The doctrine of the Trinity — the belief in one God who exists in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — is central to many Christian denominations. However, the interpretation of the doctrine, its biblical support, and its theological implications vary widely among Christian groups.

Scriptures for the Doctrine of the Trinity:

Matthew 28:19 (KJV)
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
This is often cited as the primary scripture that supports the doctrine of the Trinity, as it clearly mentions all three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
John 1:1-14 (KJV)
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…”
Here, “the Word” refers to Jesus Christ, affirming His divinity and pre-existence, which suggests His full participation in the Godhead.
John 14:16-17 (KJV)
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth…”
This passage supports the distinct roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with each person playing a unique function.
2 Corinthians 13:14 (KJV)
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.”
The apostle Paul mentions all three persons together, suggesting their distinct roles and unity.
John 10:30 (KJV)
“I and my Father are one.”
This verse suggests unity between the Father and the Son, an essential part of the Trinitarian belief.
Acts 5:3-4 (KJV)
“But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost… Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.”
The Holy Spirit is identified as God, supporting the divine nature of the third person of the Trinity.
Colossians 2:9 (KJV)
“For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.”
This verse affirms the full divinity of Jesus, supporting the idea that He is one with God, as part of the Trinity.
Hebrews 1:8 (KJV)
“But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever…”
This shows that the Son is referred to as God, which supports His divinity and co-equality with the Father in the Trinity.

Scriptures Against the Doctrine of the Trinity:

Deuteronomy 6:4 (KJV)
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD.”
This is a key verse in Jewish theology, often used by those opposing the Trinity to assert the oneness of God.
John 14:28 (KJV)
“Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.”
This suggests a hierarchical difference between the Father and the Son, which some interpret as incompatible with the equal divinity of all three persons in the Trinity.
1 Corinthians 8:6 (KJV)
“But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.”
Here, Paul distinguishes between the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, emphasizing the unity of God but not necessarily the co-equality of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Mark 13:32 (KJV)
“But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.”
This verse is seen by some as suggesting that the Son is distinct from the Father and does not share the same omniscience.
Isaiah 43:10-11 (KJV)
“Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.”
This passage strongly emphasizes the oneness of God and the uniqueness of God as the only Savior.
John 17:3 (KJV)
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”
This verse emphasizes the distinction between the Father as the “only true God” and Jesus Christ, which some argue undermines the Trinitarian view.
1 Timothy 2:5 (KJV)
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
This verse stresses the mediation of Christ between God and men, presenting a distinction between the Father and the Son.
Acts 7:55-56 (KJV)
“But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God.”
This is often interpreted as showing a distinction between Jesus and God the Father, supporting a non-Trinitarian view.

Denominational Views and Their Scriptural Basis:

1. Roman Catholic Church

Belief:

Trinitarian Monotheism – One God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Believes in the Nicene Creed, where the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son (Filioque clause).

Scriptural Basis:

(Matthew 28:19 KJV) – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”
(John 1:1 KJV) – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
(2 Corinthians 13:14 KJV) – “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.”

Arguments For:

✅ The Bible supports the Trinity

(1 John 5:7 KJV) – “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”

✅ Jesus’ divinity is affirmed

(John 8:58 KJV) – “Before Abraham was, I am.” – Jesus identifies as God.

Arguments Against:

❌ The Trinity is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible

(Deuteronomy 6:4 KJV) – “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:”

❌ The Filioque clause is debated

(John 15:26 KJV) – “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.” – The Holy Spirit is said to proceed from the Father only.

Summary:

Roman Catholics uphold the Trinity as biblical.
Arguments against focus on the lack of explicit mention of the Trinity in Scripture and the Filioque controversy.

2. Eastern Orthodox Church

Belief:

Trinitarian but rejects the Filioque clause (believing the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father alone).
Uses the Nicene Creed without the Western addition of “and the Son.”

Scriptural Basis:

(John 10:30 KJV) – “I and my Father are one.”
(John 14:16 KJV) – “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;”

Arguments For:

✅ Affirms the distinct persons of the Trinity

(Matthew 3:16-17 KJV) – “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Arguments Against:

❌ The Holy Spirit could proceed from both the Father and the Son

(John 16:7 KJV) – “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”

Summary:

The Eastern Orthodox Church supports the Trinity but differs from Catholics on the Filioque clause.
Arguments against focus on whether Jesus is involved in sending the Holy Spirit.

3. Evangelical & Protestant (General)

Belief:

Trinitarian, affirming sola scriptura (Bible alone) as the final authority.
Believes in Jesus as fully God and fully man.

Scriptural Basis:

(1 John 5:7 KJV) – “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”
(John 14:9 KJV) – “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.”

Arguments For:

✅ Jesus is equal to God

(Philippians 2:6 KJV) – “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.”

Arguments Against:

❌ Some verses suggest Jesus is distinct from God

(Mark 10:18 KJV) – “Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.”

Summary:

Evangelicals and Protestants hold to the Trinity and affirm Jesus’ divinity.
Arguments against focus on verses where Jesus appears distinct from God.

4. Baptist (Southern Baptist, Independent Baptist, etc.)

Belief:

Trinitarian, emphasizing salvation through faith in Jesus alone.

Scriptural Basis:

(John 17:3 KJV) – “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”
(Colossians 2:9 KJV) – “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”

Arguments For:

✅ The Bible teaches Jesus is God

(John 8:24 KJV) – “If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.”

Arguments Against:

❌ Jesus submits to the Father

(1 Corinthians 11:3 KJV) – “And the head of Christ is God.”

Summary:

Baptists strongly affirm the Trinity.
Some argue that Jesus’ subordination to the Father challenges co-equality.

5. Pentecostal (Assemblies of God, UPCI, etc.)

Belief:

Assemblies of God: Trinitarian
UPCI (Oneness Pentecostals): Rejects the Trinity; believes Jesus is the Father and Spirit.

Scriptural Basis (Oneness):

(Isaiah 9:6 KJV) – “For unto us a child is born… The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

Arguments For Oneness:

✅ Jesus is the only God

(Colossians 2:9 KJV) – “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”

Arguments Against:

❌ Trinitarian verses

(Matthew 28:19 KJV) – “Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”

Summary:

Assemblies of God affirm the Trinity.
Oneness Pentecostals reject the Trinity, believing Jesus is all three persons.

IF. Jehovah’s Witnesses

Belief:

Rejects the Trinity.
Believes Jesus is not God but the Archangel Michael.
The Holy Spirit is not a person but God’s active force.

Scriptural Basis:

(John 14:28 KJV) – “My Father is greater than I.”
(Colossians 1:15 KJV) – “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:” (Interpreted as Jesus being a created being).

Arguments For (Against the Trinity):

✅ Jesus is called the firstborn, implying creation

(Revelation 3:14 KJV) – “These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God.”

✅ The Holy Spirit is an active force, not a person

(Acts 2:2-3 KJV) – “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.” (Interpreted as impersonal).

Arguments Against (For the Trinity):

❌ Jesus is God

(John 1:1 KJV) – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

❌ Jesus is worshiped, which is reserved for God

(Hebrews 1:6 KJV) – “And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.”

Summary:

Jehovah’s Witnesses deny Jesus’ divinity and the Trinity.
Arguments against them focus on Jesus being worshiped and identified as God.

6. Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – LDS)

Belief:

God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are separate beings, not one God.
God was once a man and humans can become gods.

Scriptural Basis:

(John 17:21 KJV) – “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee.” (Interpreted as unity of purpose, not substance).
(Acts 7:55-56 KJV) – “But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God.”

Arguments For (Against the Trinity):

✅ Jesus and the Father are distinct

(Matthew 3:16-17 KJV) – “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

✅ Humans can become gods

(Romans 8:17 KJV) – “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.”

Arguments Against (For the Trinity):

❌ The Bible declares only one God

(Isaiah 44:6 KJV) – “I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.”

❌ God is not a man

(Numbers 23:19 KJV) – “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent.”

Summary:

Mormons believe in three separate divine beings and human deification.
Biblical arguments against focus on monotheism and God’s eternal nature.

7. Seventh-day Adventist

Belief:

Affirms the Trinity but emphasizes that Jesus is Michael the Archangel in role, not in being.
Believes God is the one true God but is expressed in three persons.

Scriptural Basis:

(Matthew 28:19 KJV) – “Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
(John 10:30 KJV) – “I and my Father are one.”

Arguments For (Trinity Affirmation):

✅ Jesus is God

(Titus 2:13 KJV) – “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”

✅ The Holy Spirit is a person

(Acts 5:3-4 KJV) – “Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost? … Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.”

Arguments Against:

❌ Some claim Jesus is an angel

(Daniel 10:13 KJV) – “But, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me.”

Summary:

Seventh-day Adventists affirm the Trinity.
Arguments against them question Jesus’ association with Michael the Archangel.

Final Summary:

Denomination	View on God	Arguments For	Arguments Against
Roman Catholic	Trinitarian	Trinity affirmed in Scripture	Filioque controversy
Eastern Orthodox	Trinitarian (No Filioque)	Trinity affirmed, no change to creed	Some say Jesus’ role in the Spirit’s procession is unclear
Evangelical & Protestant	Trinitarian	Jesus’ divinity affirmed	Some verses show Jesus as distinct from God
Baptist	Trinitarian	Jesus is worshiped as God	Jesus submits to the Father
Pentecostal (AG)	Trinitarian	Biblical proof of three persons	Some argue Trinity is not explicit
Pentecostal (UPCI – Oneness)	Modalism (Jesus is Father & Spirit)	Jesus is God	Trinity verses contradict modalism
Jehovah’s Witnesses	Jesus is not God, No Trinity	Jesus is created, the Holy Spirit is not a person	Jesus is called God, worshiped
Mormonism (LDS)	Godhead (Three separate beings)	Jesus and the Father are distinct	The Bible affirms one God only
Seventh-day Adventist	Trinitarian (Jesus as Michael)	Trinity affirmed	Jesus being called Michael is debated

The Filoque Controversy

The Filioque controversy is one of the most significant theological disputes in the history of Christianity, particularly between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. The term “Filioque” comes from the Latin phrase “Filioque” meaning “and the Son.” It refers to a specific phrase in the Nicene Creed that became a point of division between the Western (Roman Catholic) and Eastern (Orthodox) branches of Christianity.

The Nicene Creed, established in 325 AD at the First Council of Nicaea, was reaffirmed at the Council of Constantinople in 381 AD, and it originally contained the statement regarding the Holy Spirit:

“…We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father…”

However, in the 6th century, the Latin-speaking Western Church (the Roman Catholic Church) began to add the phrase “and the Son” (Filioque) to this part of the Creed, which then read:

“…We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son…”

This change was made without the agreement or approval of the Eastern Church (Eastern Orthodox), and it became a central point of theological dispute.

Theological Meaning and Implications

The key issue revolves around the question of the procession of the Holy Spirit:

Roman Catholic Position (Filioque):
The Western Church believes that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son. This view emphasizes the unity of the Trinity, with all three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) being equally involved in the divine actions.
- Support for the Filioque:
  - John 15:26 (KJV) – “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.”
  - John 16:7 (KJV) – “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”
  - Romans 8:9 (KJV) – “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”
Eastern Orthodox Position:
The Eastern Orthodox Church argues that the Holy Spirit proceeds only from the Father, based on their interpretation of the Bible and the original Nicene Creed. They assert that the addition of “and the Son” was not part of the original intent of the Council of Constantinople and represents a theological innovation that distorts the understanding of the Trinity. The Orthodox position emphasizes the distinctiveness of the Father’s role within the Trinity.
- Support for the Original Creed (Father Alone):
  - John 15:26 (KJV) – “…the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father…” (Note: The Orthodox focus on the phrase “from the Father” only.)
  - 1 Corinthians 8:6 (KJV) – “But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.” (This is used to emphasize the Father’s unique role in the origin of the Spirit.)
  - John 14:16-17 (KJV) – “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever…” (Focus on the Father sending the Spirit.)

Theological Arguments

Western (Roman Catholic) Arguments for Filioque:
- Scriptural Basis: The phrase “proceeds from the Father and the Son” is supported by certain verses that speak of the relationship between the Father and the Son, and the sending of the Holy Spirit.
  - John 16:13 (KJV) – “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” This indicates the close cooperation between the Father, Son, and Spirit.
  - Romans 8:9 (KJV) – “…Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” The Holy Spirit is tied to both the Father and the Son.
- Theological Unity: The Filioque clause is also used to emphasize the unity of the Father and the Son, asserting that their actions (such as the sending of the Spirit) are not separate but are done together as part of the one divine will.
Eastern Orthodox Arguments Against Filioque:
- Historical Accuracy: The Orthodox Church argues that the insertion of “Filioque” was an unauthorized change and was not agreed upon by an Ecumenical Council, which violates the tradition of the early Church.
  - The original Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed clearly stated that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father alone, and the Orthodox Church maintains that altering the creed undermines the authority of the ecumenical councils.
- Theological Distinctiveness of the Father: The Orthodox Church emphasizes that the Father alone is the source and origin of the Trinity. They argue that the addition of “and the Son” implies a subordination of the Father to the Son, which they believe distorts the correct understanding of the Father’s preeminent position in the Godhead.
  - John 14:28 (KJV) – “Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.” This verse emphasizes the relational distinction between the Father and the Son.

Ecumenical Significance

The Filioque controversy has been a source of tension between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches for over a thousand years, contributing to the Great Schism of 1054 AD, when the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church officially split.

In modern times, both sides have engaged in dialogues to resolve the issue, but the Filioque clause remains a point of theological and liturgical disagreement. The Roman Catholic Church continues to use the Filioque in its liturgy, while the Eastern Orthodox Church has rejected its inclusion.

Summary of the Filioque Controversy:

Filioque (Latin for “and the Son”): Refers to the phrase added to the Nicene Creed in the Western Church, stating that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son.
Roman Catholic View: The Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son, emphasizing the unity of the Trinity.
Eastern Orthodox View: The Holy Spirit proceeds only from the Father, emphasizing the distinctiveness and primacy of the Father within the Trinity.
Historical Dispute: The Filioque was not approved by the Eastern Church and was introduced by the Western Church without a consensus from an ecumenical council, leading to theological disagreements that have persisted for centuries.

Oneness Pentecostals

Oneness Pentecostals are a group within the broader Pentecostal movement that rejects the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity (the belief that God exists as three co-equal and co-eternal persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Instead, Oneness Pentecostals hold to a belief known as “Oneness” theology or the “Jesus-only” doctrine. Here’s a breakdown of their beliefs:

Core Beliefs:

God is One Person:
Oneness Pentecostals believe that there is only one God, and that God manifests Himself in different forms or “modes,” rather than as three distinct persons. This view contrasts with the orthodox Christian understanding of the Trinity.
Jesus as the One God:
Oneness Pentecostals believe that Jesus Christ is the one God, and that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are simply different manifestations or roles of the same divine person. In their view, Jesus is both fully God and fully man, but God is not divided into distinct persons.
No Distinction Between Persons of the Godhead:
Oneness theology rejects the idea of a co-equal Trinity. Instead, they believe that when the Bible refers to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, it is referring to different roles or modes of the one God. For example, they believe that God was the Father in creation, the Son in the incarnation, and the Holy Spirit after Jesus’ ascension.
Baptism in Jesus’ Name:
Oneness Pentecostals emphasize the importance of baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, rather than the traditional Trinitarian formula of baptizing “in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” They argue that the name of Jesus is the most important and biblically correct way to baptize, citing passages like Acts 2:38, where Peter instructs people to be baptized in Jesus’ name.
Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Jesus:
Oneness Pentecostals believe that the Holy Spirit is the same as the Spirit of Jesus, not a separate, distinct person of the Godhead. They teach that the Holy Spirit is the presence of God, which is manifested in believers after Jesus’ ascension.

Scriptural Basis:

Oneness Pentecostals often cite various Scriptures to support their views, including:

John 14:9-11: Jesus says, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father,” which they interpret as evidence that Jesus is the full manifestation of God.
Colossians 2:9: “For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily,” which they see as confirming that all the fullness of God is in Jesus.
Acts 2:38: The instruction to baptize in Jesus’ name, which Oneness believers interpret as a command for Christians to follow.

Distinct Practices:

Baptism in Jesus’ Name:
Oneness Pentecostals insist on baptism using the formula “in the name of Jesus Christ” as opposed to the Trinitarian formula used by most other Christians.
Oneness Pentecostal Worship and Doctrine:
Oneness Pentecostals emphasize worship that acknowledges the singularity of God in the person of Jesus Christ. They often reject the traditional creeds that define the Trinity, instead focusing on the oneness of God and the work of Jesus.

Key Differences from Other Pentecostals:

While most Pentecostal denominations (e.g., Assemblies of God) adhere to the traditional doctrine of the Trinity, Oneness Pentecostals are unique in their rejection of the Triune Godhead, adopting instead a “Jesus-only” belief. This belief sets them apart from mainstream Pentecostalism, which typically affirms the traditional understanding of the Trinity.

Conclusion:

Oneness Pentecostals emphasize the unity of God and assert that all of God’s roles and manifestations are realized in the person of Jesus Christ. While they affirm the central role of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, their understanding of the Godhead differs significantly from the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity, making their beliefs distinct within the broader Christian community.