Is this teaching biblical?
Steven Furtick's statement that Jesus said 'I am changing forms' is textbook modalism — the ancient heresy of Sabellius, condemned by the early church. Orthodox Trinitarian theology teaches that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three distinct, co-eternal, co-equal persons of one substance. They do not 'change forms.' When the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, the Son did not cease to exist — He ascended to the right hand of the Father (Acts 2:33) and continues to intercede for believers (Romans 8:34). Furtick's language mirrors that of his mentor T.D. Jakes, who has also been accused of modalism. As Chris Rosebrough documented on Issues, Etc.: if Jesus merely 'changed forms' on the cross, then whose wrath did He absorb?
What did Steven Furtick say?
"No, I am not leaving you. I am changing forms. Up until now I have walked with you, but when I send my spirit I will be in you, so I am not leaving you, I'm just changing locations."
Speaker: Steven Furtick
Source: Sermon on John 16:7, Elevation Church, ~January 2020
What does Scripture actually teach?
Matthew 28:19
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
— NKJV
Jesus names three distinct persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — not three 'forms' of one person. The baptismal formula itself refutes modalism. If God merely changes forms, there would be no need to name all three.
Acts 2:33
"Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear."
— NKJV
At Pentecost, all three persons of the Trinity are simultaneously active and distinct: the Son is exalted at the right hand, the Father gives the promise, and the Holy Spirit is poured out. The Son did not 'change forms' into the Spirit — He sent the Spirit from the Father's right hand.
Romans 8:34
Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
— NKJV
Right now, the risen Christ is at the right hand of God making intercession. He did not 'change forms' into the Holy Spirit. He is a distinct, living, glorified person interceding for His people. Furtick's modalism robs believers of their intercessor.
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