer to Himself and third person personal pronouns (He, Him, His) to refer to His Father (e.g., John 14:7, 10, 16). 7. 3:16; Jn. Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. When Peter obeyed the command of Matthew 28:19, he recited the words, In the name of Jesus. From this cross-reference, it will follow that the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is Jesus. Oneness Pentecostal churches are, therefore, cultic in nature and outside the theological parameters of historic Christianity. As marked out below, Jesus also differentiates Himself from God the Holy Spirit. . The Pentecostalism Controversy This study was published by the Central Bureau Press, 3835 Westminster Place, St. Louis, MO 63108, in 1973 with the Imprimatur of the Most Rev. Now I will switch gears from Oneness to their view of water baptism. It is never used apart from God's incarnation, however; it never refers to deity Pentecostal Christianity has more than 700 denominations. Oneness Pentecostals have an anti-trinitarian view of God, an unbiblical doctrine of Jesus Christ, and unbiblical requirements for salvation (speaking in tongues, water baptism in Jesus name, and a legalistic moral code). sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven" (Matthew 26:64). Still not understanding (i.e., by knowing Jesus they know and see the Father), Philip says to Jesus, Show us the Father (v. 8). However, the Oneness Pentecostal could grant that it is not really Scripture. 36: But I said to you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe., 38: For I have come down apo tou ouranou, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me, 41: Therefore the Jews were grumbling about Him, because He said, I am the bread that came down ek tou ouranou, 42: They were saying, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? I wont give him this web page..too bad. Indiana Bible College-Seymour, Ind. Note, that over two hundred times, the Father is referred to by Jesus or someone else as being clearly distinct from Jesus. Here's what you should know about Pentecostal Oneness. One cannot have the Father except through the Son, Jesus Christ: Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also (1 John 2:23; see also John 17:3). However, to early Christians (and many today), the triquetra symbolized the Trinity (one God, three persons). Michael Burgos Jr., Against Oneness Pentecostalism: An Exegetical-Theological Critique (Winchester, CT: Church Militant, 2016). 1:6-7; etc.). . Oneness movements emphases on personal holiness and healthy lifestyles are commendable. 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. There is no indication that it, or any other spiritual gift, is required to receive Gods gift of salvation by grace or to be filled with His Holy Spirit (see Eph. , Publisher Oneness Pentecostals have a distorted notion of the Trinity and need someone to show them the scriptural teaching of the Trinity, David Kowalski writes. PAW: Aenon Bible School-Indianapolis, Ind. John 14:18: I will not leave you as orphans. Number eight is this: "The baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking . Michael Burgos builds upon his book "Kiss the Son" and provides an almost exhaustive study, and refutation, of the Oneness (Jesus Only) movement. 2021 North American Mission Board, SBC. But its actual origins are unknown. Virtually all of the great biblical scholars, theologians, and Greek grammarians, historically have been and presently are Trinitarian, not Onenessfor obvious reasons. Primarily, KJV Onlyists and anti-Trinitarian groups (esp. 1:20-21). Before time. If Oneness doctrine (or Modalism) is the so-called doctrine of the apostles, then, why was it universally condemned as *heretical* by the early church Fathers (some of who were disciples of the original apostles) and condemned by all the important church councils and creeds? They refer first of all to the biblical passages that speak of this baptism, namely, John the Baptist's words about the work of Christ, Matthew 3:11 (cf. Consider this, Trinitarians, not Oneness believers, conducted all of the major revivals worldwide. United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic) (UCJC-A)-100,000 Hence When Jesus said, He who has seen Me has seen the Father, the only thing His disciples literally saw was Jesus physical body. Jesus was claiming absolute unity with the Father. Oneness theology rejects the eternality of the Person of the Son. But that position seems untenable. It is the final authority for the Christian on all matters of faith and doctrine. The answers do not represent a *full exegetical presentationrather it simply and basically demonstrates (a) the fundamental Oneness unitarian assumptions (viz. 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. While this is not a good argument that Jesus is the Father, it is a good argument that Jesus is God. He argues throughout for . Oneness theology rejects that the Son was the actual Creator. If they do not do that, then they are probably not saved. This doctrine is called Oneness of God or Jesus Only. 6th ed. If God is unitarian, why is it that there are so many places in the Bible where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are clearly distinguished from each other in the same verse? To avoid the plainness of the passage (namely, the preexistence of the Son and His personal distinction from His Father), Oneness teachers argue that the glory that Jesus (the Son) had with the Father, only signified the future glory or plan in the Fathers mind, thus anticipating the Sons coming at Bethlehem. Also, John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17; and Hebrews 1:10-12 teach exegetically that the Son was God, the agent of creation, the Creator, thus preexisting with the Father. Against Oneness Pentecostalism: An Exegetical-Theological Critique Michael R. Burgos 16 Paperback 1 offer from $24.99 Christianity without the Cross: A History of Salvation in Oneness Pentecostalism Thomas A. Fudge 51 Paperback 16 offers from $22.99 Try again. Please try again. Learn more. 5. However, some advocates of Oneness Pentecostalism have responded to this point. Something went wrong. In spite of the (unclear) origins, the Triquetra has a rich meaning that has been used by the early church to signify the Trinity. After that time, a number of oneness sects formed, most of which were predominately African-American. Throughout the passage, it is clear that Jesus is speaking of someone else. In my opinion it is better than Burgos' Against Oneness Pentecostals, Boyd's Oneness Pentecostals and the Trinity. The Son said that He *HAD* glory *before* timewith (para) the Father. When somebody is born again, they will show the evidence of speaking with new tongues. The Trinitarians won the majority and a "Statement of Fundamental Truths" was adopted that affirmed the Trinity. as well as found on early Germanic coins-with no religious significance at all. Detroit: Gale Research, 1999.Dictionary of Christianity in America. To see our price, add these items to your cart. So, he establishes that he is speaking of tongues for edification. For if Jesus is the Father, then, between whom would He Mediate since by definition a mediator/intercessor represents two distinct parties, other than Himself. All Rights Reserved. If an individual believes that there are three gods, then they have, in effect, denied the doctrine of the trinity. Oneness Pentecostals are vehement anti-trinitarians who commonly maintain that the doctrine of the trinity states that there are three gods. No amount of good works, moral living, or church membership guarantees salvation. Lastly, There has never been a recognized biblical scholar, commentator, NT Greek grammar, nor Lexical source that has ever interpreted John 14:9 in a Oneness-unitarian way as you do.- because neither this text, nor Johns entire theology supports the Oneness idea that Jesus is the same person as the Father. When it comes to implementing apologetics into the local church, it is important to know that Charles Spurgeon said, Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. If an individual believes that there are three gods, then they have, in effect, denied the doctrine of the trinity. They could also cite many of the various declarations of monotheism throughout the Old Testament, thus establishing that there is only one God. They maintain that God exists in two modes, as the Father in heaven, and as Jesus the Son on earth. But if Jesus expected him to understand his reference to living water, it follows that he was not teaching the doctrine that water baptism is necessary for salvation. Oneness theology distorts and thus rejects the biblical concept of the Son being Mediator (Intercessor) between the Father and men (cf. John 3:5 should not be read in a vacuum. Encyclopedia of American Religions. This volume has practical implications beyond the debate that exists between trinitarians and Oneness Pentecostals because if popular piety is any indication, then many professing trinitarian Christians are Oneness in practice and Burgos' work will help to show how such thinking is wrong as well as offering an exegetical alternative that is Today, however, the strongest anti-trinitarian movement known as the Oneness Pentecostals exists as self-proclaimed Evangelicals. . Speaking in tongues, like all other gifts, is distributed sovereignly by the Holy Spirit to those He wills for the equipping and edification of the whole body of Christ (see 1 Cor. Baptism is not essential to ones reception of salvation. There Are Different Kinds of Tongues With scholarly precision, Michael Burgos has provided an incisive evaluation of Oneness exegesis and theology while accurately representing the teachings of Oneness Pentecostals. As a former Oneness Pentecostal (OP), Boyd was especially equipped to accurately describe Oneness beliefs about God and their arguments against the Trinity, and as a trained philosopher/theologian he was especially equipped to refute such views. Michael Burgos, is a modern Pharisee. also John 4:40; 14:17, 25). He said that he and the Father are one. 15-16), Jesus distinguishes Himself from His Father by using different prepositions. Leave a comment. Oneness Pentecostalism have discounted, distorted or dismissed the Three-in-One doctrine of the Trinity, as found in classical Christian theism. Moreover, when it found its way in the twentieth century, departing from the Trinitarian Pentecostals, it was again rejected by the church. Most of them encourage their members to dress and live modestly, but do not have specific teachings about hair and skirts. These are great questions and wonderful references. 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. Noted Greek grammarian, A. T. Robertson says of the passage that This is not just ideal pre-existence, but actual and conscious existence at the Fathers side (para soi, with thee) which I had (h eichon, imperfect active of ech. Official Names and Membership (estimates): Apostolic Overcoming Holy Church of God (AOHCG)-13,000 This view of the Trinity is connected with Oneness Pentecostals' Christology. Its headquarters and publishing firm, the Pentecostal Publishing House, is located at 8855 Dunn Road, Hazelwood, MO 63042. In this theology, the Father embodies the divine attributes of the Godhead and the Son embodies the human aspects. plural nouns, adjectives, verbs, prepositions) to describe the one God? Third, it may be that Father, Son and Holy Spirit is the one name under which we are baptized. When we hear a Oneness Pentecostal claiming that everybody speaks in tongues throughout the Bible, we immediately go to 1 Corinthians 12:29-31, for Paul recognizes that not everybody possesses all of the spiritual gifts, and tongues are listed among them. Nevertheless, the requirements for outward adherence to a strict moral code in order to maintain salvation inevitably leads to legalism and a lack of assurance of eternal life. If God is unitarian, why are there so many plural descriptions in the OT (viz. Its pagan, with pagan origins. 8:6; 12:4-6; 2 Cor. See what Christian leaders are saying about Against Oneness Pentecostalism: "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 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 . Oneness Pentecostalism constitutes one of the world's largest non-trinitarian expressions of Christianity. Use Amazon Smile for all your purchases to support the Department of Christian Defense. In point of fact, for hundreds of years Christians have been using the triquetra a symbol that proclaims the doctrine of the Trinity. Note the context indicating that the Father sent the person of the Son. Church of Our Lord Jesus of the Apostolic Faith (COLJF)-30,000 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? Well, I think so. Brother Burgos carefully and respectfully dismantles the misguided half truths of Oneness doctrine. Does this not seem to vindicate Oneness theology? The argument over whether God is three-in-one or one-in-three is a moot point for the average layman, who tends to view the doctrine of the Trinity as an unexplainable mystery. This is because in Acts 2:38, we see a manifestation of this command. Important Question: If Jesus is the Father, why is there not a single passage that states this in the NT or the OT? They believe that Jesus and the Father are one essential person, though operating as different modes. 7. Further, how do you know that you do not merely possess the gift of tongues? Thus, those churches adhering to its basic doctrines cannot be regarded as authentically Christian. Thus, in spite of the arguments of Oneness advocates against the triune God and the the person of Christ, it is the gospel that must be proclaimed to them-, which the power and ordained means of God for setting them free from the darkness of Oneness theology and bringing them to the true Jesus Christ, as He wills. The same can be said in Ecclesiastes 12:1, where the Hebrew literally reads, Remember also your Creators (plural in Heb.). 32 Jesus then said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread ek tou ouranou, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread ek tou ouranou. 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? 1986 Oneness Symposium Tape 7- "UPCI: Christian or a Cult?" Robert Sabin Watch on After all, it says that one must be born of water and Spirit. : 1. 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. Matthew 28:19 includes the marching orders for Christians. This argument can be deflected simply by explaining that the trinity is strictly monotheistic, claiming that there is one God who is eternally present in three persons. The Bible Way News Voice (Bible Way) is a must-read for any serious-minded Christian who wants to be better informed and better equipped to sanctify Christ as Lord . He had never heard anything of being born of water. I also recommend that you read the series that I linked to at the beginning of this article. For this reason, many Christians have difficulty seeing anything wrong with the Oneness position. As Hebrews 1:3 tells us, The Son is the radiance of Gods glory and the exact representation of his being If we want to know who God is, then we need to look to Jesus Christ. 2. 5:13 et al. He does so by using first person personal pronouns (I, Me, Mine) and verb references to refer to Himself and third person personal pronouns (He, Him, His) and verb references to refer to His Father. : 8. But that is not quite the point of the argument that I am making. Oneness Pentecostals will point to John 3:5 as evidence of that. Again, in its proper sense, a mediator is one who is other than or distinct from the parties, which are being mediated. 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. The UPCI was organized in 1945 with the union of two predominately white groups started earlier in the century. Pentecostals hold that believers do gain saving faith when they come to Christ. Grammatically, when dia is followed by the genitive (as in these passages), the preposition indicates agency (cf. In conclusion, the Triquetra has been used historically by all kinds of groups to mean different things. The proper mode is immersion in the triune name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He said that God the Father was the One True God of the Old Testament. Nonetheless, historic Christianity maintains that the doctrine of the Trinity (or tri-unity of God) is taught in Scripture. 12:11; Eph. The term *with* is para in Greek. [hereafter BDAG], 225). Jesus is said to have two natures: human and divine. Matthew 28:19 and Acts 2:38 Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is an excellent refutation of Oneness Pentecostals. Thus, when He died, only His human nature died. , Item Weight In John 1:18, John wrote, No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him. Jesus is the only begotten God and he is at the Fathers side, and he explains him. Historically, for Christians, the Triquetra represents the Trinity, not its supposedly pagan origins. A Concise Look at Oneness Theology | Department of Christian Defense, John 1:29: The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Praxeus taught a doctrine know as patripassionisma belief that says that the Father died on the cross. . (BDAG, 46). Recently, a few evangelicals have tried to label Oneness Pentecostal churches as cultic.

Angels Diamond Club Tickets, Cracker Barrel Cocktail Sauce Recipe, Corn Syrup And Soda Frozen Recipe, Harlaw Reservoir Swimming, Articles A