Oneness Pentecostalism: A Heresy Revisited

Hey friends,

We live in a time when theological precision matters more than ever. False teachings aren’t new, but they have a way of resurfacing with new names and modern packaging. One such error that continues to lead people astray is Oneness Pentecostalism—a movement that denies the biblical doctrine of the Trinity and distorts the very nature of God.

This isn’t just an abstract theological debate; it’s about the glory of God in Christ and the truth of the gospel itself. So, grab your coffee (or tea, if that’s your thing), and let’s examine what Oneness Pentecostalism is, the ancient heresies it revives, how those heresies were refuted in church history, and what a proper biblical response looks like.

What Is Oneness Pentecostalism?

Oneness Pentecostalism emerged in the early 20th century within the Pentecostal movement. Unlike biblical Christianity, which teaches that God is one in essence and three in persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Oneness Pentecostals deny the Trinity altogether. Instead, they claim that God is one person who manifests Himself in different modes—sometimes as the Father, sometimes as the Son, and sometimes as the Spirit.

This movement teaches that Jesus is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—not distinct persons but different roles or modes of one divine person. This teaching is often called Modalism, a heresy that the early church firmly rejected.

Oneness Pentecostals also insist on baptism in Jesus' name only, rejecting the Trinitarian formula of Matthew 28:19. Many also hold to a works-based salvation, requiring water baptism and speaking in tongues as essential for salvation.

In short, Oneness Pentecostalism is a distortion of the biblical doctrine of God, salvation, and Christian baptism.

The Ancient Heresies Behind Oneness Theology

The errors of Oneness Pentecostalism aren’t new. They are simply old heresies repackaged. Here are the key ones:

1. Sabellianism (3rd Century AD) – This heresy, taught by Sabellius, claimed that God is one person who reveals Himself in different "modes" rather than three distinct persons. The early church rightly saw this as a denial of the Trinity and a misrepresentation of biblical revelation.

2. Patripassianism – This is the logical conclusion of Oneness theology: if the Father is the Son, then the Father must have suffered and died on the cross. This contradicts Scripture, which shows the Son praying to the Father (John 17) and commending His spirit to the Father (Luke 23:46).

3. Monarchianism – This was an early attempt to defend the oneness of God by denying the personal distinctions within the Trinity. Oneness Pentecostalism follows this same error by rejecting the biblical teaching that the Father, Son, and Spirit are coexistent, coequal, and coeternal persons.

These heresies were all condemned by the early church, particularly at the Council of Nicaea (AD 325) and the Council of Constantinople (AD 381), where the biblical doctrine of the Trinity was affirmed against such distortions.

Oneness Pentecostalism Today

Though condemned centuries ago, Modalism is alive and well in modern Oneness Pentecostal churches. This movement has significant influence, particularly through organizations like the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) and various independent Oneness groups.

It is particularly dangerous because it retains many Pentecostal-style practices, such as emotional worship, speaking in tongues, and charismatic preaching—giving it the appearance of vibrant Christianity. But underneath the enthusiasm is a fundamentally different gospel—one that distorts the very nature of God and undermines salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

One prominent example is T.D. Jakes, who has historically espoused Oneness theology, though he has tried to obscure his views in recent years. This shows how deceptive and subtle this heresy can be, even among mainstream figures.

A Biblical Response to Oneness Pentecostalism

So, how should we respond? With both firmness and pastoral care. Here are some key biblical truths to uphold:

1. God Is Triune: One in Essence, Three in Persons

   • Matthew 28:19 – Jesus commands baptism “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” This is not a list of modes but of distinct persons.

   • John 1:1-3, 14 – The Word (Jesus) was with God and was God. There is both distinction and unity.

   • John 14:16-17 – Jesus says He will ask the Father to send the Spirit. The three persons interact, showing they are not the same person.

2. Jesus Prayed to the Father—He Is Not the Father

   • John 17:5 – Jesus speaks of the glory He had with the Father before the world existed. This clearly refutes the idea that Jesus is the Father.

3. Salvation Is by Grace, Not by Works or Baptismal Formulas

   • Ephesians 2:8-9 – Salvation is by grace through faith, not by works—including a specific mode of baptism.

   • Romans 10:9 – Salvation comes by confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection, not by water baptism or speaking in tongues.

4. The Holy Spirit Is a Distinct Person, Not Just a Mode of God

   • John 16:13-14 – The Spirit speaks, guides, and glorifies Christ. These are personal actions, not mere manifestations.

Encouragement: Hold Fast to the Truth

The doctrine of the Trinity is not optional theology—it is essential. If we get God wrong, we get the gospel wrong. Oneness Pentecostalism presents a false God and a false gospel, and those caught in it need to be lovingly yet firmly called to the truth.

If you encounter someone in this movement, don’t just dismiss them—engage them with the Word. Many Oneness Pentecostals are sincere but have been misled. Pray for them, open the Scriptures with them, and point them to the historic faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3).

The beauty of biblical Christianity is that God has revealed Himself as He truly is—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God in three persons. This is not just a theological puzzle; it is the glorious reality of our Triune God who saves us, sustains us, and brings us into eternal fellowship with Himself.

Soli Deo Gloria!