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.
Hebrews 6:1-3 (KJV)
A solid Biblical foundation is necessary for proper spiritual growth and development. It is amazing to me how many believers today actually seem to be almost Biblically illiterate. While we certainly need all of the various types of messages that God might bring forth, we MUST have solid and systematic teaching of the Word of God!
The writer of Hebrews tells us that there are certain foundation principles (Adams translates “elementary teachings”) of the “doctrine” or “word” of Christ. He says that we are to progress beyond these fundamentals to maturity. And then he adds, “If God permit.” You see, if our foundation is not laid in alignment with the Word of God, we might not be “permitted” to mature beyond a certain point. Any contractor will tell you that an incomplete or mislaid foundation will affect the entire structure. Without the proper Biblical foundation, the believer will not be able to grow into the fullness of spiritual maturity that God desires. That means, among other things, that whatever aspect of the foundation may be deficient, it must be corrected before the believer can grow, progress, and develop to the fullest potential.
The writer of Hebrews gives us SEVEN FOUNDATION PRINCIPLES of the Doctrine of Christ:
- Repentance from dead works.
- Faith toward God.
- Doctrine of BaptismS (plural).
- Laying on of Hands.
- Resurrection of the Dead.
- Eternal Judgment.
- Going on to Maturity (after laying the proper foundation).
