The recent UPC (United Pentecostal Church) camp has reminded us once again of the pernicious error of the “oneness” doctrine. The “oneness” doctrine says that Jesus is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It says there is only one divine person. This is contrary to the Bible.
When it is pointed out that the Bible speaks of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as three different persons, it is replied, “You are a father, son, and husband, but only one person. So it is with Jesus, He is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but only one person.” The fact is, I am not my own father, nor am I my own son. Jesus would have to be His own Father, and His own Son if the “oneness” doctrine is correct.
The Bible clearly teaches that there are three divine persons in the Godhead–the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote, “There is…one Spirit…one Lord…one God and Father” (Ephesians 4:4-6). 1 + 1 + 1 = 3!
Further, the Jews challenged Jesus by saying, “You bear witness of Yourself; Your witness is not true” (John 8:13). In reply to this, Jesus said, in part, “It is also written in your law that the testimony of two men is true. I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me” (John 8:17-18). Friends, 1 + 1 = 2! Therefore, there are at least two persons in the Godhead. The point is, Jesus is not the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
To our UPC friends, we ask, “Are you your own father?” Your answer will be no, but we suspect you will still defend the “oneness” doctrine. If so, then we issue a challenge to debate the issue, either written or orally. Choose an honorable representative of your position and we will do the same — allowing each side to be stated and cross-examined publicly. Do you have the truth? Will you defend it?
If you are a member of the UPC and realize the doctrines you have been taught are not found in the Bible, we invite you to contact us for a study.
Steven F. Deaton
