Modalistic Monarchianism

Since the inception of the church on the day of Pentecost, New Testament Christians have been faced with fierce external opposition. However, and quite surprisingly, some of the most pernicious assaults have come, not from without, but from within, as heretics have attempted to destroy the essential fundamentals of the faith. While the church fought for her very existence, she also combated internal heresy which would have tainted and tarnished the purity of doctrine (Cairns, 1996). Though heresy, if accepted and practiced, is never advantageous for the church, it does force Christians to be more precise, to accurately define doctrine, and to distinguish truth from falsehood (Sproul, 2011). In the first few centuries, this occurred quite frequently, as the nascent church endeavored to establish its position on certain key doctrines through the use of ecumenical councils. For example, varying opinions were purported as to the belief in the nature of God and whether God existed as a trinity. Some church leaders felt that the idea of a triune God was incompatible with the God of the Bible (Boer, 1976). Novatian, an influential theologian in the third century, stated, “If Christ be no the Father, because Christ is God the Son, there appear to be two Gods…contrary to the Scriptures” (Boer, 1976, p.112). Therefore, since the Trinity has been the subject of much scrutiny, Christians must learn what the Bible teaches about the Trinity and adamantly defend this essential doctrine against any opposition.

Modalistic Monarchianism Defined

            One of these heretical movements that attacked the Trinity and emerged during the third and fourth century was Modalistic Monarchianism (Cairns, 1996). Modalistic Monarchianism was an attempt to preserve the unity of God and his oneness (Sproul, 2011). Although the purpose for this school of thought was noble, in that it attempted to preserve monotheism, it blatantly denied the Trinity. The primary exponent who championed Monarchianism was Sabellius (Boer, 1976). He taught that God was not a trinity of persons, as the orthodox trinity position holds. Rather, He was a trinity of manifestations, expressing himself in diverse modes at different moments in history (Tillich, 1968). For example, God manifested himself as the Father throughout the Old Testament, as the Son to redeem mankind, and as the Holy Spirt after the resurrection of Christ (Cairnes, 1996). In his own words, Sabellius averred, “The same is the Father, the same is the Son, the same is the Holy Spirit” (Tillich, 1968, p.66-67). He believed that the Father, Son, and Spirit are names and faces which the same “monarchic Father-God” appeared with throughout history to accomplish a unique work (Tillich, 1968). Unfortunately, not only was this position unscriptural, but it also enticed its followers, requiring the Church to formally and soundly silence Modalistic Monarchianism and its followers.

Modalistic Monarchianism Denied

            Importantly, many early church fathers believed in the eternal trinity of God and wrote about it clearly in their writings. For instance, Clement of Alexandria penned a lengthy First Epistle to the Corinthians. In the fifty-eight chapter of this letter, he remarked, “For as God liveth, and as the Lord Jesus Christ liveth, and the Holy Spirit…” (Boyd, 1992, p. 149). Clement differentiated between the three persons of the Godhead and recognized varying functions which they perform. Furthermore, Polycarp, an important witness and prominent Christian in the first century, conspicuously conveys his belief in the Trinity: “O Lord God Almighty, Father of your beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ… I glorify you, through the eternal and heavenly High Priest, Jesus Christ, your beloved Son, through whom to you with him and the Holy Spirit be glory both now and for the ages to come. Amen” (Boyd, 1992, p. 153). Undoubtedly, he assented with the orthodox belief in the divine nature and trinity of God. Still yet, the fear of tri-theism creeping into the church prompted some to reject the trinity and focus solely upon the unity of God. The prevalence and acceptance of this erroneous doctrine resulted in the Council of Nicea in A.D. 325 (Sproul, 2011). The attendees of this council produced the Nicene Creed to affirm the divinity of Christ and his relationship in the Godhead: “I believe in one God, the Father Almighty… and in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God… God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God…and in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life” (Sproul, 2011).  Therefore, since the church fathers affirmed the trinity position and rejected heretical teachings, modern-day Christians should not be bewildered in the face of opposition to the trinity but likewise remain steadfast in the truths of God’s Word.

Conclusion

            Sadly, even with the lucid teaching of Scripture, many still deny the trinity and opt for exegetical gymnastics. Remarkably, prestigious national Christian leaders have accepted the Modalistic Monarchianism position. For example, universally-renowned preacher T. D. Jakes has implicitly denied the orthodox teaching of the trinity, believing that “there is one God, creator of all things, infinitely perfect, and existing in three manifestations: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” (Buckner, 1999). Moreover, Modalistic Monarchianism goes by a new name: Oneness Pentecostalism or Jesus Only. Adherents of this movement vehemently reject the trinity, assert that its origins are paganist, and dogmatically proclaim their beliefs to convert those who could be easily led astray (Boyd, 1992). Christians must be rooted and grounded in the Word so that they will not be deceived. They must be conversant in the passages which Oneness believers distort to support their tenuous doctrine. Let the church unashamedly declare the truth of God’s Word and remember that “there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one” (1 John 5:7).

           

References

Boer, Harry (1976). A Short History of the Early Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

Boyd, Gregory (1992). Oneness Pentecostals and the Trinity. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

Buckner, J. (1999). The Man, His Ministry, and His Movement: Concerns about the Teachings of T. D. Jakes. Christian Research Journal, 22(2). Retrieved February 4, 2016.

Cairns, Earle (1996). Christianity through the Centuries. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Sproul, R. C. (2011). What Is the Trinity? Grand Rapids, MI: Color House Graphics.

Tillich, Paul (1968). A Complete History of Christian Thought. New York City, NY: Harper and Row Publishers