Monarchianism Heresies are divided into two main groups. Modalist and Dynamic. Both groups sought to keep the unity of G-d, and deny the Doctrine of the Trinity. Monarchianism is based on Gnostic teachings.
MODALIST
Modalist Monarchianism took about seven separate forms. Its' best known as Sabellianism. It has been far more influential as a teaching. It was known as Patrapassianism in the West.
In the East, the chief representative was Sabellius.
It was also interested in maintaining the unity of G-d, but was far more Christological. In other words, it sought to teach the full Deity of Christ.
It taught that G-d expressed Himself in "modes" (hence the name Modalism") or "manifestations". The Father, Son and Holy Spirit were three "modes" of G-d, but not Three Separate Persons.
Some taught the Father was incarnated into Christ, and also suffered with Him. (Patrapassianism)
To Sabellius, the word "Person" merely meant a "mode of acting". The "modes" were "phases" of G-ds activity.
They taught G-d revealed Himself as Father in Creation and the giving of the Law to Moses, Jesus in the incarnation, and the Holy Spirit in regeneration and sanctification.
To appear as orthodox, they would use the same orthodox terms but applied their own meanings. The word "Person" meant merely a "mode of manifestation" not truly a Separate Person at all.
The term "Trinity" merely meant "three separate modes" or "ways of acting", never Three Separate Persons.
Sabellius was Excommunicated by Callistus (Calixtus) in 220 A.D.
Eusebius of Caesarea and Athanasius, Hippolytus of Rome, Tertullian, and Dionysius of Alexandria were all opposed to Sabellianism. It was condemned as Heresy by the Synod of Rome in 262 A.D.
Sabellianism is still taught today in its basic forms in the United Pentecostal church (U.P.C.), "Jesus Only", "Apostolic", "Oneness Pentecostal" and "Holiness Pentecostal" "denominations". They declare that one is not Saved unless one "speaks in tongues". They were thrown out of the Pentecoastal Church is 1915. By cautious maneuvering, they attempt to be accepted as orthodox. They are also Arminians. An example of a person said to teach it on TBN is evangelist T.D. Jakes. Another is the book The God Chasers by Tommy Tenney.
They will disagree at some point with the Athanasian Creed.
DYNAMIC
Dynamic Monarchianism was first seen in the Ebionites[1] of the early Church.
It was first brought forward by Thedotus of Byzantium. He was Excommunicated. Next by a Syrian, Artemon. His arguments were refuted in turn. Then by Paul of Samosata who best defined the movement.
He taught:
The LOGOS was consubstantial (homoousios) with the Father but not a distinct Person of the G-dhead. The LOGOS existed in G-d as reason exists within man. It was an impersonal power, present within each man, but becoming totally operative in the "man" Jesus.
The power of G-d gradually penetrated the humanity of the "man" Jesus until it "deified" him. Because Jesus was so "deified" He is to be regarded as really "divine", but never as Fully G-d in its strictest sense.
The LOGOS and the Holy Spirit were "impersonal". It led to Socinianism and Unitarianism.
The doctrine is still preached today in the Unitarian church.
Both forms of Monarchianism were judged Heresy. The stern statements of the ATHANASIAN CREED have been used by the Assemblies historically to identify both teachings.
PEOPLE OF G-D MINISTRIES
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Berkof, Louis. The history of Christian doctrines. Grand Rapids. Banner of Truth Trust. 1937.
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