Q&A: Oneness Pentecostalism, Speaking in Tongues, and a Split in the Trinity
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In this episode of the Bible Answer Man Podcast, Hank Hanegraaff addresses three key theological questions from listeners. First, he clarifies the doctrine of the Trinity, explaining that while there is one God in essence (ontology), the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are eternally distinct persons within that one Godhead—rejecting Oneness Pentecostalism's view that God manifests in different modes. He emphasizes that the Trinity is not a contradiction but a mystery beyond full human comprehension, grounded in Scripture and not a man-made invention. Second, he discusses speaking in tongues, cautioning against making it a litmus test for spiritual maturity or a 'second blessing,' noting that while tongues may have been a sign in the early church, they are not normative today and should not divide believers. Third, he addresses the cry of Jesus on the cross, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?', explaining that this reflects emotional and relational suffering, not an ontological separation within the Godhead. Hanegraaff stresses that the Trinity remains a central, non-negotiable doctrine, while secondary issues like tongues should be discussed with grace and unity. The episode concludes with a call to support the Christian Research Institute’s mission of equipping believers with biblical truth.
The Trinity is one God in three eternally distinct persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—not three modes of one person.
Oneness Pentecostalism's view of God as one person manifesting in different forms contradicts biblical teaching on eternal distinctions.
Speaking in tongues is not a necessary sign of spiritual empowerment or a 'second blessing' and should not be a divisive issue.
Jesus' cry on the cross reflects relational anguish, not a break in the divine essence of God.
Believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit at conversion and daily empowered for service, but the nature of that empowerment is not tied to tongues.
Understanding the Trinity: One God in Three Persons
“If I say there's one what and three who's, that's not a contradiction. If I say there's one what and three what's, that's a contradiction.”
Oneness Pentecostalism vs. Trinitarianism: A Theological Divide
“The belief that you have to be baptized only in the name of Jesus has led Oneness Pentecostalism to the further error that Jesus is himself, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
Speaking in Tongues: A Secondary Issue, Not a Requirement
Hank addresses John’s question about speaking in tongues as evidence of a 'second blessing.' He argues that while tongues were a sign in the early church, there is no biblical precedent to make it normative today. He urges believers not to divide over this issue, calling it a 'hill to die on' only in the sense of healthy debate, not division.
Jesus on the Cross: Emotional Despair, Not Ontological Separation
“There is none. In fact, we have to recognize that even in the passion of Christ... He was a sweet-smelling savor unto God.”
“Jesus never became sin. Jesus was the sin bearer, the one upon whom the sins of the world were laid.”
“There is none. In fact, we have to recognize that even in the passion of Christ... He was a sweet-smelling savor unto God.”
“If I say there's one what and three who's, that's not a contradiction. If I say there's one what and three what's, that's a contradiction.”
Host
Hank Hanegraaff
person
Christian Research Institute
organization
Jesus Christ
person
Holy Spirit
person
Father
person
Psalm 22
book
Cindy
person
Has God Spoken?
book
John
person
Complete Bible Answer Book Collector's Edition
book
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