Skip to content

Add your phone number?

Optional. Nothing is sent unless you choose it.
The Historic Faith
Sign in

Jumpstarter 8 of 10

Ideas to help restart your discussion
Salvation: Mechanical or Relational?  /  Harmonizing Paul and James – Part 2  /  Discussion Questions
All Questions
Question 8
He lumps multiple systems together as “everything else” besides OLFR—Christo-Judaism, sacramentalism, meritism (“a second Mosaic law”), “goodism,” “Old Orderism,” and evangelical Protestantism that treats obedience as unnecessary; which of these did you find most piercing or offensive, and what concrete examples can you give of how that system can exist while a person still lacks genuine abiding in Christ?
Another way to ask: Which system he listed bothered you the most, and what is a real-life example of someone being in that system but not truly abiding in Christ?

Direct Answer Bercot’s point is that any system that does not require an obedient love-faith relationship with Jesus—whether law-keeping, sacraments, moral respectability, group loyalty, or “faith alone” without obedience—can exist while a person is still not truly abiding in Christ. The transcript doesn’t give many modern case studies, but his definitions themselves imply concrete ways each system can replace living obedience.

Support from Transcript:

  • He divides all systems into two groups: OLFR “and… everything else… all just as useless.”
  • Christo-Judaism: believing Jesus is Messiah “but also… keep the law of Moses… to be saved.”
  • Sacramentalism: “receive the sacraments… attend mass… don’t die an unconfessed mortal sin… be a loyal member… and you’re saved.”
  • Meritism: “live dutifully by… commandments… You don’t have to have a love relationship… creating a second Mosaic law.”
  • “Goodism”: “attend church and be a good person.”
  • “Old Orderism”: “remain in it… conform outwardly… A love relationship with Christ is not required.”
  • Evangelical version: “born-again experience… obedience is not necessary… if you believe obedience is essential… you’re probably not even saved.”
Discussion Follow-ups Which system most resembles your default “safety net”? Where have you seen outward conformity or religious experiences substitute for fruit-bearing, command-keeping love?

Jumpstarter 8 of 10
Back Questions Next