Common Misunderstandings About the Oneness Doctrine

The Oneness doctrine is often misunderstood by those unfamiliar with Apostolic theology. Sometimes it’s misrepresented or confused with heresies of the past. To engage in honest discussion and clarify truth, we must address these misunderstandings with Scripture, clarity, and love.

Misunderstanding #1: Oneness Denies the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Truth: Oneness believers fully affirm the biblical titles of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost—but we understand them as manifestations of the one God, not separate persons.

• Father — God in creation and relationship.
• Son — God in redemption (manifest in flesh).
• Holy Ghost — God in action within the Church.

“The Lord our God is one Lord.” — Deuteronomy 6:4

We don’t reject these roles—we embrace them and identify the name behind them: Jesus.

Misunderstanding #2: Oneness Is Modalism

Truth: Modalism, an ancient error, taught that God ceased being Father when He became the Son, and ceased being the Son when He became the Holy Spirit.

Oneness Pentecostals reject this idea. We believe God is eternally God, who can operate in all roles simultaneously:

• Jesus prayed to the Father as a man, not as a second divine person.
• The Spirit descended at His baptism while the Son stood in the water.

This isn’t multiple gods—it’s one God acting in multiple ways.

Misunderstanding #3: Oneness Denies the Deity of Christ

Truth: Oneness doctrine exalts the deity of Jesus.

• We believe Jesus is God—not part of God, not one-third of God, but the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Colossians 2:9).
• He is the Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6), not merely the Son of God, but God Himself revealed in flesh.

Far from diminishing Jesus, Oneness theology proclaims His supreme divinity.

Misunderstanding #4: The Oneness View Is Not Christian

Truth: This is perhaps the most unfortunate claim. Oneness believers affirm the full Gospel—Jesus’ virgin birth, sinless life, atoning death, resurrection, and return.

We follow the teachings of the apostles and baptize in Jesus’ name, receive the Holy Ghost, and live holy lives. This is not another religion—it is New Testament Christianity.

Misunderstanding #5: Oneness Believers Worship a “Different Jesus”

Truth: The Jesus we worship is the biblical Jesus—the Son of God, born of a virgin, crucified, risen again, and exalted above all.

• Acts 4:12 – “There is no other name…”
• Philippians 2:9–11 – “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…”

We believe Jesus is God with us—not a created being or a secondary person, but the one true God revealed in flesh.

Conclusion

The Oneness doctrine is not a deviation from Scripture—it is a call back to apostolic truth. Many misunderstand it due to tradition, unfamiliarity, or misrepresentation. But a close look at the Bible reveals the consistent testimony: God is one, and His name is Jesus.

Let us seek truth with open hearts and be willing to reexamine our beliefs in the light of God’s Word.

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” — John 8:32