Errors Concerning Trinitarianism

Having given in a nutshell a definition of the Trinity, we will now move ahead to stating in no uncertain terms what the Trinity is not. The task of a teacher is not only to expound the truth; it is also to expose error and expel the scoundrels. There are mainly five errors concerning the Tri-Unity of the Godhead that I will expose before we move onto the plurality of the Godhead.

Five Errors Concerning the Trinity

Arianism
Arianism, this teaches that the three persons are different in essence. Only God the Father is eternal. The Son was created by the Father. (Jehovah Witnesses hold to this one sort of).

Sabellianism
Sabellianism (Modalism, Modalistic Monarchisms) Says that there is only one personality, with three modes of manifestations; The manifestation of the Father, creator and law giver; the Son, as a redeemer; the Holy Spirit, as a regenerator and sanctifier. There is only one person who reveals Himself either as the Father or the Son or as the Holy Spirit. (This is taught in Apostolic Holiness churches)

Socinianism
Socinianism (Dynamic Monarchianism) is a devaluation of the Tri-unity. The Father alone is God, the Son is a man only, and the Holy Spirit is not a person but simply a divine influence. (This better fits the Watch Toer Tract and Bible Society or Jehovah Witnesses idea).

Unitarianism
Unitarianism denies the Tri-personality of the Godhead, and instead insists on a limited understanding of the monotheistic God.

Tri-theism
Tri-theism denies the unity of the Godhead and sees the trinity as three separate and distinct gods. (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or the Mormons hold to this view, but reserves the right to create even more gods in almost a Hindu fashion).

These are five ideas that are not taught in the Bible. None of the aforementioned errors are what this Bible student holds to. There is a unity in the plurality of the Godhead, but before we probe further into the study of the unity of the Godhead I feel it is critical at this juncture to lay the biblical foundation for the plurality of the Godhead. That we will do next time if God permits.