ONENESS PENTECOSTAL Meaning and
Definition
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Oneness Pentecostalism is a branch of Christianity that emerged in the early 20th century, originating from the Pentecostal movement. It is a theological position within Pentecostalism that emphasizes the concept of the oneness of God, rejecting the traditional doctrine of the Trinity.
Oneness Pentecostals believe in the fundamental understanding that there is only one God, contrary to the Trinitarian belief in three distinct persons of God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). They view the doctrine of the Trinity as contradictory to monotheism. Instead, Oneness Pentecostals support the idea of modalism or "Jesus only" theology, which teaches that God has manifested Himself in different modes or roles throughout history rather than as three separate individuals.
Central to the Oneness Pentecostal belief is the conviction that Jesus Christ is the complete embodiment of all Deity. They emphasize the importance of baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, rather than the traditional Trinitarian formula. They view water baptism as an essential step towards salvation, being necessary for the remission of sins and spiritual rebirth.
Oneness Pentecostals also place great emphasis on the experience of the Holy Spirit, including the belief in the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues, as well as the manifestation of spiritual gifts such as healing and prophecy.
This movement has grown considerably over the years and has diverse organizations and denominations associated with it, including the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) and the Apostolic Pentecostal Church.
Etymology of ONENESS PENTECOSTAL
The term "Oneness Pentecostal" is a combination of two elements: "Oneness" and "Pentecostal".
1. "Oneness" refers to the theological belief system known as Oneness Theology, Oneness Doctrine, or Oneness Pentecostalism, which emphasizes the belief in the oneness of God. Adherents of this belief reject the traditional doctrine of the Trinity and instead argue for the belief in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as different manifestations or roles of one God.
2. "Pentecostal" refers to a movement within Christianity that places emphasis on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including speaking in tongues and miraculous healing. Pentecostalism traces its roots to the early 20th century revival movements, particularly the Azusa Street Revival led by William J. Seymour in Los Angeles, California.
