Oneness - Revision history

Admin: /* Salvation and Baptism */

2026-05-28T15:54:57Z

Salvation and Baptism

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	==Salvation and Baptism==		==Salvation and Baptism==

	A second major distinction involves how Oneness Pentecostals understand the mechanism of salvation. They teach a “one blessing” approach where salvation, sanctification, and baptism in the Holy Spirit with tongues all occur simultaneously through water baptism by immersion in Jesus’ name. Most Oneness groups emphasize baptism and speaking in tongues as absolutely necessary to salvation, and they reject baptizing in the traditional Trinitarian formula (Matthew 28:19), insisting instead that genuine baptism occurs only in Jesus’ name.		A second major distinction involves how Oneness Pentecostals understand the mechanism of salvation. They teach a “one blessing” approach where salvation, sanctification, and baptism in the Holy Spirit with tongues all occur simultaneously through water baptism by immersion in Jesus’ name. Most [[Is baptism necessary for salvation?\|Oneness groups emphasize baptism]] and speaking in tongues as absolutely necessary to salvation, and they reject baptizing in the traditional Trinitarian formula (Matthew 28:19), insisting instead that genuine baptism occurs only in Jesus’ name.

	==Shared Pentecostal Beliefs==		==Shared Pentecostal Beliefs==

Admin at 20:58, 26 May 2026

2026-05-26T20:58:57Z

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	==Strawman arguments==		==Strawman arguments==

			=Analysis of Oneness publications=

			We have provided the following critical analysis of the following Oneness publications:

			#[[A critical response to Bernard's The Oneness of God]]

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Admin at 16:45, 26 May 2026

2026-05-26T16:45:17Z

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	=Scriptures which Oneness followers avoid=		=Scriptures which Oneness followers avoid=

			=Logical problems with the Oneness position=

			==Strawman arguments==


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Admin at 16:44, 26 May 2026

2026-05-26T16:44:30Z

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	What this means is that we can't rely on the exact wording of Isaiah 9:6 for the foundation of any doctrines. The exact wording in the original Hebrew is in doubt.		What this means is that we can't rely on the exact wording of Isaiah 9:6 for the foundation of any doctrines. The exact wording in the original Hebrew is in doubt.

			=Scriptures which Oneness followers avoid=


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Admin: /* Is Oneness theology false doctrine? */

2026-05-26T16:43:50Z

Is Oneness theology false doctrine?

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:43, 26 May 2026
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	#False doctrine is self-centered and self-focused.		#False doctrine is self-centered and self-focused.
	#False doctrine is reductionist; and		#False doctrine is reductionist; and
	#False doctrine is divisive. ~~Paul tells us:~~		#False doctrine is divisive.

	All five are generally true of Oneness followers. The first three are rather obvious, but the last ~~two~~ deserve a bit more attention.		We would now also add a 6th characteristic - false doctrine diverges significantly from the historic teaching of the Christian church.

			All five are generally true of Oneness followers. The first three are rather obvious, but the last three deserve a bit more attention.

	==Reductionism==		==Reductionism==
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	:''Give at least two warnings to those who cause divisions, and then have nothing more to do with them. 11You know that such people are corrupt, and their sins prove that they are wrong.<ref>American Bible Society, The Holy Bible: The Good News Translation, 2nd ed. (New York: American Bible Society, 1992), Tt 3:10–11.</ref>		:''Give at least two warnings to those who cause divisions, and then have nothing more to do with them. 11You know that such people are corrupt, and their sins prove that they are wrong.<ref>American Bible Society, The Holy Bible: The Good News Translation, 2nd ed. (New York: American Bible Society, 1992), Tt 3:10–11.</ref>

			==Divergence from historic Christian teaching==

	=Discussion of scriptures used by Oneness followers against the Trinity doctrine=		=Discussion of scriptures used by Oneness followers against the Trinity doctrine=

Admin: /* Reductionism */

2026-05-26T16:41:02Z

Reductionism

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:41, 26 May 2026
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	:''The point is that the so-called “heretic” really has (re)discovered some truth that has been lost, ignored, or suppressed. That is something to get excited about. However, '''the error in the heresy is in the exaggerated enthusiasm or preoccupation that ensues.'' The heretic becomes increasingly obsessive and sectarian by '''making the newly recovered particular truth into the whole truth.''' Its real meaning is obscured because it is separated from the greater Truth from which it has been extracted. '''Truth thereby becomes fragmented.'''<ref>Alan Hirsch and Mark Nelson, Reframation: Seeing God, People, and Mission through Reenchanted Frames (100 Movements Publishing, 2019, 47-48</ref>		:''The point is that the so-called “heretic” really has (re)discovered some truth that has been lost, ignored, or suppressed. That is something to get excited about. However, '''the error in the heresy is in the exaggerated enthusiasm or preoccupation that ensues.'' The heretic becomes increasingly obsessive and sectarian by '''making the newly recovered particular truth into the whole truth.''' Its real meaning is obscured because it is separated from the greater Truth from which it has been extracted. '''Truth thereby becomes fragmented.'''<ref>Alan Hirsch and Mark Nelson, Reframation: Seeing God, People, and Mission through Reenchanted Frames (100 Movements Publishing, 2019, 47-48</ref>

	This is very true within Oneness churches. They quote Acts 2:38 in almost every service. ~~The issues~~ of the Godhead and baptism ~~overpower~~ every ~~other truth in the Bible~~.		This is very true within Oneness churches. They quote Acts 2:38 in almost every service. A reiteration of their divergent views on the Godhead and baptism occurs in almost every service.

	==Division==		==Division==

Admin: /* History of Oneness theology */

2026-05-26T16:39:06Z

History of Oneness theology

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	The movement took organizational form in 1917 following expulsion from the Assemblies of God. In 1916, the Trinitarian-Oneness controversy led to the formation of the General Assembly of Apostolic Assemblies, which merged with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World in 1918. Originally called the “New Issue” or “Jesus Only,” the movement adopted the designations “Jesus Name,” “Apostolic,” or “Oneness” pentecostalism by 1930.		The movement took organizational form in 1917 following expulsion from the Assemblies of God. In 1916, the Trinitarian-Oneness controversy led to the formation of the General Assembly of Apostolic Assemblies, which merged with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World in 1918. Originally called the “New Issue” or “Jesus Only,” the movement adopted the designations “Jesus Name,” “Apostolic,” or “Oneness” pentecostalism by 1930.

			The global Pentecostal and Charismatic movement represents over 25% of all Christians worldwide (just shy of 650 million) and is believed to be the fastest-growing religious movement in the world. It is estimated that somewhere between 2.5% to 5% of the Pentecostal group denies the doctrine of the Trinity.

	Despite coming out of the Pentecostal movement, Oneness Pentecostalism remains relatively unknown among trinitarian Pentecostals.		Despite coming out of the Pentecostal movement, Oneness Pentecostalism remains relatively unknown among trinitarian Pentecostals.

Admin at 01:12, 26 May 2026

2026-05-26T01:12:56Z

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	:''Give at least two warnings to those who cause divisions, and then have nothing more to do with them. 11You know that such people are corrupt, and their sins prove that they are wrong.<ref>American Bible Society, The Holy Bible: The Good News Translation, 2nd ed. (New York: American Bible Society, 1992), Tt 3:10–11.</ref>		:''Give at least two warnings to those who cause divisions, and then have nothing more to do with them. 11You know that such people are corrupt, and their sins prove that they are wrong.<ref>American Bible Society, The Holy Bible: The Good News Translation, 2nd ed. (New York: American Bible Society, 1992), Tt 3:10–11.</ref>

			=Discussion of scriptures used by Oneness followers against the Trinity doctrine=

			Oneness proponents use these passages to prove their theology is correct.

			==Isaiah 9:6==

			One of the major proof texts for Oneness theology is Isaiah 9:6 which reads:

			:''For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us;
			:''And the government will rest on His shoulders;
			:''And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.<ref>New American Standard Bible (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 2020), Is 9:6.</ref>

			This is seen as proof that the Father's name is Jesus.

			However, it is interesting when one looks at this same passage in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, that is quoted by Jesus and the majority of the New Testament writers:

			:''Because a child was born to us; a son was given to us whose leadership came upon his shoulder; and his name is called “Messenger of the Great Council,” for I will bring peace upon the rulers and health to him.<ref>Rick Brannan et al., eds., The Lexham English Septuagint (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012), Is 9:6.<ref>

			What this means is that we can't rely on the exact wording of Isaiah 9:6 for the foundation of any doctrines. The exact wording in the original Hebrew is in doubt.


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Admin: /* Reductionism */

2026-05-26T01:00:26Z

Reductionism

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	:''The point is that the so-called “heretic” really has (re)discovered some truth that has been lost, ignored, or suppressed. That is something to get excited about. However, '''the error in the heresy is in the exaggerated enthusiasm or preoccupation that ensues.'' The heretic becomes increasingly obsessive and sectarian by '''making the newly recovered particular truth into the whole truth.''' Its real meaning is obscured because it is separated from the greater Truth from which it has been extracted. '''Truth thereby becomes fragmented.'''<ref>Alan Hirsch and Mark Nelson, Reframation: Seeing God, People, and Mission through Reenchanted Frames (100 Movements Publishing, 2019, 47-48</ref>		:''The point is that the so-called “heretic” really has (re)discovered some truth that has been lost, ignored, or suppressed. That is something to get excited about. However, '''the error in the heresy is in the exaggerated enthusiasm or preoccupation that ensues.'' The heretic becomes increasingly obsessive and sectarian by '''making the newly recovered particular truth into the whole truth.''' Its real meaning is obscured because it is separated from the greater Truth from which it has been extracted. '''Truth thereby becomes fragmented.'''<ref>Alan Hirsch and Mark Nelson, Reframation: Seeing God, People, and Mission through Reenchanted Frames (100 Movements Publishing, 2019, 47-48</ref>

	~~Now I beg you, brothers, look out for those who are causing~~		This is very true within Oneness churches. They quote Acts 2:38 in almost every service. The issues of the Godhead and baptism overpower every other truth in the Bible.
	the ~~divisions~~ and ~~occasions of stumbling, contrary to~~ the ~~doctrine~~
	~~which you learned, and turn away from them~~.~~449~~
	~~As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once~~
	~~and then twice, have nothing more to do with him …450~~

			==Division==

			Oneness theology leads to division. Oneness ministers will generally not associate with trinitarians because they believe they are headed for hell. But this was not the position of Paul:

			:''I urge you, my brothers and sisters: watch out for those who cause divisions and upset people’s faith and go against the teaching which you have received. Keep away from them!<ref>American Bible Society, The Holy Bible: The Good News Translation, 2nd ed. (New York: American Bible Society, 1992), Ro 16:17.</ref>\

			:''By the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ I appeal to all of you, my brothers and sisters, to agree in what you say, so that there will be no divisions among you. Be completely united, with only one thought and one purpose.<ref>American Bible Society, The Holy Bible: The Good News Translation, 2nd ed. (New York: American Bible Society, 1992), 1 Co 1:10.</ref>

			:''Give at least two warnings to those who cause divisions, and then have nothing more to do with them. 11You know that such people are corrupt, and their sins prove that they are wrong.<ref>American Bible Society, The Holy Bible: The Good News Translation, 2nd ed. (New York: American Bible Society, 1992), Tt 3:10–11.</ref>


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Admin: /* Reductionism */

2026-05-26T00:51:40Z

Reductionism

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:51, 26 May 2026
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	Here is Alan Hirsch on the subject:		Here is Alan Hirsch on the subject:

	:''In its original meaning, the word heresy does not infer that someone is wrong or has believed a falsehood. Rather,		:''In its original meaning, the word heresy does not infer that someone is wrong or has believed a falsehood. Rather, it simply refers to a particular truth or belief that has been extracted from its true and complete context and is subsequently treated as if it were the whole truth. This explains why '''every heretic in the history of the church has had a verse or two of Scripture they rigidly hold to'''.
	it simply refers to a particular truth or belief that has been extracted from its true and complete context and is subsequently
	treated as if it were the whole truth. This explains why '''every heretic in the history of the church has had a verse
	or two of Scripture they rigidly hold to'''.

	Some of the sheep, and even some of the shepherds, may turn out to be wolves in disguise. And the attack will then take the		:''Some of the sheep, and even some of the shepherds, may turn out to be wolves in disguise. And the attack will then take the form, not of direct contradiction or a clash of powers, but of '''distorting the truth'''. The greatest heresies do not come about by straightforward denial; most of the church will see that for what it is. They happen when '''an element which may even be important, but isn’t central, looms so large that people can’t help talking about it, fixating on it, debating different views of it as though this were the only thing that mattered.''
	form, not of direct contradiction or a clash of powers, but of '''distorting the truth'''. The greatest heresies do not come about by straightforward denial; most of the church will see that for what it is. They happen when '''an element which may even be important, but isn’t central, looms so large that people can’t help talking about it, fixating on it, debating different views of it as though this were the only thing that mattered.''

	The point is that the so-called “heretic” really has (re)discovered some truth that has been lost, ignored, or suppressed.		:''The point is that the so-called “heretic” really has (re)discovered some truth that has been lost, ignored, or suppressed. That is something to get excited about. However, '''the error in the heresy is in the exaggerated enthusiasm or preoccupation that ensues.'' The heretic becomes increasingly obsessive and sectarian by '''making the newly recovered particular truth into the whole truth.''' Its real meaning is obscured because it is separated from the greater Truth from which it has been extracted. '''Truth thereby becomes fragmented.'''<ref>Alan Hirsch and Mark Nelson, Reframation: Seeing God, People, and Mission through Reenchanted Frames (100 Movements Publishing, 2019, 47-48</ref>
	That is something to get excited about. However, the error in the heresy is in the exaggerated enthusiasm or preoccupation
	that ensues. The heretic becomes increasingly obsessive and sectarian by making the newly recovered particular truth into the whole truth. Its real meaning is obscured because it is separated from the greater Truth from which it has been
	extracted. Truth thereby becomes fragmented.<ref>Alan Hirsch and Mark Nelson, Reframation: Seeing God, People, and
	Mission through Reenchanted Frames (100 Movements Publishing, 2019, 47-48</ref>

	Now I beg you, brothers, look out for those who are causing		Now I beg you, brothers, look out for those who are causing