Is Oneness Pentecostalism Christian?

Oneness Pentecostalism began in 1913 at a Pentecostal camp meeting in California with about 2,000 attendees. During a baptismal service, R.E. McAllister said the apostles baptized in Jesus’ name according to Acts 2:38, not in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit according to Matthew 28:19. This inspired a man called John Schaepe, to claim that he received a revelation that night about the power of Jesus’ name. He and others believed that God is not three Persons but three manifestations.

Then in 1914, they re-baptized each other in Jesus’ name and began preaching this non-Trinitarian belief. Oneness ministers eventually formed their own groups (United Pentecostal Church International in 1945). Today, the UPCI is the largest Oneness Pentecostal church, with 45,000 churches, 45,000 ministers, and around 5.8 million members across 231 nations and territories.

Oneness Pentecostal beliefs often differ from historic Christian beliefs. Here are the main teachings that make them different.

The Doctrines That Make Them Different

1. God exists in three “modes” rather than three “persons.”

Oneness Pentecostals believe Jesus is the Father and the Holy Spirit, rather than three distinct Persons. They interpret Scriptures to support the idea that God simply manifests Himself in different ways (Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 9:6, John 10:30).

They often use the idea of one man taking on different roles—like being a father, a husband, and a worker. While at a glance this makes sense, it’s important to remember that the Bible must shape our theology not just our logic. In the NT we see that there are distinctions between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For instance, at Jesus’ baptism, we see Jesus in the water, the Father speaking from heaven, and the Spirit descending. While this teaching is complex, it is biblical.

2. Salvation requires water baptism in Jesus’ name, not in the Trinitarian formula.

Next, Oneness Pentecostals teach that you must be baptized in Jesus’ name alone and not in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). However, it’s important to note that the baptism in Jesus’ name mentioned in the Book of Acts is meant to reflect the authority of Jesus, not a formula we’re made to follow.

We believe that we are saved by grace through faith, not by the act of baptism (Ephesians 2:8-9). In Scripture, we see that Jesus saved the thief on the cross without water baptism. Now, baptism is important as an act of obedience, but we don’t believe it is a requirement for salvation.

3. Salvation requires receiving the Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, rather than simple faith in Jesus’ person and work.

Oneness Pentecostals teach that unless you speak in tongues, you are not saved. They equate receiving the Spirit with speaking in tongues, meaning that the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit are the same event.

However, the Bible teaches us that these are two separate experiences. For instance, we see that in one instance Jesus breathed on His disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit” and later, at Pentecost, they were filled with the Spirit and spoke in tongues.

I believe that requiring tongues for salvation adds works to grace. Salvation is by grace through faith, not by tongues or emotional experience. This gift is a blessing to our walk but we do not believe it is a requirement for salvation.

4. Only Oneness believers are considered saved.

Another teaching that Oneness Pentecostals believe is that only those who follow their doctrines (including tongues and Jesus-only baptism) are truly saved.

While it’s okay to have theological differences over the smaller issues, all who believe in the essential and foundational doctrines of the Christian faith are believers. To say only Oneness believers are saved is unbiblical and divisive.

5. Oneness believers intentionally dress and look different from the rest of society.

And lastly, this has more to do with a physical distinction seen in those who are Oneness Pentecostals. The women often wear their long hair in buns and modest clothing, while men keep short hair and formal attire. This manner of dressing often makes them look different and set apart from what culture is wearing and is due to their holiness standards. I do want to emphasis how the Bible does talk about modesty and purity, but it does not equate it to being a salvation issue.

I pray this was helpful. Ultimately, I encourage you to open your eyes and read the Scriptures for yourself. May the Lord bring a clear understanding and discernment as you do.

Read: These Signs Mean You’re In A New Season