Oneness Pentecostalism
In one sentence
A non-Trinitarian Pentecostal tradition identifying deity with the one person of Jesus and typically baptizing in Jesus’ name.
In simple terms
Oneness Pentecostalism embraces spiritual gifts and Spirit baptism but rejects the classical doctrine of three eternal Persons, emphasizing the one God revealed in Jesus.
Biblical truth
Scripture strictly affirms one God while also distinguishing Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and associating Jesus’ name with salvation and baptism.
Key Scriptures
Deut. 6:4 · Matt. 28:19 · Acts 2:38 · John 1:1–2 · John 14:16–17
Example
In many congregations baptism is administered “in the name of Jesus Christ,” with Matthew 28:19 interpreted through the one name revealed as Jesus.
Who holds it
Oneness Pentecostal denominations that emerged in the early twentieth century.
Opposing view
Trinitarianism
Not to be confused with
Not to be confused with classical Trinitarian Pentecostalism: the primary dispute concerns the doctrine of God, not the reality of spiritual gifts.
History
The movement took shape within North American Pentecostalism after disputes over the baptismal formula and divine name in the 1910s.
Main point of debate
The central dispute is whether Father, Son, and Spirit are eternally distinct Persons or manifestations and relations of the one God whose fullness is revealed in Jesus.