Modalistic Monarchism

     Noetus, who was probably from Smyrna (Izmir, Turkey), fl. 180-200, taught the doctrine of Modalistic Monarchism, which said that Jesus was really God the Father, so that it was really God the Father who was born, lived, was crucified, and died.  The teaching was declared to be heretical.

     Modalistic Monarchism found its ultimate expression in the teachings of Sabellius (fl ca 215, in Rome).  His doctrine, known as Sabellianism, taught that the Son, the Holy Spirit, and the Father are the same being in three different manifestations, in effect denying the humanity of Jesus.   Sabellius was excommunicated at Rome, but his doctrine spurred the clarification of the orthodox doctrine of the Trinity.