The Heresy of the Italian Theologian, Fausto
Paola Sozzini, is Strongly Represented in Oneness
Pentecostalism, But Christians Must Be Familiar With
It to Reprove Their False Claims About God’s Son
by Mark Mountjoy
Introductory Comments
The doctrine of the Trinity, which affirms that God is one being consisting of three co-equal and co-eternal persons (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit), has been a central tenet of Christian theology for centuries. However, throughout history, various individuals and groups have challenged this belief, proposing alternative understandings of the nature of God and the identity of Jesus Christ.
One such challenge emerged in the 16th century through the teachings of Fausto Paolo Sozzini, an Italian theologian whose ideas gave rise to the anti-trinitarian movement known as Socinianism. Sozzini's views on the pre-existence of Christ and the meaning of the Logos in John 1:1 stood in sharp contrast to orthodox Christian doctrines, sparking heated debates and controversies that continue to resonate in some theological circles to this day.
This essay explores the key tenets of the theology of Socinianism, particularly its rejection of the eternal pre-existence of Jesus Christ, and examines how these views contradict the teachings found in several pivotal passages of the Bible. By engaging with these biblical texts and considering the implications of Socinian thought, we aim to shed light on the importance of carefully studying and upholding the scriptural testimony concerning the nature and identity of Jesus Christ.
As we delve into this topic, it is crucial for Christians to be well-informed about the arguments put forth by Socinianism and its modern-day proponents, such as Oneness Pentecostals, in order to effectively defend the biblical truth and maintain a robust understanding of the Trinity. Through prayerful reflection and diligent study of God's Word, may we be equipped to discern and respond to the challenges posed by anti-trinitarian views, while growing ever deeper in our knowledge and love of our Triune God.
Have you ever heard of Socinianism?1 It's a belief that says Jesus Christ didn't exist before he was born in Bethlehem. But did you know that this idea goes against what the Bible teaches? In fact, there are at least eight places in the Bible that show Jesus existed long before he was born as a baby.
The question of Jesus Christ's nature and his relationship to God the Father has been a topic of intense debate and discussion throughout the history of Christianity. One particular viewpoint that has challenged the traditional understanding of Christ's divinity is Socinianism, which asserts that Jesus did not exist before his birth in Bethlehem and was merely a human being chosen by God.
To evaluate the validity of the Socinian perspective, it is essential to examine the teachings of the Bible itself. The Holy Scriptures provide the foundation for Christian doctrine, and it is through careful study and interpretation of the biblical text that we can gain a clearer understanding of the truth about Jesus Christ.
In the following discussion, we will explore eight key passages from both the Old and New Testaments that shed light on the nature of Jesus Christ and his relationship to God the Father. These passages, spanning from the prophetic writings of Micah to the epistles of Paul and the book of Hebrews, offer compelling evidence for the pre-existence, divinity, and eternal nature of Jesus.
As we examine each of these passages in detail, we will consider how they contradict the central tenets of Socinianism and affirm the traditional Christian understanding of Jesus as the divine Son of God, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father. By engaging with the biblical text and carefully analyzing its implications, we aim to demonstrate the incompatibility of Socinian beliefs with the clear teachings of Scripture.
Through this study, we hope to equip believers with a deeper understanding of the biblical basis for the doctrine of Christ's divinity and to provide a resource for those seeking to defend the historic Christian faith against the challenges posed by Socinianism and other anti-trinitarian views. Let us approach these passages with open hearts and minds, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth as we seek to know and worship our Lord Jesus Christ in spirit and in truth.
The Bible passages that go directly against Socinianism are:
1. Micah 5:2
2. Matthew 11:27
3. John 6:62
4. John 8:58
5. John 17:5
6. Philippians 2:6-8
7. Colossians 1:17
8. Hebrews 1:8-12
Socinians believe that Jesus was just an idea in God the Father's mind, not a real person. But these Bible verses tell a different story. They show us that Jesus was there with God before the world was even created! There are many other parts of the Bible that also teach this truth about Jesus. It's important for us to study these passages carefully and think about what they mean and we encourage everyone to look into this topic for themselves and see what the Bible really says about who Jesus is.
Discussion
While Socinians claim that their perspective is based on a rational interpretation of the Bible, a closer examination of the Scriptures reveals that their position is at odds with numerous passages that affirm Jesus' pre-existence, divinity, and eternal nature. In order to understand the biblical basis for rejecting the Socinian view, it is essential to explore key texts from both the Old and New Testaments that shed light on the true identity of Jesus Christ. These passages, when considered together, paint a consistent and compelling picture of Jesus as the eternal Son of God, equal with the Father and possessing the very nature of God himself.
As we delve into this discussion, we will examine eight specific passages that directly challenge the Socinian position and affirm the traditional Christian understanding of Jesus' divinity and pre-existence. From the prophetic words of Micah to the powerful declarations in the Gospel of John and the epistles of Paul and the Hebrew Writer, these texts provide a solid and dependable foundation for rejecting the notion that Jesus was merely a human being who only existed as an idea in God's mind before his conception.
By carefully analyzing each passage and considering its implications for our understanding of Jesus Christ, we will demonstrate the incompatibility of the Socinian view with the clear teachings of Scripture. In doing so, we aim to equip believers with a stronger grasp of the biblical evidence for Jesus' eternal nature and to provide a compelling case for the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity.
Let us now turn our attention to the first passage under consideration, Micah 5:2, which offers a striking prophecy about the origins and eternal nature of the Messiah.
1. Micah 5:2 -
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."
This verse suggests that the Messiah's origins are eternal, contradicting the Socinian belief that Jesus did not exist before his birth.
2. Matthew 11:27 -
"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."
This passage underscores the personal and intimate relationship between Jesus and God the Father, which directly contradicts the Socinian notion that Jesus was merely an idea in the mind of God. The verse emphasizes the mutual knowledge and understanding between the Father and the Son, which is a characteristic of a personal relationship between two distinct individuals. An idea cannot have personal knowledge of someone or be known by someone in return. The exclusive and reciprocal nature of this relationship between Jesus and the Father demonstrates that Jesus is not an impersonal concept but a distinct person who shares a unique bond with God the Father. Furthermore, the fact that the Son can choose to reveal the Father to others reinforces the idea that Jesus is a personal being with agency and volition, not merely an abstract idea.
3. John 6:62 -
"Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before!"
Jesus is speaking about ascending to where he was before, indicating his pre-existence in heaven before his incarnation on Earth.
4. John 8:58 -
"Very truly I tell you," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"
Jesus uses the phrase "I am," which is a reference to the divine name of God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14. This statement strongly suggests Jesus' eternal existence.
5. John 17:5 -
"And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began."
Jesus speaks of the glory he shared with the Father before the creation of the world, implying his pre-existence and divine nature.
6. Philippians 2:6-8
"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!"
In this passage, Paul is discussing the nature and character of Jesus Christ. He begins by stating that Jesus was "in very nature God," indicating that he possessed the same essence and attributes as God the Father. This assertion stands in direct opposition to the Socinian view that Jesus was merely a human being chosen by God.
Furthermore, Paul emphasizes that although Jesus was equal with God, he did not exploit or cling to his divine status for his own benefit. Instead, he willingly chose to humble himself by taking on human nature and becoming a servant. This act of humility and self-emptying demonstrates that Jesus, while fully divine, was willing to submit to the Father's will and endure the suffering and death of the cross for the sake of humanity's redemption.
By highlighting Jesus' divine nature and his voluntary humiliation, this passage presents a powerful argument against the Socinian notion that Jesus was simply a human representative of God. It affirms that Jesus was fully God and fully man, possessing both the nature of God and the willingness to humble himself in obedience to the Father's plan of salvation.
Moreover, the fact that Jesus had the ability to choose not to use his equality with God for his own advantage further reinforces his divine status and personal agency. It demonstrates that Jesus was not an abstract idea or a passive figure, but a divine person with the capacity to make decisions and act in accordance with his own will, even to the point of sacrificing himself for the sake of others.
7. Colossians 1:17 -
"He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
This passage declares that Jesus existed before all created things and sustains the universe, affirming his eternal nature and divine power.
8. Hebrews 1:8-12 -
"But about the Son he says, 'Your throne, O God,3 will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.' He also says, 'In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.'"
In this passage, the author of Hebrews is applying Old Testament passages that refer to God directly to Jesus Christ, thereby affirming his divine nature and eternal existence. The first quotation (verses 8-9) is from Psalm 45:6-7, where God is addressed as the eternal King. By applying this passage to Jesus, the author is declaring that Jesus is God himself, with an everlasting throne and a scepter of justice.
The second quotation (verses 10-12) is from Psalm 102:25-27, which speaks of God as the Creator of the heavens and the earth. The author of Hebrews attributes these verses to Jesus, affirming that he is the one who laid the foundations of the earth and created the heavens. This attribution clearly demonstrates Jesus' pre-existence and his active role in the creation of the universe.
Furthermore, the passage emphasizes the immutability and eternality of Jesus Christ. While the heavens and earth will perish and wear out like a garment, Jesus remains the same forever. His years will never end, indicating his eternal nature and unchanging character.
By applying these Old Testament passages about God directly to Jesus, the author of Hebrews leaves no doubt about Jesus' divinity and eternal existence. This stands in sharp contrast to the Socinian view, which denies Jesus' pre-existence and divine nature.4
In summary, the full quotation from Hebrews 1:8-12 provides an even stronger case against the Socinian position by clearly attributing divine titles, roles, and attributes to Jesus Christ. It affirms his eternal kingship, his role as Creator, and his immutable and eternal nature, all of which are characteristics that belong to God alone. This passage, along with the others discussed, presents a consistent and compelling biblical testimony to the divinity and pre-existence of Jesus Christ, firmly refuting the Socinian view that he was merely a human being chosen by God who did not exist before his birth.
In summary, these biblical passages present a consistent picture of Jesus as a divine being who existed before creation, shared glory with the Father, and possesses the very nature of God. This stands in stark contrast to the Socinian view that Jesus was merely a human being chosen by God and did not exist before his birth.
Conclusion
The Socinian understanding of Jesus as a non-eternal, created being conflicts with numerous passages in the Bible that affirm his divine nature and eternal existence. As believers, it is crucial that we carefully study the Scriptures to discern the truth about Jesus Christ. We must not rely solely on human interpretations or philosophical reasoning, but instead, we should prayerfully seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we read and meditate on God's Word. Let us diligently pursue a deeper understanding of Jesus' identity and his relationship to the Father, trusting that the Bible provides the ultimate authority on these matters.
Endnotes
1 Fausto Paolo Sozzini, also known as Faustus Socinus, was an Italian theologian and religious reformer born in Siena, Italy, on December 5, 1539. He is best known for his role in the development of Socinianism, a non-trinitarian theological movement that challenged traditional Christian beliefs about the nature of God and the relationship between God the Father and Jesus Christ.
Sozzini came from a prominent Italian family and received a humanist education. He was exposed to various religious ideas, including the works of his uncle, Lelio Sozzini, who had also questioned the doctrine of the Trinity. In 1559, Fausto Sozzini left Italy to escape the Inquisition and spent time in various European countries, including Switzerland, Transylvania, and Poland.
In Poland, Sozzini became involved with the Polish Brethren, a religious group that held anti-trinitarian beliefs. He played a significant role in shaping their theology and helped establish the Racovian Academy, a center for Socinian thought and education.
Sozzini's anti-trinitarian theory challenged the traditional Christian belief in the Trinity, which holds that God is one being consisting of three distinct persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Instead, Sozzini argued that Jesus was not co-eternal with the Father but was a human being who was granted divine authority and raised to a position of subordinate divinity by God the Father.
According to Sozzini, the concept of the Logos, or "Word," in John 1:1 did not refer to a pre-existent divine being but rather to an idea or plan in the mind of God. He maintained that Jesus did not exist before his conception and birth in Bethlehem.
Sozzini's views contradicted the beliefs held by most Christians for nearly 1,500 years, as the doctrine of the Trinity had been affirmed by various church councils and creeds, such as the Council of Nicaea (325 AD) and the Athanasian Creed (c. 500 AD). Socinianism posed a significant challenge to orthodox Christian theology and sparked debates about the nature of God and the identity of Jesus Christ.
Fausto Sozzini died on March 4, 1604, in Luclawice, Poland, leaving behind a legacy of theological writings and a religious movement that continued to influence various anti-trinitarian and Unitarian groups in the centuries that followed.
2 Anti-trinitarianism is a theological position that rejects the doctrine of the Trinity, which is the belief that God is one being consisting of three distinct, co-equal, and co-eternal persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Anti-trinitarians argue that the doctrine of the Trinity is not explicitly taught in the Bible and is a later development in Christian theology. They maintain that God is one person, often identifying him as the Father alone, and that Jesus Christ is a separate being, usually considered to be human or a created being subordinate to God. Anti-trinitarian views have been held by various groups throughout Christian history, including Arians, Socinians, Unitarians, Christadelphians, Jehovah's Witnesses and Oneness Pentecostals, among others.
3 Socinians and other anti-Trinitarian advocates are quick to point out that Jesus called God the Father his God (John 20:17); they go on to assert that the New Testament never says the Son is God. However, in Hebrews 1:8, it is clear that God the Father refers to the Son as "God," which disproves the anti-Trinitarian claims that Jesus is not equal with God the Father.
4 Christians should note that the Bible directly says that Jesus is from the bosom ("κόλπος") of the Father, and not his "mind" (John 1:18). The Koine Greek word "κόλπον" (kolpon) is the accusative singular form of the noun "κόλπος" (kolpos). In its literal sense, "κόλπος" refers to the front of the body between the arms, the chest, or the bosom. However, the term can also be used figuratively to convey a sense of closeness, intimacy, or a special relationship.
In the New Testament, "κόλπος" is notably used in John 1:18, where it is said that the Son is "in the bosom" (εἰς τὸν κόλπον, eis ton kolpon) of the Father. This phrase expresses the intimate relationship and close proximity between the Son and the Father, emphasizing their unity and the Son's unique knowledge of the Father.
The same word is also used in Luke 16:22-23, in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, where Lazarus is said to be carried to "Abraham's bosom" (τὸν κόλπον Ἀβραάμ, ton kolpon Abraam), signifying a place of comfort, rest, and intimacy in the afterlife.
In classical Greek literature, "κόλπος" was sometimes used to describe a bay or gulf, as the curved shape resembles the front of the body.
Overall, while the literal meaning of "κόλπον" refers to the bosom or chest, its figurative usage in the New Testament points to a deep, intimate relationship and a position of closeness, particularly in reference to the relationship between the Son and the Father.
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