Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit.
We see in verse 9 why these first few verses are written: “we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.” We have to correctly understand in order to grow. These principles are specific truths to being a Christian, a child of God.
- The underlying foundation is Jesus. We have to know what the Lord did and how we are saved. This is the principle of Christ. This gives us the assurance to grow.
- There is the need for daily repentance. Our old nature tries to rule. We don’t have to sin, but when we do we are to repent. Jesus is our advocate with the Father. Why else would he be this if not to forgive us when we ask. We need to deal with our sins. We build on the principles of Christ with daily repentance. We don’t have to give up when we sin. We need to repent. This helps us grow.
- We need to understand what faith does and does not do. We must have a daily faith that is realistic in what it can and cannot do. Faith means to accept the no’s along with the yes’. Realize it’s not our will but God’s that is to be done. Doing this will help us grow to a mature Christian.
- The ordinances don’t save but are the truths of salvation. Baptism and communion do not save; they are not components but symbols that keep us on track. They help us grow.
- The laying on of hands is important in the context of this writing. It is speaking of ordained men and their role in the work of God. In the Bible preachers and deacons are the only ones spoken of as ordained. This is the public setting aside for this role of leadership and working in the church. God knew ordination could be abused and misunderstood. There is the laying on of hands for ordination and healing. It wasn’t until after the Gentile Cornelius was saved that roles changed in the early church. The church was established on the gospel and God gave signs of the Spirit. Some could touch and heal. Some could cast out demons. Those alien to God needed signs, but all of these ceased after the firm establishment of the church except ordination. It’s easy to elevate a preacher or deacon higher than he should be. We are ordained to offices but have no special power. As a preacher I can’t save anyone. I can’t forgive sins. Only God can do these things. You can be saved without a preacher anywhere around. It’s the gospel that is preached that saves. We can’t foretell the future. We can offer advice of what we perceive, but that’s it. We have no power to heal. We are called out of respect in us to lay hands on the sick. It’s not the laying on of our hands. It’s not the oil; it is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. It’s the prayer of faith in God that brings healing. All these are symbolic of our faith in God. People who say they have power to do these things are scary. God condemns it. Leaders are not super people. There is to be no preacher worship. When we believe like this we are getting off the principles. Preachers are not to be put on a pedestal but prayed for as we lead. Our reward is to see others have successful relationships with the Lord. Jesus knew that wolves would come in. The devil has elevated the clergy from the laity. Neither of these words is in the Bible. They are man-made rituals. The object of faith must be Jesus. This lays the foundation. There is a lot of struggle within Christianity today. One reason is that men try to get between God and others. We go to God on our own not through another person. A preacher and deacon are to minister. We’re to serve. Let Jesus be the elevated one. With him in his position we will grow.
Our perception of these principles influences us in the definition of Christian, not as a “type of Christian.” They will distinguish the believer from the religious. Every believer is a Christian, but not every “Christian” is a believer. There are many religions and many people say they are Christians. A believer will be – believing. This is what influences the lost.
Remember, we’ll only go as far and grow as much as the one in whom we place our trust.
We need more time on this, so we’ll continue the study next week.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 