Why Oneness Pentecostals Believe God Is Jesus: An Unconventional View Explained

Understanding the beliefs of Oneness Pentecostals can be a challenging task due to the significant differences they have from mainstream Christian theology. A common question that often arises is why these believers see Jesus as God, when numerous verses in the Bible clearly state that God is the Father. This article will explore the beliefs of Oneness Pentecostals and provide insights into why they interpret the Bible in this unique manner.

Introduction to Oneness Pentecostals

Oneness Pentecostals, also known as Oneness Baptists or Benjamin Lay Pentecostals, are a branch of Christianity that practices belief in the Holy Trinity as a single God, in whom the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not separate persons but one entity. This belief, while controversial, is deeply rooted in their spiritual practices and theological interpretations.

The Core Belief: One God

The key belief of Oneness Pentecostals is the concept of one God. Unlike traditional Trinitarian Christians who see three distinct persons in the Godhead, Oneness Pentecostals maintain that the Father, Son, and Spirit are simply different manifestations of the one God. This belief is based on verses from the Bible, particularly those that emphasize the incomprehensibility and unity of the Godhead.

Misunderstandings and Confusions

One of the main points of confusion lies in the seemingly contradictory statements within the Bible about God's role as the Father and the existence of Jesus as the Son. Oneness Pentecostals argue that such statements are not to be understood literally. Instead, they interpret these statements as figurative or metaphorical references to the divine nature of Jesus, who they consider to be fully divine.

Scriptural Interpretations

Oneness Pentecostals often refer to the teachings of their founder, Charles C. Price, and other influential figures like David Bernard, who wrote the book The Oneness of God. In this book, Bernard clarifies the Oneness view of the Godhead, explaining why Oneness believers see Jesus as one with and co-eternal with the Father. He argues that the language used in the Bible is designed to express the unity of God in a way that is accessible to human understanding.

The Importance of Context

According to Oneness Pentecostals, understanding the context in which biblical statements were made is crucial. Many verses, such as the one you mentioned from John 16:28, are seen as expressions of the intimacy and identity of Jesus with the Father. Oneness Baptists believe that these statements should not be taken out of context and seen as denoting two separate persons, but rather as affirmations of the oneness of God.

Evidence from Biblical Verses

To support their belief, Oneness Pentecostals often cite numerous verses that emphasize the unity and oneness of God. Some examples include:

1 John there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.(NIV) Psalms 68:19:The god of glory spoke and the sustainers of the earth were established. (ESV) Galatians 4:6:Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, Abba, Father. (NIV)

The Role of the Holy Spirit

In Oneness Pentecostal theology, the Holy Spirit is seen as the embodiment or the manifestation of the divine will and presence. This belief is rooted in passages like John 14:26, where Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit as a guide, and Romans 8:26, where it is stated that the Spirit intercedes on behalf of God's people.

Conclusion

Oneness Pentecostals believe in a unique, unified view of the Godhead, which differs significantly from traditional Trinitarian interpretations. This belief is grounded in their interpretation of specific biblical passages and the context in which they were written. While this view may not be widely accepted by mainstream Christianity, it is a significant and valid perspective within the broader context of religious diversity.

References:

Price, Charles C. The Spirit and the.splice 0. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1942. Bernard, David. The Oneness of God. PDFDrive, 2020. Scripture references cited above.

Understanding the Oneness Pentecostal viewpoint requires an open mind and a willingness to explore diverse interpretations of sacred texts. Whether you agree with this perspective or not, it is important to approach it with a thorough and respectful examination of the beliefs and contexts that underpin it.