The Trinity : revisted

[Ivar]

Christ = Anointed

The Son is The Lord's anointed who received the kingdom of his earthly father David from His Heavenly and Our Heavenly Father.

Anointed of God, or The Lord, or The Lord our God who is one Lord; Not God himself. But the anointed of who he declared in the beginning.
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Godhead = Divinity

Divinity is of The Father of Lights and comes forth from the Father of Lights.

Mat 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

Jas 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Jas 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Joh 4:22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
Joh 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You can't use the possible vagueness of Greek philosophy and Concepts to subvert the Hebrew and make the Angel of The Lord who is mediator between Man and God; God Himself. No Man has seen God at anytime.

Paul was a Hebrew of Hebrews ; Pharisee of Pharisees you can't use his words which can be hard to understand to make The Lord our God more than one Lord and many.

2Pe 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
2Pe 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Statement of Faith

Joh 17:1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
Joh 17:2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
Joh 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've benefited greatly by trying the spirits and meditating on the doctrine given to me.
I bare record thru scriptures; the word to be the Son of God.
So do what must be done. :smile:
------------------------------------

Joh 1:34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

Joh 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

1Jn 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

1Jn 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Act 8:29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
Act 8:30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
Act 8:31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
Act 8:32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
Act 8:33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
Act 8:34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
Act 8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
Act 8:36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
Act 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Act 8:38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Act 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

2Co 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
2Co 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
2Co 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
-----------------------------

1Co 15:28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

 

[Alter2Ego]

It seems most mainstream Christian denominations believe in the Trinity.
A "triune" God. One one God, but with three distinct parts. The Father, The Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit.
Which brings this down to the point of the deity of Jesus. Jesus is God.

Can you really be a Christian, if you don't believe in the deity of Jesus?

John 1:1; In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:2; He was in the beginning with God.
John 1:3; All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being

All things came into being through Jesus. Apart from Him (Jesus) nothing has ever been created.

Gen 1:1; In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

If God created everything, and Jesus created everything. That only leaves one conclusion.
Jesus is God.

Col 1:15; He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
Col 1:16; For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.
Col 1:17; He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
Col 1:18; He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.

Again we see that Jesus created everything. The heavens and the earth. "all things have been created through Him".

Is it a requirement to believe Jesus is God in order to be saved?
Col 1:19; For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him,

B-A-C seems to have disappeared, which is unfortunate, because I would certainly like for B-A-C to explain how John 1-3, and Genesis 1:1, and Colossians 1:15-19 are evidence that Jesus (the Son) is in a trinity with Jehovah (the Father).

Alter2Ego

 

[Bendito]

B-A-C seems to have disappeared, which is unfortunate, because I would certainly like for B-A-C to explain how John 1-3, and Genesis 1:1, and Colossians 1:15-19 are evidence that Jesus (the Son) is in a trinity with Jehovah (the Father).

Alter2Ego

It's interesting that you don't see the link. In the beginning GOD created the heaven and the Earth.....Gen1:1
For by HIM all things were created, heaven and Earth....Col 1:16 If it were any clearer that Jesus is God it would blind you. Jesus and the Father are two parts of the trinity. Two separate entities but the same God. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

 

[B-A-C]

B-A-C seems to have disappeared, which is unfortunate, because I would certainly like for B-A-C to explain how John 1-3, and Genesis 1:1, and Colossians 1:15-19 are evidence that Jesus (the Son) is in a trinity with Jehovah (the Father).

I'm not sure how I could put it any simpler.

Gen 1:1; In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Who created everything here? God. I'm not sure you could take that any other way.

John 1:1; In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:2; He was in the beginning with God.
John 1:3; All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.
John 1:14; And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Verse 3 above says.. everything that was ever created, was created by Him, and nothing that was created was created without Him. Who is "Him"
verse 14 adds a couple of clues here. The "Him" here is Jesus.

Col 1:15; He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
Col 1:16; For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.
Col 1:17; He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
Col 1:18; He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.
Col 1:19; For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him,

Verse 16 in Colossians 1, is the same. by "Him" all things were created. "all things" have been created through Him and for Him.
He was also the firstborn of creation, but that doesn't mean He didn't exist before physical/material creation. (He couldn't have created it, if He didn't exist)
Gen 1.1; John 1:3; and Col 1:16; are all about the same person... God. (Jesus)

Tit 2:13; looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,
2 Pet 1:1; Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:

Heb 1:8; But of the Son He says, "YOUR THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER AND EVER, AND THE RIGHTEOUS SCEPTER IS THE SCEPTER OF HIS KINGDOM.

Jesus the Son, is just as much God... as the Father.

 

[Christ4Ever]

Dear @Alter2Ego
Seems you disappeared as well!
I thought I'd bring this thread forward from 2018.
Also, I hope between then and now, that you read the Statement of Faith.
With the Love of Christ Jesus.
Moderator
Nick
\o/
<><

 

[First and the Last]

I'm not sure how I could put it any simpler.

Gen 1:1; In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Who created everything here? God. I'm not sure you could take that any other way.

John 1:1; In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:2; He was in the beginning with God.
John 1:3; All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.
John 1:14; And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Verse 3 above says.. everything that was ever created, was created by Him, and nothing that was created was created without Him. Who is "Him"
verse 14 adds a couple of clues here. The "Him" here is Jesus.

John 1:3—"All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being"—is understood as a powerful declaration of the identity and creative work of Jesus Christ as God manifested in the flesh. This verse affirms the foundational belief that Jesus is not a the full and complete manifestation of the one true God.

Scriptures affirms that "Him" refers to the Word (Logos) mentioned in John 1:1, which is God Himself. The term Logos signifies God's self-expression and divine reason, which became incarnate in Jesus Christ. Thus, when John 1:3 states that all things came into being through Him, it means that Jesus, as the Eternal Word made flesh, is the agent of creation. This underscores the belief that Jesus is fully divine and pre-existent before His incarnation.

The phrase "apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being" further emphasizes that Jesus, as the incarnation of the one true God, is integral to all of creation. There is nothing in existence that was not created by God through His Eternal Word. This aligns with the Oneness view that there is one God who is the creator of all things, and Jesus is the visible manifestation of this one God.

To explain this Scripture highlights that Jesus Christ, as the Eternal Word made flesh, is the same God who spoke the universe into existence. His incarnation did not diminish His divinity but revealed it in a tangible, relational way. Therefore, when we read John 1:3, we recognize that it affirms both the deity of Jesus and the Oneness of God. Jesus is the Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer, embodying the fullness of God’s nature and power in human form.

In summary, John 1:3 underscores the profound truth that Jesus Christ is the one true God who created all things. It highlights the continuity of God's nature and work, from creation to incarnation, affirming that in Jesus, we see the full and complete manifestation of God.

 

[First and the Last]

Jesus and the Father are two parts of the trinity. Two separate entities but the same God. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

If you can separate "All the Fullness of the Godhead" from the Humanity of Jesus Christ, in which it dwells, then possibly might believe in parts of a trinity or separate entities.

 

[Charlie24]

If you can separate "All the Fullness of the Godhead" from the Humanity of Jesus Christ, in which it dwells, then possibly might believe in parts of a trinity or separate entities.

Is it true that the Pentecostal Oneness Church baptizes only in the name of Jesus, and not in the name of the Father. the Son, and the Holy Spirit as Jesus said?

 

[First and the Last]

Is it true that the Pentecostal Oneness Church baptizes only in the name of Jesus, and not in the name of the Father. the Son, and the Holy Spirit as Jesus said?

First and foremost my thoughts come from a Pentecostal Perspective because I believe Petre gave explicit instructions on how to be saved and I take Pentecost as an ongoing experience until Christ's Return. I don't say I am United Pentecostal or Trinitarian. I support only what the Bible teaches and nothing more.

Yes, it is true that the Oneness Pentecostal Church baptizes only in the name of Jesus. When considering the baptismal formula, it is important to recognize that the instructions given by Jesus and the practices carried out by the apostles, including Peter, are harmonious rather than contradictory. Jesus' command in Matthew 28:19 to baptize "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" provides a directive to use the singular "name," signifying the authority and essence of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Peter's practice in Acts 2:38, (under the Inspiration of the Holy Ghost) where he instructs believers to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, is not a deviation from Jesus' command but rather its fulfillment. By baptizing in the name of Jesus, Peter and the early church acknowledged that Jesus is the full revelation of God, encompassing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Thus, listening to the Word of Jesus and following Peter's example are not mutually exclusive but are parts of a unified understanding of the baptismal formula that emphasizes the authority and identity of Jesus Christ.

 

[Charlie24]

First and foremost my thoughts come from a Pentecostal Perspective because I believe Petre gave explicit instructions on how to be saved and I take Pentecost as an ongoing experience until Christ's Return. I don't say I am United Pentecostal or Trinitarian. I support only what the Bible teaches and nothing more.

Yes, it is true that the Oneness Pentecostal Church baptizes only in the name of Jesus. When considering the baptismal formula, it is important to recognize that the instructions given by Jesus and the practices carried out by the apostles, including Peter, are harmonious rather than contradictory. Jesus' command in Matthew 28:19 to baptize "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" provides a directive to use the singular "name," signifying the authority and essence of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Peter's practice in Acts 2:38, (under the Inspiration of the Holy Ghost) where he instructs believers to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, is not a deviation from Jesus' command but rather its fulfillment. By baptizing in the name of Jesus, Peter and the early church acknowledged that Jesus is the full revelation of God, encompassing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Thus, listening to the Word of Jesus and following Peter's example are not mutually exclusive but are parts of a unified understanding of the baptismal formula that emphasizes the authority and identity of Jesus Christ.

Is it true that the Oneness movement believes one can't be saved unless water baptized by an ordained Oneness minister?

 

[First and the Last]

Is it true that the Oneness movement believes one can't be saved unless water baptized by an ordained Oneness minister?

While it is preferred that baptism be administered by a minister who adheres to Oneness theology to ensure doctrinal consistency, the requirement for the baptizer to be an ordained Oneness minister is not absolute. The critical factor is the invocation of Jesus' name and the belief in its essential role in salvation. The Oneness movement encourages baptisms within their assemblies for unity in doctrine and practice, but the validity of the baptism centers on obedience to the scriptural mandate rather than the credentials of the baptizer.

 

[Curtis]

Confession always preceeds revelation in the same way confession always preceeds salvation.
If a person who confesses to be saved never confesses scripture to who the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit say they are will never understand the triune nature of God.

 

[Charlie24]

While it is preferred that baptism be administered by a minister who adheres to Oneness theology to ensure doctrinal consistency, the requirement for the baptizer to be an ordained Oneness minister is not absolute. The critical factor is the invocation of Jesus' name and the belief in its essential role in salvation. The Oneness movement encourages baptisms within their assemblies for unity in doctrine and practice, but the validity of the baptism centers on obedience to the scriptural mandate rather than the credentials of the baptizer.

The Oneness movement believes that one must be water baptized and receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues to be saved. Every source I've found affirms this, although it could be that some don't hold this doctrine in the movement.

That would mean we who don't speak in tongues are not saved. Where do you stand on this?

 

[First and the Last]

The Oneness movement believes that one must be water baptized and receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues to be saved. Every source I've found affirms this, although it could be that some don't hold this doctrine in the movement.

That would mean we who don't speak in tongues are not saved. Where do you stand on this?

It's important to remember that the words of Jesus and the teachings of the apostles are not in conflict, but rather, they complement and affirm each other. Jesus Himself commissioned Peter and the other apostles to spread the Gospel and establish the church (Matthew 16:18-19, Acts 1:8). When Peter spoke at Pentecost, he was under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit, fulfilling Jesus' command to preach repentance and baptism in His name (Matthew 28:19, Luke 24:47). When the crowd asked what to do to have salvation, Peter's response in Acts 2:38—calling for repentance, baptism in Jesus' name, and receiving the Holy Spirit—aligns perfectly with Jesus' own teachings about salvation and the new birth (John 3:5, Mark 16:16). The evidence of speaking in tongues, as seen in Acts 2, Acts 10, and Acts 19, is viewed as the initial physical sign of receiving the Holy Spirit. Rejecting Peter’s words is, in essence, disregarding the very instructions Jesus gave for the establishment of His church. Embracing the full message of the New Testament, including both the words of Jesus and the apostolic teachings, ensures we fully adhere to the complete Biblical plan of salvation as intended by our Lord.

While this is the doctrinal stance common to the United Pentecostal movement, we must also recognize the diverse experiences and journeys of faith individuals have. The ultimate goal is to draw closer to God, seeking a deeper understanding and relationship with Him. It is important to engage in open, loving dialogue, always pointing to the Scriptures and the transformative power of Jesus Christ.

 

[First and the Last]

The Oneness movement believes that one must be water baptized and receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues to be saved. Every source I've found affirms this, although it could be that some don't hold this doctrine in the movement.

David K. Bernard, a prominent figure within the Oneness Pentecostal movement and the General Superintendent of the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI), indeed teaches the doctrine that receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues is a necessary component of the salvation experience. This belief is consistent with the doctrinal position of the UPCI and many within the Oneness Pentecostal tradition.

Bernard's writings and teachings reflect the view that while repentance, water baptism in Jesus' name, and faith in Christ are essential for salvation, the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues is a subsequent and distinct experience that every believer should seek and receive. He interprets Acts 2:38 and other passages in the New Testament as supporting this doctrine, emphasizing the transformative and empowering nature of the Holy Spirit's indwelling in a believer's life.

It's important to note, however, that Bernard and other Oneness Pentecostal leaders also emphasize the grace of God and His willingness to work with individuals at their own pace in their spiritual journey. While they teach the importance of speaking in tongues as evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, they typically do not teach that individuals who have not yet spoken in tongues are automatically unsaved. They encourage believers to seek after the fullness of the Spirit and to continue growing in their relationship with God, trusting in His timing and leading in their lives.

 

[Charlie24]

It's important to remember that the words of Jesus and the teachings of the apostles are not in conflict, but rather, they complement and affirm each other. Jesus Himself commissioned Peter and the other apostles to spread the Gospel and establish the church (Matthew 16:18-19, Acts 1:8). When Peter spoke at Pentecost, he was under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit, fulfilling Jesus' command to preach repentance and baptism in His name (Matthew 28:19, Luke 24:47). When the crowd asked what to do to have salvation, Peter's response in Acts 2:38—calling for repentance, baptism in Jesus' name, and receiving the Holy Spirit—aligns perfectly with Jesus' own teachings about salvation and the new birth (John 3:5, Mark 16:16). The evidence of speaking in tongues, as seen in Acts 2, Acts 10, and Acts 19, is viewed as the initial physical sign of receiving the Holy Spirit. Rejecting Peter’s words is, in essence, disregarding the very instructions Jesus gave for the establishment of His church. Embracing the full message of the New Testament, including both the words of Jesus and the apostolic teachings, ensures we fully adhere to the complete Biblical plan of salvation as intended by our Lord.

While this is the doctrinal stance common to the United Pentecostal movement, we must also recognize the diverse experiences and journeys of faith individuals have. The ultimate goal is to draw closer to God, seeking a deeper understanding and relationship with Him. It is important to engage in open, loving dialogue, always pointing to the Scriptures and the transformative power of Jesus Christ.

This is one of the several reasons the majority, by far, see's this movement as a cult and their teachings as heresy.

Paul is the only author in Scripture that tells us exactly how to be saved. He never one time included water baptism or the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues as the means to be saved.

He told us that salvation comes from within the heart, not from any outward experience such the ceremony of water baptism or speaking in tongues.

The Oneness theology is teaching a work-based salvation that is faith plus works.

I was water baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, just as Christ commanded. But that ceremony performed by a man on my behalf was not for my salvation, but my profession of my union with Christs' death, burial, and resurrection.

When that ceremony is turned into a requirement to be saved, it is made into works apart from grace through faith. It's faith plus works. What did Paul say about that?

Romans 11:5-6
"Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work."

 

[B-A-C]

not from any outward experience such the ceremony of water baptism

While I agree that being baptized doesn't save you. I would say everyone that can be baptized, should be.
Paul wrote this...

Col 2:12; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

..and this...

1Cor 1:14; I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius,
1Cor 1:15; so that no one would say you were baptized in my name.
1Cor 1:16; Now I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any other.

Paul himself was baptized, and he baptized others.

Acts 9:17; So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
Acts 9:18; And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he got up and was baptized;

1Pet 3:21; Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Mark 16:16; "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

Matt 28:19; "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,

 

[B-A-C]

Paul is the only author in Scripture that tells us exactly how to be saved

Hmmm.... well I will go with that for now. But I admit I find it interesting, that people say Paul does this and Paul says that, and they give you examples of what Paul does or says...

... except for the parts they think doesn't apply to them.

1Cor 14:18; I thank God, I speak in tongues more than you all;
1Cor 14:39; Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues.

Having said all that, I agree that speaking in tongues is not required for salvation. In fact, I would say not everyone has the gift.

1Cor 12:29; All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they?
1Cor 12:30; All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they?

 

[Charlie24]

While I agree that being baptized doesn't save you. I would say everyone that can be baptized, should be.
Paul wrote this...

Col 2:12; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

..and this...

1Cor 1:14; I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius,
1Cor 1:15; so that no one would say you were baptized in my name.
1Cor 1:16; Now I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any other.

Paul himself was baptized, and he baptized others.

Acts 9:17; So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
Acts 9:18; And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he got up and was baptized;

1Pet 3:21; Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Mark 16:16; "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

Matt 28:19; "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,

Yes, I certainly agree! It's the reason that can make it works or grace.

If one see's water baptism as the means of the forgiveness of sins, it has turned to a work-based salvation.

If one see's the forgiveness of sins only by the Blood of Lamb and water baptism as their union with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, it is a grace-based salvation.

 

[First and the Last]

This is one of the several reasons the majority, by far, see's this movement as a cult and their teachings as heresy.

Paul is the only author in Scripture that tells us exactly how to be saved. He never one time included water baptism or the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues as the means to be saved.

He told us that salvation comes from within the heart, not from any outward experience such the ceremony of water baptism or speaking in tongues.

The Oneness theology is teaching a work-based salvation that is faith plus works.

I was water baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, just as Christ commanded. But that ceremony performed by a man on my behalf was not for my salvation, but my profession of my union with Christs' death, burial, and resurrection.

When that ceremony is turned into a requirement to be saved, it is made into works apart from grace through faith. It's faith plus works. What did Paul say about that?

Romans 11:5-6
"Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work."

James 4:17, "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."

Serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility believers have to act in accordance with God's revealed will. This verse highlights that knowing what is right and failing to do it is considered sin. This is a call to active obedience and a life of holiness, emphasizing that faith must be demonstrated through righteous actions.

In the context of salvation and daily living, this principle underscores the importance of adhering to the teachings and commandments found in Scripture. It implies that once a believer understands God's expectations—such as the necessity of repentance, baptism in Jesus' name, and receiving the Holy Spirit—they are accountable for acting on that knowledge. Ignoring these revealed truths or failing to live by them constitutes sin because it is a deliberate neglect of God's instructions.

This verse challenges believers to diligently seek God's will and to live it out consistently. It reinforces the concept that genuine faith produces a transformed life characterized by obedience to God's Word. Therefore, James 4:17 is a compelling exhortation to not only believe but also to actively do what is good and right according to the knowledge of God's truth.