Jumpstarter 7 of 10

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Question 7

Bercot rejects the Reformation-era idea that all post-cross Christians automatically outrank faithful Old Testament saints just because of chronology—what does that critique expose about God’s justice, and how might it confront modern evangelical assumptions about status, assurance, or entitlement?

Another way to ask: Bercot disagrees that Christians after the cross automatically rank higher than faithful Old Testament people just because they came later. What does that show about God’s fairness, and how might it challenge modern Christian ideas about status or entitlement?

Direct Answer Bercot’s critique highlights that God’s justice is not based on when someone lived but on faithfulness, sacrifice, and proven endurance. It challenges any evangelical mindset that treats salvation, status, or confidence as automatic and owed—simply because one lives “after Jesus” or has the right labels.

Support from Transcript:

He describes the Reformation teaching: “all Christians are greater than anyone who lived before Christ, because… we have the new birth.”
He says early Christians “did not believe that,” and he concludes, “I realize now that can’t be right.”
His main argument is justice: “That would be so unjust that just because of chronology… we have a greater standing in eternity than faithful men and women of old.”
He points to the cost paid by OT faithful: “many of them died as martyrs… went through all kinds of trials… and proved faithful.”
He calls the chronology-based ranking “not a very plausible explanation,” even if it is “the common one… and it’s what I grew up with.”

Discussion Follow-ups Where do you see Christians assuming spiritual “rank” because of correct theology, timing, or a conversion story? How does Bercot’s justice argument push you toward humility and perseverance instead?

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