Examining Christianity Today’s Magazine Article about T.D. Jakes (2000)

UPDATE:  On January 27, 2012 T. D. Jakes was interviewed by pastor Mark Driscoll and pastor James MacDonald.  T. D. Jakes has stated he has some different views on the Trinity and now says he embraces the doctrine of the Trinity.  Has he really changed?  (Check out our updated post at T. D. Jakes now says he embraces the doctrine of the Trinity)  If and when this is officially proven to be an actual fact, we will remove the information below, and it will be with much joy.

​

The following information is in response to Christianity Today’s Magazine article of T. D. Jakes and the issues of what he believes.  In Christianity Today’s Magazine Feb. 21, 2000 issue they have a response from T. D. Jakes on his theological views on God.  The following will be a point by point response to what T. D. Jakes states concerning his beliefs and giving a Biblical refutation.  The paragraphs in bold will be what T. D. Jakes stated in Christianity Today’s Magazine Feb. 21, 2000 issue, with the others being our response.

Quote:  I was raised Baptist and became Pentecostal 26 years ago at a Greater Emmanuel Apostolic Church, where I was later ordained a Bishop. I resigned from that denomination 11 years ago, and have continued to fellowship with Higher Ground Always Abounding Assemblies. This small fellowship of churches is not a denomination, and differs in many ways from traditional Apostolic churches.

According to the article of T. D. Jakes in Christianity Today’s Magazine of 2000 T. D. Jakes attempts to clear up misunderstanding about him and the Trinity doctrine, but it is clear that he has shown himself to be not in agreement with sound Biblical doctrine.  T. D. Jakes does state that he was raised Baptist and became a Pentecostal, (Greater Emmanuel Apostolic Church which is a Oneness Church) and that he resigned from Greater Emmanuel Apostolic Church, but his ties to the Oneness affiliation is still there and his terminology is consistent with the United Pentecostal Church International. (UPCI is a Oneness Church)  T. D. Jakes does not state exactly what he is now but he does state he is a part of the “Higher Ground Always Abounding Assemblies”.  Going to the “Higher Ground Always Abounding Assemblies” site it is difficult to see what they exactly believe on theology since they have nothing for people to read, but they do have links to other Churches at their site which are of the Apostolic and Oneness beliefs.  Thus if T. D. Jakes is a part of them in ministry he is then approving what Oneness Churches believe, even if he says otherwise this is true.  A Christian ministry or Church would not have affiliation or ministry ties with those in the Mormon Church or the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and that reason is because they have a different Gospel message and have a different theological take on the identity of who God is.  So, those who are truly Trinitarian in theology and belief will not endorse or be affiliated with those in ministry who are opposed to essential Christian beliefs such as the doctrine of the Trinity, Salvation by faith alone in Christ. (Oneness believe that Salvation is based up faith in Jesus with being baptized in Jesus name alone and speaking in tongues as evidence of the indwelling and filling of the Holy Spirit)

Quote:  Both chapters of my early spiritual journey contributed volumes to my faith and walk with God, helping to hone my character. I was shaped by and appreciate both denominations, but am controlled by neither. My association with Oneness people does not constitute assimilation into their ranks any more than my association with the homeless in our city makes me one of them.

T. D. Jakes talks about his spiritual journey contributing to his faith and with God, thus stating his connecting affiliation with those of the Oneness beliefs are valid and are ok to him.  T. D. Jakes states that his association (ministry connections) does not constitute the assimilation into their ranks anymore than being associated with homeless people, but that is two different subjects and anyone with a bit of common sense can see that.  Helping homeless people has nothing to do with the issues of doctrine or on the nature and identity of who God is, but rather on the issue of just having a care about helping people. (this is to be commended as many people do not care about homeless people)  But does helping people in need make a person a Christian? No!  There are many non Christian groups and ministries who have outreaches or something which helps people in need, but in the end if they have a different God and Gospel message they still are not saved.  These are not my rules, nor are they of man, but they are of God.  God makes the rules and guidelines for people to be set free from their sins and how to be saved.  Anyone who have affiliations or ministry associations with Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Oneness believers, and other non Christian Cults are thus showing they truly are not of God and are spiritually blind.  It is time those of Christ rise up, get rid of stinky thinking and get Biblically thinking.  There is to much universalism and liberalism within Christianity and as Jesus said, “13 “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14 “For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. 15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”  (Matthew 7:13-15 NASB)  T. D. Jakes has shown that he approves of those who deny the Trinity and have a works gospel message, meaning those of the Oneness movement.

​

Quote:  Day-to-day, my affiliation is with the Pater Alliance, an interdenominational network of some 250 churches, which I founded three years ago and serve as CEO, senior minister, and mentor, providing leadership for pastors from Presbyterian, to Baptist, to Pentecostal. My own 23,000-member church, The Potter’s House in Dallas, is non-denominational and growing exponentially. There, I serve widely different people whose common desire is to know God, and to grow in the knowledge of, and fellowship with, Jesus Christ.

​

Looking at what T. D. Jakes states here it would pretty logical to conclude that these Churches that are involved with him are not Biblically sound in the faith, as many so-called Christian Churches are going farther and farther into spiritual deception with thinking worldly rather than standing solid on what the Bible teaches.  What T. D. Jakes displays here is not an act of unity within the body but rather a red flag to the body of Christ on the issues of essential Christian doctrines that unite Christians.  Being involved with ministries and Churches that teach a works based Gospel message and a different theological understanding of who God is brings forth confusion and heresy, the very thing which T. D. Jakes states he has not done.

​

Quote:  While I mix with Christians from a broad range of theological perspectives, I speak only for my personal faith and convictions. I am not a theologian, and I avoid quoting even theologians who agree with me. To defend my beliefs, I go directly to the Bible.

​

T. D. Jakes spoke of being associated with many different ministries, yet he states his faith and convictions are from the Bible.  Our article examining T. D. Jakes goes into detail on the issue of what T. D. Jakes believes on the Trinity and why it is clear that he has a different theological view on the Trinity.  T. D. Jakes from what he states and what others have asked him on the Trinity has shown that his theological convictions are of the Oneness views, yet he claims it is from the Bible but that has been shown to be false.  We would encourage anyone who is open enough to check out our article called Examining T. D. Jakes.

​

Quote:  My views on the Godhead are from 1 John 5:7-8, “For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.” (NKJV)  I believe in one God who is the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. I believe these three have distinct and separate functions—so separate that each has individual attributes, yet are one. I do not believe in three Gods.

​

One of the most common statements from those who are non Trinitarians or those who do not believe in the doctrine of the Trinity is that the Trinity is the belief in three Gods.  Oneness believers teach that the Trinity doctrine (One God revealed through three distinct eternal persons) is false because that means they are three Gods, which is inaccurate and misquoting what Christians truly believe about the Trinity.  Oneness believers use the word “Godhead” in a different sense than those who believe in the Trinity, so don’t be deceived.  When a Oneness believer uses the word “Godhead” they are referring to three manifestations of God, not three co-equal, co-eternal personages.  What T. D. Jakes does is use Christian terminology as Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses do, but in the end having different meanings and definitions.  Do not be fooled.

​

Before moving on lets put a few pieces of this puzzle together so you can know what T. D. Jakes states about who God is from other sources that are from him or from those who have personally talked with him, and from Oneness Churches state on the Trinity. (from Examining T. D. Jakes article)

​

The official teachings of the United Pentecostal Church International state the following concerning who God is and what they believe about the Trinity:  “In distinction to the doctrine of the Trinity, the UPCI holds to a oneness view of God. It views the Trinitarian concept of God, that of God eternally existing as three distinctive persons, as inadequate and a departure from the consistent and emphatic biblical revelation of God being one…Thus God is manifested as Father in creation and as the Father of the Son, inthe Son for our redemption, and as the Holy Spirit in our regeneration.” (fromwww.upci.org/about/index.asp)  One of the key phrases with those who are of the Oneness movement beliefs is that God has been revealed through three manifestations.  This is exactly what T. D. Jakes stated on his beliefs concerning the Trinity and what he believes concerning who God is.

​

“God is manifested as Father in creation and as the Father of the Son, in the Son for our redemption, and as the Holy Spirit in our regeneration…Rather than affirm the man-made doctrine known as the Trinity, we adhere to the wonderful, biblical revelation and doctrine that God is one…God is not a committee of three persons, and neither is He schizophrenic”  (Apostolic Church of Clarksburg/ www.clarksburgcac.com/about.us/)

​

“We believe the Bible teaches that there is only one true, ever living, eternal God, infinite in power, holy in nature, attributes and purpose, and possessing absolute, invisible deity. The One true God has revealed Himself as Father, through His Son in redemption, and as the Holy Ghost, by emanation. This one true God manifested Himself in the Old Testament in various ways; in the Son while he walked among men; as the Holy Ghost after the ascension.”   (Bethel United Pentecostal Church / www.bethelupc.org/faith.html)

​

At Potters House, T. D. Jakes states the following:  “There is one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in three Manifestations: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” (Potters House Ministries Belief Statement)  What does T. D. Jakes mean by stating God is eternally existing in three manifestations?  Closely comparing this with what the UPCI states it is clear that T. D. Jakes has the same theology as he did when he was involved with the Greater Emmanuel Apostolic Church.

​

At Potters House, T. D. Jakes states the following:  “We believe in one God who is eternal in His existence,Triune in His manifestation, being both Father, Son and Holy Ghost AND that He is Sovereign and Absolute in His authority.” (Potters House Ministries Doctrinal Statement)  When T. D. Jakes states that God is Triune in His manifestation as being Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, he is teaching that God has revealed Himself in three different ways and not through three distinct personages.  This is not Biblical and those who care about what the Bible teaches must be aware of this.

​

T. D. Jakes was interviewed by Living by the Word on KKLA, hosted by John Coleman, Aug. 23, 1998 and was asked the following question:  “My first question would be, the Trinity would be defined as one God Who’s revealed Himself in three distinct Persons, each co-equal and co-eternal. How important is it for the believing Christian to hold to this belief?”  T. D. Jakes response to this question was:  “The Trinity, the term Trinity, is not a biblical term, to begin with. It’s a theological description for something that is so beyond human comprehension that I’m not sure that we can totally hold God to a numerical system. The Lord said, “Behold, O Israel, the Lord thy God is one, and beside Him there is no other.” When God got ready to make a man that looked like Him, He didn’t make three. He made one man. However, that one man had three parts. He was body, soul and spirit. We have one God, but He is Father in creation, Son in redemption, and Holy Spirit in regeneration.” (Click Here for this information)  This is the same as what the United Pentecostal Church International states concerning their doctrines on who God is and their beliefs concerning the Trinity.

​

Quote:  Many things can be said about the Son that cannot be said about the Father. The Son was born of a virgin; the Father created the virgin from whom He was born. The Son slept (Luke 8:23), but the Father never sleeps (Psalm 121:3-5). The Son took on the likeness of sinful flesh (Romans 8:3), but God is a spirit (John 4:24). Likewise, several characteristics are distinctive to the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit alone empowers (Acts 1:8), indwells (2 Timothy 1:15), and guides the believer (John 16:14).

​

T. D. Jakes has a some truth here but again he misses the mark on the issues of the Trinity.  It is true that there are distinctions among the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit.  However T. D. Jakes makes some mistakes here within his statements that need to be corrected.  From what T. D. Jakes states about the Father creating the virgin from whom Jesus was born it seems to imply that Jesus did not have part in creation, which is a belief among Oneness believers.  See, Jesus before taking of flesh did not exist from eternity according to Oneness believers, despite what they claim.  They believe that the God of eternity was the Father and that the Father came and became the man Jesus in the flesh.  Thus Jesus as being a distinct person from the Father is not of the Oneness beliefs, thus how could Jesus be the credited as being with the Father and the Holy Spirit in creating all things? (Genesis 1, Isaiah 44:24 God the Creator/ Romans 11:36 Father/ John 1:3, Colossians 1:16-17 Jesus/ Psalms 104:30, Job 33:4 Holy Spirit)  It is true that God is Spirit, not “a” spirit.  Jesus when He rose again said He was not a spirit, meaning something of creation or a ghost.  Many people misunderstand what Jesus was stating in John 4:24 concerning God, and it is unfortunate.  What Jesus was stating in John 4:24 is that God is Spirit meaning that God is not of this world, creation, but is eternal nature and identity.  A more accurate Translation of John 4:24 is, “God is Spirit”, not God is a spirit.  T. D. Jakes states that the Holy Spirit alone empowers, indwells, and guides the believer.  Is this true?  The answer is no!  According to Jesus the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit indwell us. (John 14:16-18 & John 14:23)  According to the apostle Paul he can do all things through Christ. (Philippians 4:13)  According to the apostle John, “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world”. (1 John 5:4)  According to the apostle Paul he received his understanding and revelation from Jesus Christ, which could be said of the apostle John as well with the book of Revelation. (Galatians 1, Revelation 1)  T. D. Jakes is Biblically inaccurate on the Holy Spirit empowering, indwelling, and guiding people alone.  Why is this important?  It is important because the statements that T. D. Jakes is stating in attempts to defend his theological views fall short based upon Biblical exegesis. (reading things in context)

​

Quote:  In spite of all the distinctives, God is one in His essence. Though no human illustration perfectly fits the Divine, it is similar to ice, water and steam: three separate forms, yet all H2O. Each element can co-exist, each has distinguishing characteristics and functions, but all have sameness.

​

Do not be deceived.  This sounds good on the surface but as what has been shown what T. D. Jakes means is completely different on the identity of God when compared to what Christians believe on the doctrine of the Trinity.  Mormons state they believe Jesus is their Lord and Savior, died on the cross and rose again, and that it is through Him they can receive eternal life.  However, what they may not state clearly unless you ask or do some research is that according to what the Mormon Church (Mormonism) teaches is that Jesus is a pro-created son of a heavenly father and mother through physical union, is the spirit brother of satan, had wives and children, became a God, died on the cross and rose again for it to be possible for people to receive eternal life but they have to do many other things, and the list goes on.  The words may be the same or even similar but when examined the meanings and theology is different.  Do not be fooled.

Quote:  In 1 Timothy 3:16, the Apostle Paul says, “Without controversy, great is the mystery of Godliness.” Without controversy, it is a mystery, not always to be figured out, but to be entered into.

It is not a mystery anymore, the mystery has been revealed.  This was done through the coming of Jesus Christ taking of flesh, dying and rising again, and through His teachings.  Doctrine is important and that is clear from what Jesus and the apostles taught.  We may not come to understand everything and we won’t, but it is clear in the Bible that there is one God revealed through three personages.

​

Quote:  The language in the doctrinal statement of our ministry that refers to the Trinity of the Godhead as “manifestations” does not derive from modalism. The Apostle Paul himself used this term referring to the Godhead in 1 Timothy 3:15, 1 Corinthians 12:7, and 1 John 3:5-8. Peter also used the term in 1 Peter 1:20. Can this word now be heresy when it is a direct quote from the Pauline epistles and used elsewhere in the New Testament?

​

T. D. Jakes claims his doctrinal statement of the Trinity of the Godhead as manifestations does not derive from Modalism but theologically this is not true.  The Oneness movement is Modalism in theology when it comes to God and T. D. Jakes may attempt to state otherwise but do not be fooled.  The word “manifestations” is not heresy anymore than calling Jesus Christ Lord, but the heretical issue is what T. D. Jakes and others who are of the Oneness views means or believes concerning that word.  This is truly important for people to understand.  As said before a person may use Biblical words but in turn have theological different meanings and definitions.

​

Quote:  I believe Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God. I believe He was born of a virgin, crucified on a cross, arose from the dead, and is coming again for His church. I believe He sent the Holy Spirit to lead and guide the Church. And I believe in justification by faith. I also believe that baptism is a commandment to be observed in obedience to God’s Word. The rites of baptism are celebrated in our church by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ. I have always, without exception, baptized as the early church did in Acts 2:38, 10:44 and 9:1-4. That is my conviction, based on Scripture.

​

Again, don’t be fooled.  T. D. Jakes is using some classical Christian wording here, yet in turn he is showing his oneness views.  See according to those of the Oneness beliefs people are to be baptized in Jesus name only and that people spoke in tongues as the evidence of their salvation.  The following are from the UPCI official website on water baptism and speaking in tongues for salvation.

​

“a sinner must believe the gospel; he is commanded to repent of his sinful life, to be baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ, and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (from www.upci.org/about/index.asp#doctrinal)

​

“Millions have experienced this same baptism in the Spirit. Wherever this message is proclaimed, the question is asked, “Why did God choose speaking in tongues as the initial, physical evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost?”…One vital reason why God chose other tongues as the initial sign of receiving the Holy Ghost is that speaking in tongues is an immediate, external evidence.” (from www.upci.org/doctrine/tongues.asp)

​

“The initial, outward evidence is speaking with tongues, which means speaking miraculously in languages the speaker does not know…Speaking with other tongues has been connected with Spirit baptism since the beginning of the church age."(from www.upci.org/doctrine/Holy_Ghost.asp)

​

Acts 2:38, Acts 10:44-48, are essential Biblical proof texts that Oneness believers use to prove that people must be baptized in Jesus name and speak in other tongues to be saved.  T. D. Jakes continues to display his Oneness views concerning the Gospel, alongside the UPCI.  However, water baptism was not the issue for salvation but rather it meant to be fully identified with Christ.  Jesus and the apostles spoke of salvation apart from water baptism. (John 3:16-18, John 5:24, John 14:1-6, John 20:25-31, Romans 1:16-17, Romans 3:19-31, Romans 10:9-13, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, 1 Peter 1:1-20, 1 Peter 3:21, 1 John 1:7-9, 1 John 5:10-13, etc)  Along with that tongues were “a sign” not “the sign” of being filled with the Holy Spirit.  There are 5 examples of people coming to Christ in the book of Acts and out of the 5 only 3 of them mention tongues being experienced.  It you look at what tongues is it is a spiritual gift given and according to the apostle Paul believers in Christ have different gifts and ministries. (1 Corinthians 12)  Therefore, not all believers in Christ are to speak in tongues or to have the spiritual gift of tongues.  Another thing, having the gift of tongues meant speaking supernaturally another known language that you did not speak originally, but was given the ability to do so.  These things have been shared so those of you who are of the Oneness beliefs or come across those who are have some insights on what they believe and how to respond.  Knowing T. D. Jakes has been involved with the Oneness movement, is involved with Oneness believers and Churches, and used Oneness terminology it is clear what is implied in his words here concerning baptism.

​

Quote:  Nevertheless, many of my respected colleagues quote Matthew 28:19 when they baptize, while others use both, saying, “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, we do all things in Jesus’ name.” Our love for the same Lord has enabled us to walk together in love without dissension and in spite of variance in procedures.

​

If this is what T. D. Jakes truly means then he has a liberal Oneness view on water baptism.  Oneness believers who are true to the Jesus name only will not state something like this.  With that being said do not get deceived into believing that T. D. Jakes is all of sudden coming from a Biblical Tri-Unity of God theological view here for water baptism, because that is not the case.  What T. D. Jakes has shown here is that he does not baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, yet he states “many of my respected colleagues” do.  It is apparent that T. D. Jakes has a Oneness theological view of God and baptism, yet he is not the hardcore Oneness believer who states those who hold to the Trinity are non-Christians and polytheists.

​

An added note on this.  It is clear that T. D. Jakes has a Oneness view intermingled with a some-what Trinitarian view on the identity of God, yet the Oneness side is more evident.  It is this that is of concern.  On the subject of the Tri-Unity of God you must be clear on what you believe, and you are not to be associated with those who are clearly anti-Trinity.  If T. D. Jakes was truly born again and has the Holy Spirit as his teacher then this would not even be an issue of concern and information like this would not have to be written.  However, it is clear that T. D. Jakes is not being led by the Holy Spirit by the evidence of his Oneness views, his liberalism, and his association with those who are anti-Trinity.

​

One more thing on what T. D. Jakes said.  Quote:  “Our love for the same Lord has enabled us to walk together in love without dissension…”  First thing first!  Oneness believers do not have the same Lord as Christians who believe in the Tri-Unity of God.  For T. D. Jakes to make a statement like this shows that he is not concerned about Biblical doctrine and that those who are involved with him who are not of the Oneness beliefs are Biblically depraved.

​

Quote:  I deeply appreciate the chance to respond to any misunderstandings that may have resulted in part from my silence on these subjects. Little if any attention is given to any of them in my books or sermons. My silence has not been some veiled attempt to disguise my faith, which is demonstrated daily in the works I have been called to do. My voice may have seemed muted on these subjects, but I have made a distinct sound regarding the matters that I have been assigned to discuss with my generation. I have spoken boldly against domestic violence—and against physical, sexual and emotional abuse of women in this nation. I have thundered as an advocate of reconciliation between races and denominations, and for restoration of hurting souls to the healing properties of Christ’s love.

​

Sadly this is a cop out on being clear for people to know more about his beliefs.  Even within the Christianity Today article T. D. Jakes does not respond clearly with proving he is a believer in the God of the Bible who has been revealed through three distinct eternal personages as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  T. D. Jakes silence displays what many other people like him who are on tv, the radio, who write books, etc., which in turn speak about every day life stuff yet not addressing essential issues of the Christian faith.  T. D. Jakes states he has spoken boldly against domestic violence, emotional abuses of various kinds, and things on races being restored.  These things sound good, but what about the Gospel message being the center?  What about the subject of the one true God?  What about false religions who appear to be of God but are not?  What about Jesus being the only way to the Father, and all other roads being false and leading to destruction?  A true Pastor, teacher, etc., will display true fruit on the eternal issues foremost and then address the issues at hand.  Eternity is more important than the social issues of the world.  It has been said, “You can be right on all subjects of the Bible but be wrong on the identity of God and the Gospel message, and still end up in hell”! (the late Dr. Walter Martin)  I agree with this.  Eternity is at stake on knowing the true God of the Bible.  There are many groups out there that claim to be of God and use Christian-eeeseterminology, but are wolves in sheep’ clothing.  You may think this to be judgmental and narrow minded, and you know what?  It is!  Look at what the Scriptures teach.

​

“13 “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14 “For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. 15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:13-15 NASB)

​

“21 “Not everyone who says to Me, `Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 “Many will say to Me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ 23 “And then I will declare to them, `I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'”  (Matthew 7:21-23 NASB)

​

“28 “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 “Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears.” (Acts 20:28-31 NASB)

​

“13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.”  (2 Corinthians 11:13-15 NASB)

​

Quote:  I confess that I have remained aloof from the theological controversies. And I confess I have been universal in my associations, purposely ignoring opportunities to be divisive. But it was not lack of conviction, or absence of proper Christian ideals, that had taken my attention—I love the great principles and tenets of our faith, and I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Yet it is not the oneness of God for which I cry, it is for the oneness of His people.

​

This is liberalism and that is in opposition to the Christian faith.  From Genesis to the book of Revelation theology is very important and it is just as important today.  We are to contend for the faith as Jude 1:3 states, we are to silence those in opposition according to Titus 1:6-13, we are to refute and proclaim the Word of truth to those who are in opposition according to 2 Timothy 4:2-5.  We are to study the Word of God for truth and accuracy and not to be associated with those who are not of the faith and who are heretical. (2 Timothy 2:15 & Titus 3:9-11)

​

The oneness of the body of Christ is unity in fellowship, prayer, communion, and the apostles teachings.  This is Biblically proven in the book of Acts 2:42-47.  Those who state they avoid confrontations or theological controversies demonstrate that they have do not sound Biblical mind what the Scriptures teach about the importance of truth and deception.

​

Quote:  When I think of the Trinity, I consider how Jesus prayed under the unction of the Holy Spirit that we would be one even as He and the Father are one. To that end, I preach, write and work. No truth exemplified by the Trinity is greater than Christian unity. As we seek to dissect the divine, articulate the abstract, and defend what I agree are precious truths, I hope we do not miss the greater message taught by the concept of the Trinity. And that is that three—though distinct—are still one!

​

Sounds ok if you do not realize that T. D. Jakes is coming from a different theological view on who God is.  The unity of the faith does display the oneness of God, but do not be fooled into thinking that T. D. Jakes is on the same page when it comes to the Trinity.  Again let it be known what T. D. Jakes believes about the identity of God so there is no misunderstanding on his apparent Christian terminology.

​

At Potters House, T. D. Jakes states the following:  “There is one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in three Manifestations: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” (Potters House Ministries Belief Statement)  What does T. D. Jakes mean by stating God is eternally existing in three manifestations?  Closely comparing this with what the UPCI states it is clear that T. D. Jakes has the same theology as he did when he was involved with the Greater Emmanuel Apostolic Church.

​

At Potters House, T. D. Jakes states the following:  “We believe in one God who is eternal in His existence,Triune in His manifestation, being both Father, Son and Holy Ghost AND that He is Sovereign and Absolute in His authority.” (Potters House Ministries Doctrinal Statement)  When T. D. Jakes states that God is Triune in His manifestation as being Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, he is teaching that God has revealed Himself in three different ways and not through three distinct personages.  This is not Biblical and those who care about what the Bible teaches must be aware of this.

​

T. D. Jakes was interviewed by Living by the Word on KKLA, hosted by John Coleman, Aug. 23, 1998 and was asked the following question:  “My first question would be, the Trinity would be defined as one God Who’s revealed Himself in three distinct Persons, each co-equal and co-eternal. How important is it for the believing Christian to hold to this belief?”  T. D. Jakes response to this question was:  “The Trinity, the term Trinity, is not a biblical term, to begin with. It’s a theological description for something that is so beyond human comprehension that I’m not sure that we can totally hold God to a numerical system. The Lord said, “Behold, O Israel, the Lord thy God is one, and beside Him there is no other.” When God got ready to make a man that looked like Him, He didn’t make three. He made one man. However, that one man had three parts. He was body, soul and spirit. We have one God, but He is Father in creation, Son in redemption, and Holy Spirit in regeneration.” (Click Here for this information)  This is the same as what the United Pentecostal Church International states concerning their doctrines on who God is and their beliefs concerning the Trinity.

​

Concluding there are a few things that need to be clear for people to understand.  It is not our intention to bash or insult T. D. Jakes in any way.  The purpose of all of this is to give people accurate information concerning what T. D. Jakes believes and give a response to his article in Christianity Today’s magazine from the year 2000.  It is our belief that T. D. Jakes is not being completely honest with what he believes and is hiding behind his apparent focus on other social issues of the world.  Truly in essence only God knows the hearts of men in their entirety, but we can examine these things and make sound judgments based upon the evidence at hand.  If T. D. Jakes truly is a Christian and believes in the Biblical doctrine of the Trinity then he will one day make this clear and evident for people.  May God open him up to these issues and may T. D. Jakes see the importance of these issues.  For those who want to read the article in Christianity Today’s Magazine concerning T. D. Jakes go to this link:

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2000/108/13.0.html