Oneness Argument: John 14:26; 15:26

Perhaps the major tenet of faith of the United Pentecostal denomination is its "one person in the Godhead" doctrine. At least, it is one of the better known of their errors. One argument often made by Pentecostal preachers to prove their "Jesus is the only person in the Godhead" theory is based on John 14:26 and 15:26. Argument: (1) The Father sent the Holy Spirit (Jn. 14:26). (2) Jesus said. "I will send (the Holy Spirit) unto you" (Jn. 15:26).

Conclusion: Jesus is the Father.

Answer

1. If the above conclusion were true, it would not prove one person, for the Father (one person) sent the Holy Spirit (one person)-that is two, not one. Jesus said, "he (the Holy Spirit-one person) shall testify of me (Jesus one person)-that equals two persons. Thus, even if the Father and the Son are one person, John 14:26 and 15:26 show two persons which itself wrecks and ruins the oneness heresy. But we do not grant the first conclusion. The Holy Spirit, when sent by the Father, came in Christs name, i.e., by the authority of Christ he came "from the Father." Therefore, it is logically and scripturally said that both sent him (Cf. I Cor. 15:27, 28).

2. In Acts 13:1-4, when Paul and Barnabas we separated and "sent forth," the record says "certain prophets and teachers . . . sent them away. In verse four, it says, "So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed." Parallel Pentecostal Type Argument: (1) The prophets and teachers sent them away. (2) The Holy Spirit sent them. Conclusion: The prophets and teachers at Antioch are the Holy Spirit.

But again, (1) The Bible says the blood of the new covenant sanctifies (Heb. 10: 29; 13: 20), (2) the Spirit sanctifies (2 Thess. 2:13), (3) and the truth sanctifies (Jn. 17: 17). Conclusion: The blood of the covenant, the Spirit, and the truth are all one and the very same thing. This is the reasoning of Pentecostalism on Jn. 14:26 and 15:26. Its absurdity requires no mention.

3. Simply read John 14:26 and 15:26. Note the personal pronouns.

TRUTH MAGAZINE XVII: 3, p.2
November 16, 1972