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What did Sabellianism teach about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

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Sabellianism, a form of Modalistic Monarchianism, was a theological doctrine that emphasized the absolute unity and indivisibility of God, denying that there are permanent distinctions or "Persons" within the Godhead.1

Rather than viewing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as distinct, eternal persons, Sabellius taught that the Godhead is a single monad that expresses itself through three successive operations:1

Father: The mode of God as the Creator.
Son: The mode of God in the work of redemption.
Holy Spirit: The mode of God in the work of sanctification.

By characterizing these as temporary operations rather than inherent, eternal distinctions, the doctrine sought to preserve the divine monarchy. However, this teaching was ultimately condemned as heresy by the church, as it conflicted with the orthodox doctrine of the Trinity, which affirms the existence of three distinct persons within one Godhead.1