Jumpstarter 7 of 10

Direct Answer Bercot’s material suggests the right tests are doctrinal teaching, moral life, and the fruit/consequences of the ministry, but these tests often break down when people equate “results” and popularity with God’s approval. The transcript doesn’t describe modern church processes, but it clearly lays out what early Christians thought should be examined.

Support from Transcript:

• Jesus’ warning is quoted: miracle-workers may still hear, “I never knew you… you who practice lawlessness,” so signs aren’t proof of knowing Christ.
• Bercot says miracles may be from the Holy Spirit, from demons, or faked—therefore “a spirit of discernment is definitely needed.”
• Origen asks why not “test those who profess to perform them… by their lives, morals, and consequences of their miracles,” asking whether they bring “injury” or “reformation of conduct.”
• Irenaeus warns to “flee from the Gnostics as we would from Satan,” and says the greater the miracle “display,” the more carefully to watch.
• Tertullian says signs and wonders can be done “in defense of the deception of their corrupt teaching,” so teaching must be examined.