The distinction between Oneness Apostolic theology and Trinitarian Pentecostalism represents one of the most significant theological divides within the broader Pentecostal movement. Although both groups affirm Spirit baptism, holiness, and the authority of Scripture, they diverge on the doctrine of God, baptismal formula, and Christology.
2. Definition of Oneness Apostolic Theology
Also known as the “Jesus-Only” movement, Oneness Pentecostalism teaches that:
God is not three distinct persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), but rather one God who reveals Himself in different modes or manifestations.
Jesus is the full manifestation of the one God—not just the Son, but also the Father and the Holy Spirit.
This theology developed independently from traditional Trinitarian orthodoxy and is rooted in a modalistic understanding of God.
3. Historical Origins
Event
Significance
1913 Arroyo Seco Camp Meeting
Evangelist R.E. McAlister preached that the early church baptised in Jesus’ name only (Acts 2:38), not using the Trinitarian formula (Matthew 28:19).
Frank Ewart and Glenn Cook (1914)
Re-baptised each other in Jesus’ name and began teaching the Oneness doctrine, denying the traditional Trinity.
Formation of UPCI (1945)
The United Pentecostal Church International was established as the largest Oneness body, separating from Trinitarian Pentecostals.
4. Doctrinal Distinctions
Doctrine
Trinitarian Pentecostalism
Oneness Apostolic Theology
Doctrine of God
One God in three eternal persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (co-equal, co-eternal).
One God who manifests Himself in different modes: Father in creation, Son in redemption, Holy Spirit in regeneration.
Christology
Jesus is the Son, second person of the Trinity, fully God and fully man.
Jesus is the manifestation of the entire Godhead (Col. 2:9). He is both Father and Son in one person.
Baptism
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19).
In the name of Jesus Christ only (Acts 2:38); Trinitarian formula is seen as unbiblical.
Salvation
Repentance, faith in Christ, baptism (usually optional formula), and Spirit baptism.
Repentance, Jesus’ name baptism, and speaking in tongues as evidence of Spirit baptism are required for salvation.
View of the Trinity
Essential and historic Christian doctrine.
Viewed as non-biblical and developed later (e.g. by the Nicene Creed); often called a “man-made doctrine.”
5. Key Scriptural Interpretations
Oneness Emphases
Scripture
Interpretation
Isaiah 9:6 – “Everlasting Father…”
Jesus is the Father.
John 10:30 – “I and the Father are one.”
Unity of identity, not just unity of purpose.
Colossians 2:9 – “In Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.”
Jesus contains the entirety of the Godhead.
Acts 2:38
Normative command for baptism in Jesus’ name.
Trinitarian Responses
Interpret such verses as describing functional unity or shared divinity, but maintaining personal distinctions.
Emphasise the plurality of persons in passages like:
Matthew 3:16–17 (Jesus’ baptism: Father speaks, Spirit descends).
John 14:16–17 (Jesus prays to the Father to send another Comforter).
6. Practical and Liturgical Differences
Aspect
Trinitarian Pentecostals
Oneness Apostolic
Worship language
Address prayers to Father, Son, or Spirit.
Jesus is the exclusive focus of all prayer and praise.
Baptismal formula
Trinitarian formula.
“In the name of Jesus Christ” only.
Salvation emphasis
Varied across traditions; baptism may not be required for salvation.
Strict sequence: repentance, Jesus’ name baptism, Spirit baptism with tongues.
7. Theological and Ecumenical Challenges
7.1 Mainstream Christian Rejection of Oneness Doctrine
The Council of Nicaea (AD 325) condemned Sabellianism (a modalist heresy similar to Oneness theology).
Most evangelical and mainline churches view Oneness theology as a departure from historic orthodoxy.
7.2 Oneness Defenders’ Response
Argue that post-biblical creeds distorted original monotheism.
Assert that the New Testament church practised Jesus’ name baptism, and that modern Christianity deviated from apostolic doctrine.
8. Key Denominational Examples
Oneness Pentecostal Bodies
Trinitarian Pentecostal Bodies
United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI)
Assemblies of God
Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW)
Church of God in Christ (COGIC)
Apostolic Assembly of the Faith in Christ Jesus
International Pentecostal Holiness Church
9. Scholarly Perspectives
Scholar
Viewpoint
David K. Bernard (UPCI)
Defends Oneness theology as biblically faithful and historically apostolic.
James White
Critiques Oneness theology as modalistic heresy, denying personal distinctions within the Godhead.
Allan Anderson
Notes that Oneness movements arose out of revivalist zeal, with a sincere (if theologically controversial) desire to return to NT practice.
10. Summary Table
Theological Dimension
Trinitarian Pentecostalism
Oneness Apostolic Theology
View of God
One God in three persons
One God in three manifestations
Jesus’ identity
Son of God, second person of the Trinity
Father, Son, and Spirit all in Jesus
Baptism
In the name of the Trinity
In the name of Jesus only
Orthodoxy
Affirmed by historic creeds
Rejected by Nicene and later creeds
Salvation
Faith, repentance, optional baptism formula
Jesus’ name baptism + tongues required
11. Conclusion
Oneness Apostolic theology represents a radical reconfiguration of the doctrine of God, departing from the Trinitarian consensus of historic Christianity. While its adherents are passionate about biblical fidelity, holiness, and apostolic practice, its rejection of the Trinity places it outside mainstream orthodoxy. By contrast, Trinitarian Pentecostalism maintains continuity with the Nicene tradition while embracing charismatic experience. The doctrinal divide continues to shape Pentecostal identity, ecumenical dialogue, and theological education globally.
12. References
Bernard, D. K. (2000). The Oneness of God. Hazelwood: Word Aflame Press.
White, J. (1998). The Forgotten Trinity. Minneapolis: Bethany House.
Anderson, A. (2013). An Introduction to Pentecostalism: Global Charismatic Christianity. Cambridge: CUP.
McAlister, R. E. (1913). “The Scriptural Baptism,” Sermon at Arroyo Seco Camp Meeting.
Reed, D. A. (2002). “In Jesus’ Name”: The History and Beliefs of Oneness Pentecostals. JPT Supplement Series.
