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 . He says in verse 14 that he will ask the Father, and the Father will send the Holy Spirit. Michael Burgos, is a modern Pharisee. 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. In this article, I will be answering a few common Oneness Pentecostal arguments. Well, this would be to ignore all of the prepositions of this passage. 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. There is one God who is eternally present in three persons, and his name is YHWH. Against Oneness Pentecostalism: An Exegetical-Theological Critique Paperback - March 17, 2020 by Michael R. Burgos (Author) 15 ratings Hardcover $35.00 1 New from $35.00 Paperback $24.99 1 Used from $19.04 2 New from $22.99 Oneness Pentecostalism constitutes one of the world's largest non-trinitarian expressions of Christianity. ; and there is a Japanese form, again with no religious significance. dual nature of Christ," but my heart sank when I found nothing which properly explained these things against a Trinitarian argument. 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? Virtually all of the great biblical scholars, theologians, and Greek grammarians, historically have been and presently are Trinitarian, not Onenessfor obvious reasons. 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. This movement denies the Trinity, arguing instead that Jesus is himself the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. During the Last Supper, the disciples were distraught. That may be the case. 1986 Oneness Symposium Tape 7- "UPCI: Christian or a Cult?" Robert Sabin Watch on 11:27; Luke 10:22; John 7:29). 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 . Concerning the baptismal view of the most rigid Oneness Pentecostals, he states, "It is on this issue, theologians say, that Oneness Pentecostals have drifted dangerously toward spiritual elitism and heresy." 14 Indeed, the Oneness view of baptism is lethally flawed. John 10:30: I and the Father are one. Note the context indicating that the Father sent the person of the Son. Hence, the Son emptied Himself by means of His incarnation (cf. 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. The proper mode is immersion in the triune name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Oneness theology rejects the doctrine of the Trinity, for they are unitarian (i.e., believes that God exists as one personunipersonal). This Belief Bulletin presents basic Oneness Pentecostal history and doctrines and provides a biblical analysis and response. According to the Scriptures, apologetics is Download the Quick Takes with Kevin Podcast to hear NAMB president Kevin Ezell talk with pastors across the country about how to navigate diverse ministry challenges. If the Son did not eternally exist with the Father as a distinct person why is it that the Son can say, Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had [or shared, eichon] with You before the world was.? 2022 Department of Christian Defense 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. 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. Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW)-1,000,000 reported Note that while Boyd offers sound arguments against Oneness Pentecostalism in this book, he elsewhere expresses belief in open theism, an unorthodox view. And when did the Son have this glory? I. Biblical Response: The Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God (see 2 Tim. . What sets Oneness Pentecostalism apart from other anti-Trinitarian heresies is its seeming orthodoxy. Note, that over two hundred times, the Father is referred to by Jesus or someone else as being clearly distinct from Jesus. 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. All modern writings or revelations must be analyzed in light of sound principles of biblical interpretation. Answer: Before time. Arguing unipersonalism (unitarianism) assumes a conclusion that is meant to be proved. Present the basic plan of salvation and encourage the Oneness Pentecostal to receive Jesus Christ as his or her personal Lord and Savior. 1. Oneness Pentecostals will point to John 3:5 as evidence of that. Where in the Scripture does it say that God is unitarian? Instead, you should focus on the biblical teachings within the text and not use non-biblical philosophy. Oneness Pentecostals have a distorted notion of the Trinity and need someone to show them the scriptural teaching of the Trinity, David Kowalski writes. also John 15:26; 16:28). They are one in being but distinct in person. It may be that is the name under which we are baptized. Dan. Modern Oneness Pentecostals garner support for their modalistic view by interpreting Matthew28:19 in conjunction with Acts2:38. . There is only one true God. Copyright 1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. Though, this would also be too simplistic of a reading. 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. If an individual believes that there are three gods, then they have, in effect, denied the doctrine of the trinity. If we were in the Court of Law, it would be dismissed as evidence. I also could see many of the arguments used against Praxeas by Tertullian . Many, however, utilize only the King James Version to proof text their unique doctrines. 5. After all, it says that one must be born of water and Spirit. They could also cite many of the various declarations of monotheism throughout the Old Testament, thus establishing that there is only one God. Well, Oneness Pentecostalism has a lot of subtleties. The Paradox of Sonship: Christology in the Epistle to the Hebrews (Studies in Chris We Become What We Worship: A Biblical Theology of Idolatry, Neo-Calvinism: A Theological Introduction, Why We're Catholic: Our Reasons for Faith, Hope, and Love, Oneless Oneness: Tao as an Existential Remedy (Unlock Tao), Bridges Between US: A Pathway to Unity Through Faith, Empathy & Mutual Understanding, Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, $28.30 Shipping & Import Fees Deposit to India. 42:8), which shows that the glory that the Son had was in together in the presence of the Father. Thus, the person of the Son of Man was in heaven prior to being sent. The Holy Spirit is God applying The burden of proof is on the person making the claim. These are great questions and wonderful references. In response, Oneness Pentecostals will tell us that there are different kinds of tongues. How do you know that your family members or your friends do not merely possess the gift of tongues? Example, Theodotus (the first known dynamic monarchianist) was excommunicated by Victor, the bishop of Rome, around A.D. 190; Noetus (the first known modalist) was condemned by Hippolytus and by the presbyters around the same time; Praxeas was marked as a heretic by Tertullian; Paul of Samosata was condemned at the Third Council in Antioch (A.D. 268); Dionysius of Alexandria and Dionysius bishop of Rome along with many important church Fathers condemned Sabellius and his teachings as Christological heresy. Therefore, we may conclude that Deuteronomy 6:4 and the multiple proof-texts for monotheism do not represent a good argument against the trinity. Hence, Jesus could not have meant that by seeing Him they were literally seeing the Father. . Oneness theology rejects the eternality of the Person of the Son. In spite of the (unclear) origins, the Triquetra has a rich meaning that has been used by the early church to signify the Trinity. Pentecostal Oneness, also known as the Jesus Only movement, is a particular charismatic Christian movement that combines some sound doctrines with ideas that are close to right but create problems. At the time Boyd was full of zeal and all sorts of emotion, which comes out on nearly every page of Oneness . Further, the conversation that Jesus had with Nicodemus should not be overlooked. This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt. Praxeus taught a doctrine know as patripassionisma belief that says that the Father died on the cross. But the Son, they say, was not really there with the Father before the world was. However, consider the following: First, note that the glory that the *Son* said that He possessed or shared (eichon) was when? Number eight is this: "The baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking . Acquire a basic knowledge of Oneness Pentecostals beliefs and practices. God, according to United Pentecostals, is not three distinct persons, as in the Trinity doctrine, but three "manifestations" of the one God. The Global Witness (UPCI) Some scholars believe it to be Celtic in origin, and it is sometimes called the Irish Trinity Knot. . When somebody is born again, they will show the evidence of speaking with new tongues. 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. Jesus is a perfect representation of the person of the Father. If an individual believes that there are three gods, then they have, in effect, denied the doctrine of the trinity. 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 . But again Only by removing this passage from the document and immediate context can Oneness teachers posit a modalistic Oneness understanding. 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. . Other preachers, such as Frank J. Ewart and John G. Scheppe, joined McAlister in his non-trinitarian perspective. Oneness Pentecostals are vehement anti-trinitarians who commonly maintain that the doctrine of the trinity states that there are three gods. 6. Exegetically, it cannot refer to the Father thinking of the Son or having the Son in view or in His mind, for Jesus uses the imperfect tense [eichon, *had*), which shows that the Son had or possessed it, not in the Fathers mind. Add to Wish List Link to this Book Add to Bookbag Sell this Book Buy it at Amazon Compare Prices. What does it mean that Jesus explains the Father? In Revelation 5:13, the Lamb and the Father are presented as two distinct objects of divine worship, as they are clearly differentiated by the repetition of the article t: To Him who sits (t kathmen [lit. Notice John 14:16: I will ask [kag erts, first person] the Father, and He will give [dsei, third person] you another Helper, that He may be with you forever (John 14:16; also cf. 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. Today it is predominately African-American and is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Oneness Pentecostalism, or Jesus-only teaching, is a modern recycling of the old Sabellianism and modalism of ages past. We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Its headquarters and publishing firm, the Pentecostal Publishing House, is located at 8855 Dunn Road, Hazelwood, MO 63042. 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. What does it mean, then? Jesus Only Churches. In John 4:14, talking to the woman at the well, Jesus said, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life. In John 7:38, Jesus referred to Rivers of living water. This is a theme throughout the book of John. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1998. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness. His knowledge of living water from the Old Testament (Jeremiah 2:13, Isaiah 12:3, 58:11, etc) should have informed him. Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2021. Of course, this is a mischaracterization. Oneness Pentecostals are vehement anti-trinitarians who commonly maintain that the doctrine of the trinity states that there are three gods. Its pagan, with pagan origins. The answers do not represent a *full exegetical presentationrather it simply and basically demonstrates (a) the fundamental Oneness unitarian assumptions (viz. Note the Context: In verse 6 Jesus says, I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. In verse 7, He explains to His disciples that if they had known Him they would have known the Father also. I am going to [pros] the Father (v. 12; cf. So he broaches the subject from an intellectual concept. 12:11; Eph. 9. 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. plural nouns, adjectives, verbs, prepositions) to describe the one God? 1:2). Oneness theology rejects the personhood of the Holy Spirit. 2:7, the participle labn,(taking as in taking the nature of a servant) is a participle of means (cf. By promoting the Son as a temporary mode or a role of the unitarian deity whose life started in Bethlehem, denies the Son, as well as the Father. 10. The Pattern In The Book of Acts Establishes Our Doctrine In this theology, the Father embodies the divine attributes of the godhead and the Son embodies the human aspects. 42:8). 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. They are not three distinct persons. They take this to indicate that Jesus is the Father. Michael Burgos Jr., Against Oneness Pentecostalism: An Exegetical-Theological Critique (Winchester, CT: Church Militant, 2016). 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. In many debates and particularly in his book The Oneness of God, Dr. David K. Bernard argued that the declarations in the Old Testament are so powerful that they dismiss any conception of plurality within the Godhead. Disagreement over the Trinity vs. Oneness of God and water baptism caused the original split of Oneness Pentecostals from the Assemblies of God in 1916. John 6:38). Clarence L. Haynes Jr. Is this even a good argument that Jesus was God? Primarily, KJV Onlyists and anti-Trinitarian groups (esp. 9. (for in Oneness theology *only Jesus as the Father mode existed prior to Bethlehem). 2. There is not a single case in which the prophets repudiated anything like the doctrine of the trinity, nor is there any case in which rebellious Israel believed it and convoked the wrath of God. Well, first, most Christians will point out that this verse is part of the long ending of Mark, and therefore it is not Scripture. Something went wrong. Pentecostals are so certain of this logic that many consider it to be a key teaching of the Christian faith. In terms of the triquetra (Trinitarian symbol), you should not base an argument on ignorance, and unaccredited internet articles. Indiana Bible College-Seymour, Ind. The Hidden Cult of Oneness Pentecostalism. Please try your request again later. the God)], and [kai] the fellowship of the [tou] Holy Spirit be with you all. . His will is one with the will of the Father. Many small Oneness groups formed after 1916, though many have remained independent. Many Oneness churches especially the UPCI rejects justification through faith alone by teaching that one must be water baptized (in the name of Jesus only) to be savedwith the evidence, as the UPCI teaches, of speaking in other tongues. By 1916, oneness views were being expounded by some ministers in the Assemblies of God (AOG) denomination. Be prepared to cite (in context) and explain specific biblical passages supporting Christian doctrines, particularly the biblical basis for the Trinity, the historic understanding of the nature and work of Christ, and salvation by grace through faith. Why did I do this? The AmazonSmile Foundation will automatically donate 0.5% of the purchase price to your selected charitable organization. 6. 14 and Johns theology. SeeWas the Trinity Conceived in the 4th Century? Pentecostalism or classical Pentecostalism is a Protestant Charismatic Christian movement that emphasizes direct personal experience of God through baptism with the Holy Spirit. Further, how do you know that you do not merely possess the gift of tongues? Second, in 1 Corinthians 14:4-5, Paul speaks about tongues for edification. Again, in its proper sense, a mediator is one who is other than or distinct from the parties, which are being mediated. Closed-Mindedness How To Be A Good Agnostic Skepticism is Not Worthy of Belief Faith Has Its Reasons A Balanced Perspective on Reason and Faith Investigating Faith: Placing Religious Truth Back Into the Arena of Knowledge Eternity is Not Forever: An Argument for Theism Responding to the Jesus' Words Every time somebody is saved throughout the book of Acts, we will see them speaking in tongues. No single translation or human interpretation can be regarded as infallible. They are manifestations that one God takes on, sometimes simultaneously. 1:17), talk to each other (see John 11:41-42; 12:28; 17:1-26), and know each other (see Matt. How did the Son have (literally, actively possessed) glory with (para) the Father before time if the Son did not exist before Bethlehem? In conclusion, the Triquetra has been used historically by all kinds of groups to mean different things. Boyd's arguments are dependant mainly on Scripture but he does take some time to delve into the writings of the early Church Fathers (chapter 7) in order to show that the early church was far . He was making claims that no mere human could make. 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. Throughout the passage, it is clear that Jesus is speaking of someone else. However, like John 10:30, this verse also does not record Jesus as saying, I am the Father. It merely says, He who has seen Me has seen the Father. What is the best way to understand this verse? There Are Different Kinds of Tongues 7. Father) to glorify Him together with Him (para seaut, thus, a shared glorification, a glory that only God can have, Isa. It is the final authority for the Christian on all matters of faith and doctrine. The term *with* is para in Greek. Acts 2:38 must be read in context and in light of Jesus clear command in Matthew 28:19. Now, I want to use an argument that the Oneness Pentecostals use all the time in this vein of thought, who will often counter the argument opposing Acts 2:38 (Salvation) . $22.00. John 3:5 should not be read in a vacuum. Phillip asked him, Show us the Father, Lord, and it will be enough for us. Jesus replied that Phillip should not need to ask this question, because, He who has seen me has seen the Father. Oneness Pentecostals will argue that Jesus was saying that he is the Father. The question that we need to ask is one what? In point of fact, for hundreds of years Christians have been using the triquetra a symbol that proclaims the doctrine of the Trinity. 7:9-14; John 1:1, 18; 6:37-39, 44; 14:23; 17:5; 2 John 1:3; 2:22; Heb. In this theology, the Father embodies the divine attributes of the Godhead and the Son embodies the human aspects. They believe that Jesus and the Father are one essential person, though operating as different modes. Westminster Confession of Faith, 1:9. Note that the emptying did not involve His deity, for Paul safeguards against such an assertion in verse 6: hos en morph theou huparchn (who [Christ] always and continually subsisting in the very nature and substance God; authors translation). These arguments against Acts 2:38 demonstrate a holistic ignorance of how the OT is fulfilled in Jesus and the NT death, burial and resurrection is performed in repentance . 3. . 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. 7. Thus, when He died, only His human nature died. Detroit: Gale Research, 1999.Dictionary of Christianity in America. Further, almost one hundred and eighty times, Jesus is presented as referring to the Father, My Father, or your Father in the Gospels as distinct from Himself, and at no time does Jesus refer to my Son. Forty times, in the Gospel of John, Jesus refers to Himself as Sent by the Father, but never does Jesus refer to Himself as the Father who sent the Son (cf. 3:11; 2 Thess. Second, when did the Son have this glory (which only God has, Isa, 42:8)? Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app. He also has a good section on . So Christians should strive to do the objective research, in order that they not provide bad untruthful arguments and appear unread. 8. Hence When Jesus said, He who has seen Me has seen the Father, the only thing His disciples literally saw was Jesus physical body. However, the Oneness Pentecostal could grant that it is not really Scripture. I always say at the onset to one like yourself, who make the incorrect uninformed assertion regarding the triquetra symbol being derived from Wicca, paganism, etc. These false doctrines can affect teachings about justification, sanctification, the role and work of the cross and an understanding of the nature of God. Please try again. Virtually all Oneness churches reject that water baptism should be done in the *triune* formal as instructed by Jesus in Matthew 28:19, rather, as they insist, it should be dome in the name of Jesus only. 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. v. 6), they could really see (i.e., know/recognize, cf. The Bible Way News Voice (Bible Way) It is a symbol of ones identification with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Before time. Moreover, when it found its way in the twentieth century, departing from the Trinitarian Pentecostals, it was again rejected by the church. as well as found on early Germanic coins-with no religious significance at all. 1:1-13; Jude 1:1; Rev. PAW: Aenon Bible School-Indianapolis, Ind. Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video! So when a Oneness advocate says that the Son did not exist before time, remember, that assertion is not based on biblical exegesis, but rather on what he or she has been taught by Oneness pastors/teachers. The Oneness Pentecostal may try to convince you that you need to speak in tongues, be baptized in Jesus name, and live according to their strict moral code. Let's look at the Foursquare Church and United Pentecostal Church International and see how hey differ. Also, throughout chap 14 Jesus distinguishes Himself from the Father. 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. 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.
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