Jumpstarter 10 of 10

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Question 10

Bercot highlights early Christian readings that avoid “problem verses,” especially Novatian on Philippians 2 (Jesus not grasping at equality of authority with the Father) and multiple texts where Jesus calls the Father “my God”; if you took this seriously as the “totality of Scripture” approach, what specific changes would you need to make in your worship language, prayer instincts, and assurance-framework (especially the way you speak of Jesus and the Father)?

Another way to ask: Bercot points to early Christian readings that focus on all of Scripture, like Philippians 2 and Jesus calling the Father “my God.” If you followed that approach, what would you change in how you pray, worship, and talk about Jesus and the Father (including what makes you feel sure you’re saved)?

Direct Answer From Bercot’s approach, you would adjust your language to speak more often of “God” as the Father, pray with clearer awareness of the Father as the ultimate source and head of Christ, and stop treating verses like “my God” or “the Father is greater” as embarrassing exceptions that threaten assurance.

Support from Transcript:

He repeatedly says in the NT “with only one or two exceptions,” “God…is always talking about the Father,” not “the Trinity.”
He highlights Jesus calling the Father “my God” (John 20:17) and says it “presented no problem to the early Christians” because of “hierarchy of order” and the Son being “begotten from the Father.”
He stresses worshipful confession of Christ’s deity without person-confusion: John 1:1 means the Logos “was with…the Father” yet “was Theos…divine…deity.”
He insists orthodoxy includes affirming “only begotten God” (John 1:18) rather than translating it away (“God, the one and only…How absurd”).
He frames assurance and Bible reading: early Christian view “fits the totality of Scripture…no problem verses,” while Western/Augustinian or JW views force people to “explain away or hide under the rug.”

Discussion Follow-ups In your prayers and songs, do you naturally address “God” without thinking of the Father specifically? How might clearer Father/Son language strengthen—rather than weaken—your confidence in what Scripture actually says?

Jumpstarter 10 of 10