Oneness Pentecostalism (Reformed Baptist Perspective)

Definition:

Oneness Pentecostalism is a theological movement within Pentecostalism that rejects the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity. Instead of understanding God as three distinct persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) in one essence, Oneness Pentecostals teach that there is only one God who reveals Himself in different "modes" or "manifestations" — primarily as the Father in creation, the Son in redemption, and the Holy Spirit in regeneration. This belief is known as Modalism, a view historically deemed heretical by mainstream Christianity, including Reformed Baptist traditions, because it denies the distinct personhood within the Godhead.

Key Beliefs of Oneness Pentecostalism

  1. Rejection of the Trinity:

    • Oneness Pentecostals believe that the doctrine of the Trinity compromises the unity of God. Instead of God existing as three co-equal, co-eternal persons, they believe that God simply presents Himself in different forms or roles.
    • Scriptural Basis Claimed by Oneness Pentecostals: Verses like Isaiah 9:6 ("For unto us a child is born… and his name shall be called… Mighty God, Everlasting Father…") and Colossians 2:9 ("For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily") are often cited to suggest a single divine identity without personal distinctions.

  2. Baptism in Jesus’ Name Only:

    • Oneness Pentecostals insist on baptizing “in the name of Jesus Christ” rather than using the Trinitarian formula “in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). They argue that baptism should invoke only the name of Jesus because they believe He embodies the fullness of God.
    • They view baptism in Jesus' name as essential for salvation, making it a doctrinal pillar of their faith.

  3. Salvation Doctrine (Acts 2:38):

    • The core of their soteriology revolves around Acts 2:38, which calls for repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus, and the receiving of the Holy Spirit. Oneness Pentecostals teach that all three are necessary components of salvation: repentance, baptism specifically in Jesus' name, and speaking in tongues as evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit.

  4. Speaking in Tongues as Essential Evidence:

    • Speaking in tongues is seen as the necessary evidence of having received the Holy Spirit. Oneness Pentecostals often regard this experience as confirmation of one’s salvation, considering it a sign of the “baptism of the Holy Spirit.”

Reformed Baptist Critique of Oneness Pentecostalism

  1. Denial of the Trinity:

    • Reformed Baptists affirm the doctrine of the Trinity as biblically grounded and essential to orthodox Christianity. Passages like Matthew 3:16-17 (where Jesus is baptized, the Father speaks, and the Holy Spirit descends) reveal distinct persons operating in harmony, not different modes of the same person.
    • Reformed theology considers Modalism an error because it misrepresents the relational and eternal nature of the Godhead, which is central to the gospel and salvation history.

  2. Baptismal Formula:

    • Reformed Baptists uphold Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19 to baptize “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” The triune formula highlights the distinct roles of each person in salvation—Father as Creator, Son as Redeemer, and Holy Spirit as Sanctifier.
    • While the Book of Acts contains instances of baptism in the name of Jesus, this is understood as shorthand for the authority of Christ rather than a formula to replace Jesus' explicit command.

  3. Salvation by Grace through Faith:

    • Reformed Baptists hold that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). While Oneness Pentecostalism ties salvation to baptism in Jesus’ name and speaking in tongues, Reformed theology teaches that outward signs (like baptism or spiritual gifts) are important but not conditions of salvation.
    • Speaking in tongues is regarded as a possible, but not normative, gift of the Spirit, and not an essential sign of salvation.

  4. Historical Continuity and Orthodoxy:

    • Oneness Pentecostalism lacks historical continuity with early Christian creeds and confessions, which affirm the Trinity. The Apostles’ Creed and Nicene Creed, for example, reflect the biblical witness to God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Key Scripture Supporting the Trinity

  • Matthew 28:19: Jesus’ instruction to baptize in the triune name of God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).
  • Matthew 3:16-17: The baptism of Jesus shows all three persons of the Godhead acting distinctly.
  • John 1:1, 14: Establishes the Son (the Word) as eternally with God and yet God Himself.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:14: Paul's benediction mentions all three persons, showing their unity and distinction.

Historical Background

  • Modalism’s Roots: Modalism, or Sabellianism, was an early heretical movement in the third century that attempted to explain the Godhead as one person manifesting in different modes. The early church condemned this view, affirming instead the co-equality and co-eternality of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • Modern Origins: Oneness Pentecostalism emerged in the early 20th century during the Pentecostal movement in the United States, diverging from mainstream Pentecostalism over the issue of the Trinity.

Further Reading

  • James White, The Forgotten Trinity: A thorough defense of the Trinity, addressing common misunderstandings, including Modalism.
  • Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology: Discusses the Trinity, providing biblical and historical arguments against Modalism.
  • Robert M. Bowman, Why You Should Believe in the Trinity: Provides a biblical defense of the Trinity and critiques common arguments against it, including Oneness theology.

In summary, Oneness Pentecostalism emphasizes God’s oneness to the point of denying the Trinity, a doctrine central to Reformed Baptist and historic Christian beliefs. Reformed theology finds the trinitarian nature of God essential for understanding His character, the relational dynamics within the Godhead, and the gospel’s saving work through the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

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