The six main Oneness verses and how they might reasonably appear to others, and how a Trinitarian might argue about them
- Isaiah 9:6: This verse identifies the coming Messiah with titles such as "The mighty God" and "The everlasting Father,". The titles given in this verse, such as "The mighty God," can reasonably be understood as symbolic or representative of the authority and power bestowed upon the coming Messiah by God rather than indicating that the Messiah is God Himself. A Trinitarian might argue that while this verse attributes divine titles to the coming Messiah, it does not explicitly state that the Messiah is the same person as the one true God. They would interpret these titles as indicative of the Messiah's exalted status and divine mission but not as evidence of his identity as the one God of Israel.
- 1 Timothy 3:16: Although the specific word "theos" (God) may not be present in some manuscripts, the verse speaks of God being "manifest in the flesh,". To others, the absence of the specific word "theos" (God) in some manuscripts reasonably suggests that the verse may not explicitly identify Jesus as God. The phrase "manifest in the flesh" indicates God's presence or revelation in Jesus rather than Jesus being God Himself. A Trinitarian may argue that the verse, in its broader context and in light of other passages in the New Testament, supports the traditional Trinitarian understanding of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as distinct persons within the Godhead. They would interpret "God was manifest in the flesh" as referring to the incarnation of the Son while maintaining the distinction between the persons of the Trinity.
- John 1:1: This verse identifies Jesus, referred to as "the Word," as being with God and some say it means that the Word is God Himself, indicating his divine nature and supporting the Oneness belief in the deity of Jesus. To others, the verse reasonably emphasises the divine Logos (Word) as a concept or expression of God's wisdom and plan, rather than as a distinct person who is God Himself. The phrase "the Word was God" means the Word was divine in nature or had a godlike quality rather than being fully equivalent to God Himself. A Trinitarian, on the other hand, would interpret this verse as affirming the pre-existence and divine nature of the Son, who is identified as the Word and is described as being "with God" and "was God." They would argue that this verse supports the Trinitarian understanding of the eternal relationship between the Father and the Son within the Godhead.
- Colossians 2:9: This verse states that in Jesus "dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily," emphasizing the complete divine nature of Jesus Christ and supporting the Oneness view of his deity. To others, the verse reasonably emphasises the fullness of God's divine attributes and power dwelling in Jesus as God's chosen representative or agent, rather than indicating that Jesus is God Himself. A Trinitarian might argue that this verse emphasizes the fullness of deity that dwells in Christ bodily, affirming the divine nature of Christ while maintaining the distinction between the persons of the Trinity. They would interpret this verse as supporting the Trinitarian understanding of the incarnation of the Son.
- John 10:30: Jesus declares, "I and my Father are one," indicating to Oneness adherents his unity with the Father and reinforcing the Oneness belief in the oneness of God, rather than a triune understanding. To others, Jesus' statement "I and my Father are one" reasonably expresses unity in purpose and mission with God rather than claiming ontological identity with God. A Trinitarian might interpret Jesus' statement "I and my Father are one" as expressing a profound unity of essence between the Father and the Son within the Godhead while preserving their distinct personhood. They would argue that this verse supports the Trinitarian understanding of the relationship between the Father and the Son.
- Matthew 28:19: Although this verse mentions the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Oneness adherents interpret it as instructing baptism to be done in the singular name of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the unity of God rather than a triune understanding. To others, the triadic formula for baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit reasonably reflects a recognition of the distinct importance of each one and their relationships rather than implying any essential identity as one being. The singular name of Jesus represents his authority and representation of God. A Trinitarian may argue that this verse reflects the Trinitarian baptismal formula, which recognizes the distinct persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit within the Godhead. They would interpret the singular name of Jesus as representing his authority and the unity of the Godhead, while still affirming the threefold nature of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
