Unitarianism—A False Doctrine With Consequences
Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI
Biblical Authority Ministries, August 3, 2026 (Donate)
The nature and person of Jesus Christ is essential. If one has a “false Christ” or places their faith in a “Jesus” who wasn’t revealed by Scripture, then that person isn’t saved. It is that simple.
For instance, if someone says they believe in Jesus but they really mean their buddy Billy Joe Jim Bob De-Jesus down the street that they play baseball with—can that person save them from the eternal wrath of an infinitely powerful and everlasting God? No!
Unless one has the Jesus Christ of Scripture, they can’t be saved—and there are serious reasons why. The false doctrine of unitarian beliefs deviates from what Scripture teaches and goes far into error. Thus, those following after this false doctrine tread far from the true Christ.
What Is Unitarianism?
Unitarianism is the belief that God exists as only one person rather than one God in three distinct, coequal, and coeternal persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
While Christians have always affirmed that there is only one true God (Deuteronomy 6:4, 1 Timothy 2:5), orthodox Christians have also recognized that the Bible reveals this one God as three persons. The doctrine of the Trinity is not an invention of the early church but a theological summary of the whole counsel of Scripture.
Unitarians reject this biblical doctrine in various ways. Some teach that Jesus is merely a created being. Others claim He is simply a prophet, an exalted man, or a divine agent who is not fully God (thus, created). Some deny the personality and deity of the Holy Spirit altogether, reducing Him to merely “God's power” or “influence”.
Although many unitarians sincerely desire to honor God, sincerity doesn’t determine truth. God revealed who He is in His Word, and we must submit to that revelation rather than reshape or reinterpret it according to fallible human reasoning.
Popular Counterfeits
Throughout history, many religions and movements have denied the Trinity while still borrowing terminology from Christianity and the Bible. Some of the most recognizable examples include:
· Rabbinic Judaism, which rejects Jesus as the divine Messiah.
· Islam, which honors Jesus as a prophet but explicitly denies that He is the Son of God or the Creator.
· Jehovah's Witnesses, who teach that Jesus is Michael the archangel and a created being.
· Christadelphianism, which denies Christ's eternal deity.
· Biblical Unitarianism (Socinianism), which views Jesus as merely human.
· Various universalist movements that minimize or reject essential doctrines concerning Christ’s godly nature.
Charles Buck, in his historical theological dictionary, identified numerous early anti-Trinitarian groups and heresies that denied Christ's deity. Among these were the:
· Ebionites
· Cerinthians
· Artemonites
· Theodotians
· Photinians
· Paulianists (followers of Paul of Samosata)
· Arians
· Macedonians (who denied the deity of the Holy Spirit)
· Socinians
Though these groups differed from one another, they shared a common thread: they rejected the biblical revelation concerning the nature of God and the full deity of Jesus Christ. The names change throughout history, but the central error remains remarkably consistent.
One of these early groups—the Arians—even give their name to unitarianism that is still used today. Unitarians today are still often called by their historical name—Arianism. Arianism (unitarianism) has been rightly condemned by churches, church councils, and confessions since the New Testament was written.
Scripture Must Be Reinterpreted
Every form of unitarianism faces the same unavoidable problem: Scripture repeatedly identifies Jesus as God and presents the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as distinct, co-equal persons who nevertheless share the one divine nature and Godhead. As a result, unitarians must consistently explain away passages such as:
1. John 1:1-3, 14
2. John 8:58
3. John 10:30
4. John 20:28
5. Colossians 1:15-20
6. Colossians 2:9
7. Hebrews 1
8. Titus 2:13
9. Matthew 28:19
10. 2 Corinthians 13:14
11. Acts 5:3-4
12. Philippians 2:5-11
13. Revelation 1:17-18
Instead of allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture, these passages are often demoted, redefined, isolated from their context, or retranslated to fit a preconceived theological system. Jehovah’s Witnesses, for instance, openly changed their Bible translations (see John 1:1 for instance in their unjustified addition of the Word being “a god”.)
This is not unique to unitarianism. Every false doctrine ultimately requires portions of God's Word to be ignored, diminished, or reinterpreted.
Why Do People Deviate? Why Do People Reject The Trinity?
There are many reasons. Some struggle to understand how one God can exist as three persons. Others place autonomous human reason above divine revelation and God’s reasoning. Still others inherit their beliefs from family or religious tradition and never seriously examine the biblical evidence.
Many are persuaded by false teachers who appear knowledgeable but selectively present Scripture—this was how Eve was deceived by Satan. Others are uncomfortable with mysteries revealed by God and insist that every doctrine must fit within the limits of man’s errant opinions.
Ultimately, however, every false doctrine begins the same way: man places his own authority above God's revealed Word. Thus, there is a humanistic element (i.e., a false religious view) that sinful men use to interfere with and reinterpret God’s Word.
Satan's Ancient Strategy
Satan has not changed his methods. In Genesis 3, the serpent asked Eve,
"Has God indeed said...?"
He did not begin with an outright denial. Instead, he planted doubt about God's revelation. Once doubt was established, he questioned God's words, questioned God's character, and finally his deception was complete. The same strategy of the Evil One appears throughout history.
Instead of accepting God's revelation concerning Himself, people are encouraged to question it, redefine it, or explain it away.
· When God says that the Son is eternal, some claim He was created.
· When Scripture says Jesus is worshiped, some redefine worship.
· When Thomas declares, "My Lord and my God!" some attempt to weaken the obvious meaning.
The issue has never been whether Scripture speaks clearly. The issue is whether people will believe what God has spoken.
The Biblical Evidence
One of the greatest difficulties
facing every unitarian system is the sheer number of passages that point to the
triune nature of God. Consider:
Table 1 Passages that show the deity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
God, the Father | God, the Son | God, the Holy Spirit | |
is the Creator | Genesis 1:1; 2:4; 14:19–22; Deuteronomy 32:6; Psalm 102:25; Isaiah 42:5; 45:18; Mark 13:19; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 3:9; Hebrews 2:10; Revelation 4:11 | John 1:1–3; Colossians 1:16–17; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Hebrews 1:2; 1:8–12 | |
is unchanging and eternal | |||
has a distinct will | |||
accepts worship | Too many to list | — | |
accepts prayer | Too many to list | — | |
is the only Savior | John 4:42; Acts 4:12, 13:23; Philippians 3:20; 2 Timothy 1:10; Titus 1:4, 2:13, 3:6; 2 Peter 1:11, 2:20, 3:18; 1 John 4:14 | ||
has the power to resurrect | |||
is called God | John 1:18, 6:27; Philippians 1:2, 2:11; Ephesians 4:6; 2 Thessalonians 1:2 | John 1:1–5, 1:14, 1:18, 20:28; Romans 9:5; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:8; Titus 2:13 | |
is called Mighty God | — | ||
is omnipresent/everywhere | |||
is omnipotent/has power and authority | 2 Chronicles 20:6, 25:8; Job 12:13; Romans 1:20; 1 Corinthians 6:14; Jude 1:25 | ||
is all-knowing | |||
has the fullness of God in Him (not just “a part of God”) | N/A | — | |
gives life | Genesis 1:21, 1:24, 2:7; Psalm 49:15; John 3:16, 5:21; 1 Timothy 6:13 | ||
loves | |||
has ownership of believers | — | ||
is distinct | |||
is judge | Genesis 18:25; Psalm 7:11, 50:6, 94:1–2, 96:13, 98:9; John 8:50; Romans 2:16 | — | |
forgives sin | — | ||
claimed divinity | — | ||
is uncreated, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End | — | ||
lives in the believer | |||
has the godly title “I Am,” pointing to the eternality of God | — | ||
is personal and has fellowship with other persons | Acts 13:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:30; Philippians 2:1 | ||
makes believers holy (sanctifies them) | |||
knows the future | |||
is called “Lord of Lords” | — |
The Father is called God. The Son is called God. The Holy Spirit is called God. Each possesses divine attributes. Each performs divine works. Each receives divine honor. Yet Scripture repeatedly insists there is only one God.
Rather than forcing these truths into contradiction, the doctrine of the Trinity harmonizes them. There is one divine essence shared fully and eternally by three distinct persons.
This is why orthodox Christians have confessed the Trinity for nearly two millennia—not because the word "Trinity" appears in Scripture, but because the teaching accurately summarizes everything Scripture reveals. The plurality of one God is reflected in the Old Testament. Consider:
· “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness” (Genesis 1:26)
· ““Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil.” (Genesis 3:22)
· “Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language” (Genesis 11:8)
· “he has become like one of Us”; “And who will go for Us?” (Isaiah 6:8)
Even the first mention of God in Genesis 1:1 would be awkward for a “singular person-God” as the term used is plural [Elohim as opposed to El] and yet, Elohim is treated in the singular form in the verbiage. So, name of God in Genesis 1:1 is both plural and treated as singular—a small taste of the triune God from the first verse of the Bible.
Why Is The Nature Of Christ Essential?
Some argue that Christ's deity is an interesting theological discussion but not essential. The Bible says otherwise. Jesus asked His disciples,
"Who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:15b, NKJV)
The answer to that question determines everything. If Jesus is merely a created being, then He cannot fully reveal God. If He is merely an exalted angel, then He cannot receive the worship reserved for God alone. If He is merely a prophet, then His death cannot accomplish what Scripture says it accomplished. Salvation depends upon the identity of the Savior. Christ is the Eternal Son and Peter correctly answered:
Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16, NKJV)
Christ is the mighty God (e.g., Isaiah 9:6). Historically, Christians consistently teaches that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, the second person of the Trinity. With this, He was not created. He did not begin to exist in Bethlehem. Rather, the eternal Word became flesh (John 1:14).
The Father is fully God. The Son is fully God. The Holy Spirit is fully God. Yet there is only one God. This is not three gods but one divine being co-existing eternally as three distinct persons.
The incarnation did not make Jesus God. Rather, the eternal Son added a true human nature while remaining fully divine—a task all-too-easy for God.
Why Christ's Deity Matters For Salvation
Our sin is committed against the infinitely holy God. Because God is infinite in holiness, justice, and glory, our rebellion carries an infinite offense.
Likewise, because God is eternal, the punishment deserved for sin is eternal separation from Him. Only an infinite Savior can fully satisfy infinite justice. Only the eternal Son can bear the full weight of God's righteous judgment while remaining victorious over death.
Jesus is the perfect substitute because He is both fully God and fully man. As truly man, He represents humanity. As truly God, His sacrifice possesses infinite worth.
He is the final Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), offered once for all. Upon the cross, Christ bore the penalty that His people deserved. His righteousness is credited (imputed or transferred) to believers, while their guilt was placed upon Him.
This glorious exchange is possible because of who Christ is. If Jesus were merely a creature (a created being), His sacrifice would possess only finite value. A finite being cannot satisfy the infinite justice of God or secure eternal redemption for countless sinners. This is the error Arianism in demoting Jesus Christ the Son of God to be a created, finite being.
· For our sin, we deserve an infinite punishment from the infinite Father. The infinite Son is capable of taking the full brunt of that punishment.
· For our sin, we deserve an eternal punishment from the eternal Father. The eternal Son is capable of taking the full extension of that punishment because of His eternality.
Thus, Christ, who is God, satisfies the infinite and eternal punishment we deserve for our sin on the Cross. This is what makes salvation possible. Christ—the final and ultimate Passover Lamb was sacrificed in our place. His righteousness is imputed to us so that we are spotless on judgment day in the eyes of God.
Unitarianism Falls Fatally Short
Building on this, this is where every unitarian system ultimately fails. A created savior cannot provide an infinite atonement. A mere human redeemer cannot fully satisfy God’s eternal and infinite divine justice.
A finite being cannot bear the eternal wrath due for sin in the way Scripture describes Christ accomplishing redemption. Thus, salvation is impossible in the unitarian view because an infinite God’s wrath cannot yet be satisfied!
Furthermore, the unitarian concept of God introduces additional theological problems. A “god” who denies what Scripture plainly reveals about the Son cannot be the God of Scripture. A “god” who denies His own clearly written Word is an utter failure.
If love is an eternal attribute of God (1 John 4:8), then love must exist eternally within God Himself. The eternal relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit explains how God has always been love before creation ever existed.
By contrast, a solitary-person god (i.e., a unitarian view of God) could not express interpersonal love until after creating other beings, making love something dependent upon creation rather than an eternal characteristic of God's nature.
Most importantly, Scripture repeatedly warns about denying the Son:
"Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also." (1 John 2:23, NKJV)
Likewise, John warns against those who refuse the true doctrine concerning Christ (2 John 7-11). Rejecting the Son is not merely an error in theology. It is a rejection of the Father's own revelation about Christ.
Conclusion
The doctrine of the Trinity isn’t an optional doctrine reserved for theologians. It lies at the very heart of the Christian faith because it concerns the identity of God and the identity of our Savior.
Can you see why Satan has attacked this doctrine in so many ways over and over again throughout history? Throughout the ages, the devil has sought to distort God's revelation by causing people to question what God has plainly spoken.
Unitarianism follows that same ancient pattern by denying the full deity of Jesus Christ and reinterpreting passages that reveal the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The good news of the gospel is that the eternal, uncreated Son of God became flesh, lived a sinless life, died as the perfect substitute for sinners, rose bodily from the grave, and now reigns forever. Because He is fully God and fully man, His sacrifice is sufficient to satisfy God's infinite justice and secure eternal salvation for all who trust in Him.
A false Christ cannot save. A “created savior” can’t redeem. Only the eternal, infinite Son of God—the Lord Jesus Christ—is sufficient to save sinners. May we therefore submit and worship the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit, giving glory to the one true God forever.
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Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.
Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.
Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.
His
love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology.
For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological,
historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia for AI use and training. Mr.
Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in
these fields.
*Imaged generated by Chat GPT
