Jumpstarter 5 of 10

Ideas to help restart your discussion

Question 5

Bercot insists that baptism should not be given to someone “who is not truly repented,” while also saying “no particular works” are required before baptism; how would a group discern “strong indication of conversion” without creating a works-test, and what kinds of evidence would you consider legitimate versus illegitimate?

Another way to ask: Bercot says only truly repentant people should be baptized, but also says no specific works are required first. How could a church look for real signs of conversion without turning it into a “prove yourself” test, and what signs would you accept or reject?

Direct Answer Based on Bercot’s teaching, discernment should look mainly for repentance and belief—evidence of a changed direction and seriousness about not returning to sin—rather than demanding a track record of “works.” Legitimate evidence would be credible repentance and intent to follow Christ; illegitimate evidence would be turning baptism into a reward for moral achievement.

Support from Transcript:

He states plainly: baptism should not be given to someone “who is not truly repented.”
Yet he also says: “a person doesn’t have to do any particular works before baptism… But they do need to repent… believe.”
He describes the needed evidence as “a strong indication that there’s been a conversion… that they aren’t going to go back and wallow in the mud.”
He admits discernment isn’t perfect: “sometimes you don’t know,” citing Simon Magus—“it was the apostles who baptized him… He showed his true colors after.”
He gives a limiting case: “if someone shows it before they’re baptized, no, then they shouldn’t receive baptism.”

Discussion Follow-ups What questions could a church ask baptism candidates that aim at repentance and faith rather than probing for impressive spiritual achievements?

Jumpstarter 5 of 10

Add your phone number?

Thank you!

Jumpstarter 5 of 10