How do Oneness Pentecostal beliefs differ from Trinitarian Pentecostal beliefs?

The primary difference between Oneness and Trinitarian Pentecostalism lies in their understanding of the Godhead and the corresponding practice of baptism.12

• Trinitarian Pentecostals adhere to the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity, which affirms that God exists as three distinct persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—in one Godhead. Consequently, they perform water baptism using the traditional formula: "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," as referenced in the Gospel According to Matthew.312

• Oneness Pentecostals, often associated with the "Jesus Only" movement, reject the traditional doctrine of the Trinity. They assert that Jesus is the one person in the Godhead. Based on their interpretation of the Acts of the Apostles (2:38), they believe that water baptism must be performed in the name of Jesus Christ alone.21

This theological divide emerged in 1913 and led to significant conflict, with Trinitarian groups often viewing the Oneness position as heresy, resulting in the formation of separate denominations.12