Finis Dake’s Unorthodox View of God: A Comparison with Cult Teachings

Introduction: The Problem with Dake’s Theology

Finis Jennings Dake (1902-1987) was a Pentecostal minister whose annotated study Bible and theological writings have influenced millions of Christians. While Dake claimed to take the Bible literally and presented himself as a defender of orthodox Christianity, his teachings about God’s nature reveal shocking departures from historic Christian doctrine. Most troubling is that his views about God align remarkably with teachings found in groups widely recognized as cults, particularly the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) and the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

This analysis will demonstrate from Dake’s own writings that he:

• Denied the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity
• Taught that God has a physical body with parts like humans
• Believed the three persons of the Godhead are completely separate beings
• Limited God’s attributes in ways that align with cult teachings
• Redefined theological terms while keeping Christian vocabulary

Part I: Dake’s Teaching That God Has a Physical Body

The Physical Body of God According to Dake

One of the most startling teachings in Dake’s theology is his insistence that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit all have physical bodies. This teaching appears repeatedly throughout his works, particularly in his book “God’s Plan for Man.”

Dake goes further to describe the specific body parts he believes God possesses:

The Problem with Dake’s Physical God

This teaching directly contradicts the historic Christian understanding of God as spirit. Jesus himself declared, “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). The traditional Christian view has always maintained that while Jesus Christ took on human flesh in the incarnation, God the Father and the Holy Spirit do not have physical bodies.

Dake attempts to defend his position by arguing that “spirit” can have a body:

Comparison with Mormon Teaching

Dake’s teaching about God having a physical body is virtually identical to Mormon doctrine. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches:

While Mormons limit the physical body to the Father and Son, Dake extends it even to the Holy Spirit, going beyond even Mormon theology in his departure from orthodox Christianity. Both teachings, however, share the fundamental error of limiting God to a physical form, which orthodox Christianity has always rejected as incompatible with God’s infinite nature.

Part II: Dake’s Denial of the Trinity

Three Separate Beings, Not One God

Perhaps even more troubling than Dake’s teaching about God having a body is his explicit denial of the traditional doctrine of the Trinity. While using Trinitarian language, Dake fundamentally redefines the Trinity to mean three separate beings rather than one God in three persons.

While this might sound orthodox at first glance, Dake’s elaboration reveals his true meaning. He teaches that the three persons are so separate that they cannot even dwell in the same place at the same time:

The Doctrine of Interpenetration

Dake develops what he calls the “Biblical Doctrine of Interpenetration” to explain how the persons of the Trinity relate to each other and to believers. This doctrine explicitly denies that God can truly indwell believers:

This teaching directly contradicts numerous biblical passages that speak of God dwelling in believers (John 14:23; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 6:16). Dake attempts to explain these passages by saying they only refer to a “union of purpose” rather than actual indwelling:

Comparison with Jehovah’s Witness Teaching

Dake’s denial of the Trinity bears remarkable similarity to the teachings of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, who also deny that God is three persons in one essence. Consider this comparison:

While Jehovah’s Witnesses explicitly reject the Trinity, Dake maintains the terminology while completely redefining it. This makes his teaching potentially more dangerous, as it appears orthodox on the surface while fundamentally denying the essential Christian doctrine of God’s nature.

Part III: Dake’s Limitation of God’s Attributes

Denying God’s Omnipresence

Because Dake teaches that God has a physical body confined to one location, he must necessarily deny God’s omnipresence. He attempts to redefine omnipresence to mean something other than God’s actual presence everywhere:

This teaching contradicts clear biblical statements about God’s omnipresence, such as Psalm 139:7-10: “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!”

Similar Limitations Found in Cult Teachings

Both Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses similarly limit God’s attributes due to their belief in a physical deity:

The similarity between Dake’s teaching and Mormon doctrine on this point is unmistakable. Both teach that God is limited by having a physical body, and both must reinterpret biblical passages about God’s omnipresence to fit their theology.

Part IV: Additional Parallels with Cult Teachings

Angels and Spirit Beings

Dake’s teaching about angels and spirit beings also parallels cult teachings in significant ways. He teaches that all spirit beings, including God, have material bodies:

This materialistic view of the spiritual realm is characteristic of cult teachings that cannot conceive of truly spiritual existence without physical form.

The Pre-existence of Souls

While not as explicit as Mormon teaching on this point, Dake’s theology opens the door to similar doctrines about the pre-existence of souls and the nature of spiritual beings. His teaching that all beings must have bodies, souls, and spirits suggests a materialistic understanding of existence that aligns more with cult teachings than with orthodox Christianity.

Redefining Christian Terms

One of the most deceptive aspects of Dake’s teaching is his use of orthodox Christian terminology while completely redefining the meaning of these terms. This is a classic characteristic of cult teachings. Consider how Dake uses these terms:

• Trinity: Redefined from “one God in three persons” to “three separate beings in unity of purpose”
• Omnipresence: Redefined from “God is everywhere present” to “God knows about everything”
• Indwelling: Redefined from “God lives within believers” to “union of purpose”
• Spirit: Redefined from “immaterial being” to “being with a spirit body”

Part V: The Implications of Dake’s Teaching

A Different God

The god that Dake presents is fundamentally different from the God of historic Christianity. Dake’s god is:

• Limited by a physical body
• Unable to be truly omnipresent
• One of three separate divine beings rather than the one true God
• Unable to truly indwell believers
• Similar to the gods of Mormonism and other cults

This is not merely a minor theological disagreement but a fundamental departure from the Christian faith. The Apostle Paul warned about those who preach “another Jesus” and “another gospel” (2 Corinthians 11:4). Dake’s teaching presents another god entirely.

The Danger to the Church

The influence of Dake’s teachings through his study Bible and other writings cannot be underestimated. Millions of Christians have been exposed to his notes and comments, often without realizing the heretical nature of his core teachings about God. The Dake Annotated Reference Bible is still widely used, particularly in Pentecostal and Charismatic circles.

The danger is compounded by the fact that Dake presents much accurate biblical information alongside his heretical teachings. This mixture of truth and error makes it difficult for undiscerning readers to recognize the false doctrine. As Jesus warned, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump” (Galatians 5:9).

Impact on Practical Christianity

Dake’s teachings have practical implications for Christian life and worship:

Part VI: Comparing Dake’s Teachings with Multiple Cults

Similarities with Mormonism

The parallels between Dake’s theology and Mormon doctrine are extensive:

Doctrine	Dake’s Teaching	Mormon Teaching
God’s Body	God has a physical body with parts	God has a body of flesh and bones
Trinity	Three separate beings in unity	Three separate personages
Location	God limited to one place	God can only be in one place
Spirit Beings	All have material bodies	Spirit is refined matter

Similarities with Jehovah’s Witnesses

While Jehovah’s Witnesses differ from Dake on some points, there are notable parallels:

Doctrine	Dake’s Teaching	JW Teaching
Trinity	Redefines as three separate beings	Denies Trinity as pagan
God’s Nature	Limited by physical form	God has a spiritual body in one location
Holy Spirit	Separate being with own body	Active force, not a person

Similarities with Other Groups

Elements of Dake’s theology can also be found in other groups considered outside orthodox Christianity:

Part VII: Examining Dake’s Biblical Arguments

Misuse of Anthropomorphic Language

Dake frequently cites biblical passages that use anthropomorphic language (attributing human characteristics to God) as proof that God has a literal body. For example, he points to passages that speak of God’s “hand,” “eyes,” or “face.” However, orthodox Christianity has always understood these as figurative language used to help humans understand God’s actions and attributes.

The problem with this argument is that none of the verses Dake cites actually teach that God has a body. They speak of human bodies and the resurrection of human bodies, but they do not apply these concepts to God the Father or the Holy Spirit.

Misunderstanding of “Image of God”

Dake argues that since man is made in God’s image, God must have a physical form like man. This reverses the biblical teaching. Genesis 1:26-27 teaches that man is made in God’s image, not that God is in man’s image. The image of God in man refers primarily to man’s spiritual nature, rationality, morality, and capacity for relationship with God, not to physical form.

Confusion About Christ’s Incarnation

Dake seems to confuse the incarnation of Christ (the Son taking on human nature) with the eternal nature of the Godhead. He writes:

This statement reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of the incarnation. Orthodox Christianity teaches that Christ added human nature to His divine nature, not that He ceased to be God or lost His divine attributes. The idea that Christ “laid aside His God-form” suggests that divinity itself has a physical form, which contradicts the spiritual nature of God.

Part VIII: The Historical Context of Dake’s Errors

The Influence of Hyper-Literalism

Dake prided himself on taking the Bible “literally” wherever possible. In the preface to “Revelation Expounded,” he wrote:

While taking the Bible literally is generally a sound principle, Dake’s hyper-literalism led him to interpret obvious anthropomorphisms and metaphors as literal descriptions of God’s being. This same error has led to similar false doctrines in various cult groups.

Lack of Theological Training

Dake’s limited formal theological education may have contributed to his errors. While he was undoubtedly sincere and spent countless hours studying Scripture, he appears to have been largely self-taught and isolated from the broader Christian theological tradition. This led him to make elementary errors that centuries of Christian scholarship had already addressed.

The Danger of Independence

Dake’s approach illustrates the danger of completely rejecting traditional Christian theology and attempting to interpret Scripture in isolation. While he claimed to let “the Bible interpret itself,” in reality, he imposed his own interpretive grid on Scripture, leading to conclusions that contradicted two thousand years of Christian understanding.

Part IX: Responding to Potential Objections

“But Dake Taught Many True Things”

It is true that much of Dake’s writing contains accurate biblical information. However, when it comes to the fundamental nature of God, error is not acceptable. The apostle Paul wrote, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump” (Galatians 5:9). When the very nature of God is misrepresented, all other doctrine is affected.

Consider this: If Dake is wrong about who God is, can his teachings about how to relate to God be trusted? If he fundamentally misunderstands the Trinity, how can his teachings about the work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be reliable?

“This Is Just a Secondary Issue”

The nature of God is not a secondary issue—it is the most fundamental doctrine of Christianity. The early church councils spent enormous effort defining and defending the doctrine of the Trinity precisely because it is so central to the Christian faith. To compromise on the nature of God is to compromise Christianity itself.

Jesus said, “This is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3). If we have the wrong god, we do not have eternal life.

“Judge Not Lest You Be Judged”

While we should not judge people’s hearts or eternal destiny, we are commanded to judge doctrine. The Apostle John wrote, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

Paul commended the Bereans for examining his teaching against Scripture (Acts 17:11) and commanded Timothy to “charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:3). Testing and rejecting false doctrine is not optional for Christians—it is commanded.

Part X: The Orthodox Christian Response

The Biblical Doctrine of God

In contrast to Dake’s teaching, orthodox Christianity affirms:

The Importance of Sound Doctrine

The apostle Paul warned Timothy, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16). Sound doctrine is not merely an academic exercise—it is essential for salvation and spiritual health.

When we compromise on the nature of God, we compromise the gospel itself. A different god cannot save. A limited god cannot be omnipotent. A god who cannot truly indwell believers cannot seal them with His Spirit. Dake’s god, like the gods of the cults, is simply not the God of the Bible.

Part XI: Practical Warnings and Applications

For Those Using the Dake Bible

If you own or use a Dake Annotated Reference Bible, be aware that the notes contain serious theological errors, particularly regarding the nature of God. While some of the notes may be helpful for understanding biblical history or culture, the theological commentary should be approached with extreme caution.

For Pastors and Teachers

Be aware that members of your congregation may be influenced by Dake’s teachings, particularly if they use his study Bible. Be prepared to address these errors lovingly but firmly. Consider teaching a series on the nature of God and the Trinity to ensure your congregation is grounded in orthodox doctrine.

For All Believers

This analysis should remind us all of the importance of:

• Knowing Historic Christian Doctrine: Familiarize yourself with the great creeds and confessions of the church, which summarize essential Christian teaching.
• Being Discerning: Not everyone who uses Christian language is teaching Christian truth. Learn to recognize when familiar terms are being redefined.
• Valuing the Church’s Teaching: While Scripture is our ultimate authority, the church’s historical understanding of Scripture provides important guardrails against error.
• Testing Everything: Follow the Berean example and test all teaching against Scripture, understood in its proper context.

Part XII: Detailed Comparison Charts

Comprehensive Doctrine Comparison

Doctrine	Orthodox Christianity	Dake’s Teaching	Similar Cult Teaching
Nature of God	God is spirit (John 4:24)	God has a physical body	Mormons: God has flesh and bones
Trinity	One God in three persons	Three separate beings	JWs: Deny Trinity Mormons: Three gods
Omnipresence	God is everywhere present	God limited to one location	Mormons: God in one place
Indwelling	Holy Spirit lives in believers	Only union of purpose	Various cults deny true indwelling
Spirit Beings	Truly spiritual, not physical	All have material bodies	Mormons: Spirit is matter

Key Scripture Interpretations

Scripture	Orthodox Interpretation	Dake’s Interpretation
John 4:24 “God is spirit”	God is immaterial, not physical	Spirit beings have bodies
1 Cor. 3:16 “God’s Spirit dwells in you”	Holy Spirit literally indwells	Only unity of purpose
Genesis 1:27 “In the image of God”	Spiritual/moral likeness	Physical likeness
Psalm 139:7-10 God’s omnipresence	God truly present everywhere	God’s knowledge/influence only

Conclusion: A Call to Biblical Fidelity

The evidence presented in this analysis, drawn from Dake’s own writings, demonstrates beyond reasonable doubt that his teachings about God’s nature represent a radical departure from orthodox Christianity and align remarkably with cult teachings, particularly those of the Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses.

This is not a matter of denominational differences or interpretive preferences. This concerns the very nature of God Himself—the most fundamental truth of Christianity. When Dake teaches that God has a physical body, that the Trinity consists of three separate beings, and that God cannot truly indwell believers, he is not teaching Christianity but another religion altogether.

The Seriousness of the Error

The Apostle Paul pronounced a curse on those who preach another gospel (Galatians 1:8-9). While we cannot judge Dake’s heart or eternal destiny, we must recognize that his teachings about God constitute “another gospel” because they present “another god.” The god of Dake’s theology is not the God revealed in Scripture and confessed by the church throughout history.

A Warning to the Church

The popularity of the Dake Annotated Reference Bible and the widespread influence of his teachings should serve as a warning to the church. It demonstrates how easily error can spread when it is packaged with apparent biblical scholarship and sincere religious devotion. It reminds us that we must be vigilant in defending the fundamental truths of the faith.

The Need for Discernment

This analysis should encourage all believers to:

The True and Living God

In contrast to Dake’s limited, physical deity, the Bible reveals the true and living God who is:

• Infinite – Not limited by physical form or spatial boundaries
• Omnipresent – Truly present everywhere, not merely aware of everything
• Omnipotent – All-powerful, able to do all His holy will
• Omniscient – Knowing all things, past, present, and future
• Trinity – One God eternally existing in three persons
• Spirit – Not confined to physical form except in the incarnation of the Son
• Transcendent – Above and beyond creation
• Immanent – Intimately involved with and present in creation

This is the God who can truly save, who can be present with all His people at all times, who can hear and answer every prayer, and who can seal believers with His Spirit as a guarantee of their inheritance. This is the God worthy of our worship, trust, and devotion.

Final Words

Let us close with the words of the Apostle Jude, who wrote to the church about the danger of false teaching:

May we be faithful to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints, particularly the fundamental truth about the nature of our great God and Savior. May we reject any teaching, no matter how popular or seemingly biblical, that compromises the essential nature of God as revealed in Scripture and confessed by the church throughout the ages.

And may we know and worship the true God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—one God in three persons, infinite, eternal, unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth. This is the God of the Bible, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the God who saves sinners by His grace.

To Him alone be glory forever and ever. Amen.