A House Divided — Yet Not Destroyed
At its heart, this is not merely a dispute over words but over meaning. Is the divine name a title of relationship or a singular revelation? Does form matter if faith is genuine? Can two formulas both honor the same God? These questions have led to denominational separations, fiery conferences, and countless debates — yet also to deeper study and conviction. While Oneness and Trinitarian Christians remain divided, both affirm the authority of Scripture, the saving work of Christ, and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.
Reflection and Understanding
Neither side denies Jesus nor the necessity of baptism. The tension lies in how divine identity is confessed at the moment of new birth. The challenge, then, is not to erase distinction but to engage difference with humility. Unity in Christ is not achieved by uniformity of language, but by fidelity to truth expressed in love. In every generation, the church must learn to hold conviction and compassion in the same hand — truth without triumphalism, doctrine without division.
Where do you stand on the question at hand?
References
• The Holy Bible (NASB): Matthew 28; Acts 2.
• Jack Cottrell, The Faith Once for All (College Press, 2002).
• Gareth L. Reese, Acts: New Testament History Commentary (College Press).
• Walter A. Elwell, Evangelical Dictionary of Theology (Baker, 2001).
• John Piper, Desiring God Ministries – Baptism and the New Birth.
• Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology (Baker Academic, 2013).
• Oneness–Trinitarian Pentecostal Final Report, Pneuma 30 (2008): 203–224.
Written by Dr. Kevin Hall | The Way Bible Blog | Bahamas
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