GO ON! GO ON! -- Monday:
"Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us GO ON to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits." NKJV (Heb 6:1-3)
Throughout history, the people of God have been tempted to think spiritual growth is more of a luxury than a necessity – more for specialized servants than for all the saints. This, of course, is the result of Satan's initiative against the church. Using various distractions, and provoking men to judge according to appearance and compare themselves with themselves, he has seduced many into being content with spiritual infancy.
Our text exposes the fallacy of such reasoning, confirming that spiritual maturity is not a mere suggestion, but a necessity. It is not acceptable to be religious, moral, and devoted to the institution without growing up into Christ. It should be obvious to you that this is either not generally known, or not believed. I have often thought that if you reviewed nearly all churches, counting only those who were mature, they would probably all be about the same size.
The KJV reads, "leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ." This does not mean abandon the principles, but to build upon them. You leave them by going upward. The NKJV captures the real sense of the text by saying "discussion of the elementary principles." The word "doctrine" does refer to the communication, or teaching, of the principles, and not the embrace of them. It is as though the Spirit said, "Stop teaching the first principles, and get on to the significance of them!" A foundation is essential, but it is absurd to keep working on the foundation, and never build anything upon it! The foundation is the means to an end, and not the end itself.
If this were taken seriously, it would require the complete restructuring of the teaching program of the average church. Over fifty years of experience has confirmed to me that precious little is being said in the churches that goes beyond elementary teaching. Any attempt to justify such an approach to truth is struck down to the ground by this text. It forbids the church to linger on beginning things. It is to "Go on to perfection." This "perfection" is a spiritual maturity in which confidence and assurance before God are realized – something that is mentioned throughout the book of Hebrews (2:10; 3:6,14; 5:9; 6:1,11; 7:11,19; 9:9,11; 10:1,22,35; 11:40; 12:23; 13:21).
The subjects of discussion, or teaching, are mentioned– subjects that are not to be the perpetual focus of our attention. They are remarkable because few Christians have any appreciable degree of understanding concerning them – the principles, or elementary points of doctrine.
(1-Repentance from dead works
(2-Faith toward God
(3-The doctrine of baptisms
(4-Laying on of hands
(5-The resurrection of the dead
(6-Eternal judgment
The first four principles have to do with beginnings. Repentance from dead works initiates our turn to God. Faith toward God is not speaking of faith as in "living by faith." Rather this is initial faith, when men are turned from the power of Satan unto God. Baptisms also deals with beginnings, with first being identified with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. The Laying on of hands also has to do with beginnings, with sending men into labors, and setting them aside to a God-called work (Acts 13:3; 1 Tim 4:14). Two initiatory matters are added: the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment, both of which deal with our entrance into the world to come.
All of these matters are not only true, they are foundational realities. But we must do more than talk about them, making them the primary doctrinal course of the church. At some point we must move closer to the Lord, coming into His presence. A spiritual life must be developed that is consistent with repentance, where dead works are once and for all renounced. Faith must become the driving force in our life, and baptism must result in a consistent walk in newness of life. Ministries that are begun must be completed to the glory of God. We must prepare ourselves for the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment – not simply talk about them.
As it is written, "For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power" (1 Cor 4:20). The NIV reads, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power." So, let us move on to perfection – on to a conscience that rejoices in coming into the presence of God, obtaining grace, and living in anticipation of the world to come.
PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You for the principles of teaching. Help me to have a firm grip upon them, and then to build upon them a life that will bring You both glory and joy.