23 - Hebrews 6:1-3: Third Warning: Don’t Denounce (Part 2)  - Foundational Doctrines

Hebrews 6:1-3

“Consequently, let us move beyond the elementary doctrines of Christianity and advance toward spiritual maturity, not continually re-laying foundational truths, including turning away from lifeless formalities, such as faith toward God, ceremonial washings, laying on of hands, and resurrection from the dead and eternal punishment. With God’s permission, we will now proceed toward advanced teachings.”   (paraphrased)

The effectiveness of any teacher depends upon the receptivity of the pupils. Although the writer has just rebuked his readers for their immaturity, expressing regret they were still being nurtured by spiritual milk, he now encourages them to feed on doctrinal meat. Effective parenting demands children do not remain infants. His readers must develop an appetite for more nourishing instruction and he declares his readiness to assist them with advanced teachings. He describes what they must turn from and then turn toward. They must move beyond Judaism’s elementary messianic teachings in order to pursue the revelatory teachings of the Melchizedekian priesthood. All of the types and shadows of the Hebraic economy culminate into one definitive truth: the new covenant is superior and supplants the old.

v. 1
His readers must “leave” foundational doctrines in the sense a builder “leaves” a foundation and builds upon it. No building can be completed by lingering near its footings. The foundation becomes less prominent as the building is constructed and ready for use. Likewise, the rudimentary doctrines of Judaism must necessarily fade into obscurity as Christian doctrines are revealed and assimilated. They must not discard basic truths, but advance beyond them. Likewise, Believers cannot mature by ruminating on early Christian instruction. The writer feels no need to reiterate such teachings, for the law served only as a schoolmaster in order to bring us to Christ (Gal. 3:24).

Primal doctrines are the beginning of the didactic structure upon which zealous Believers build (I Cor. 3:11). They are called “doctrines of Christ” because they contain teachings which have evolved from Judaism, the foundation upon which Christianity was built. They are encouraged to leave dead ceremonialism, not the basic tenants of Christianity. Because the writer’s purpose is to wean his Jewish readers away from ritualism, it would be counterproductive to instruct them to “leave” or depart from Christian doctrines. They are not to dismiss these foundational principles as irrelevant, but preserve them while advancing toward greater spiritual concepts (I Cor. 3:10). “Leave” (aphiemi) means to detach oneself from something. He instructs them to move past rudimentary discussions and learn things that help develop spiritual maturity.

The emphatic phrase “let us go on” shows the writer’s pro-active determination to advance alongside them. “Perfection” (teleios) is found a dozen times in this epistle and means to complete, mature or equip. But maturity is only possible as they set aside the teachings of the old covenant and embrace those of the new covenant. The phrase, “Go on” means to be borne along to a destination, like a ship under sail. They had lingered in the harbor long enough and must now release from the foundational shoreline, venturing into the waters of deeper truth.

A superficial glance might suggest the six fundamental truths he now lists are Christian doctrines. However, closer scrutiny reveals they are actually basic tenants of Judaism.

1. Repentance from dead works
“Repentance” (metanoia) is attached to the phrase “dead works.” Renunciation of Judaism’s ceremonialism is essential if one is to advance. Such works are lifeless because they cannot impart eternal life. The readers are to renounce any attempt to “earn” their salvation through ritualistic Judaism, for the end result of those things is death (Rom.6:21). “Dead works” includes the fatal reliance upon ineffective works of the law as the means of salvation (9:14).

2. Faith toward God
Simplistic belief in God is insufficient. Although the Jews believed in God, Jesus said they must also believe in Him (Jn.14:1). All New Testament blessings originate in Jesus. No one can truly believe in God who does not believe in His Son (Jn.17:3). One can only come to the Father through Christ (Jn.14:6). The writer previously reminded his readers that faithlessness forbade their forefathers entrance into the Promised Land (3:19). We become God’s children through faith in Christ Jesus, for God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself (Gal. 3:26 & II Cor. 5:19)

v. 2
3. Doctrine of baptisms
“Baptisms” is plural (baptismos), an all-inclusive term referring to Judaism’s ceremonial washings and ablutions, not water baptism or baptism in the Holy Spirit (9:10). The priests were perpetually washing in the laver in the tabernacle (Ex. 30:18-21). Such continuous bathing was symbolic of the need for inner spiritual cleansings. Paul uses this symbolism when referring to “the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).

4. Laying on of hands
The primary purpose behind this is symbolic identification. In the New Testament, it was used for:

<> confirming the selection of deacons (Acts 6:6)
<> receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17 & 19:6)
<> healing (Acts 9:17 & 28:8; Mk. 5:23)
<> sending out workers for specific ministry (Acts 13:3)
<> ordination (I Tim. 4:14 & II Tim. 1:6)

However, the laying on of hands was a common Levitical practice hundreds of years earlier:

<> The priest laid his hands upon burnt offerings (Lev. 1:4)
<> He laid his hands upon the sin offerings (Lev. 8:14)
<> Hands were laid upon the scapegoat (Lev. 16:21)
<> By this act, workers were commissioned for public office (Num. 27:18-23; Deut. 34:9)

5. Resurrection from the dead 
Although the doctrine of the resurrection was also an Old Testament belief, it was not clearly defined in that era (Isa. 26:19; Ez. 37:10; Job 19:25). When Jesus spoke of His resurrection, His disciples were in a quandary (Mk. 9:9-10). Martha believed her brother would rise again, but did not yet understand that Jesus Himself was the resurrection (Jn. 11:24-25). Although the Jewish sect of the Sadducees denounced the doctrine of the resurrection, Christ’s plan of salvation was designed to prepare Believers for eternal life (Jn. 5:28-29 & Mk. 12:18).

6. Eternal judgment
Judgment is deemed “eternal” for its consequences continue forever (Jn. 5:29 & Mt. 25:31-46). “We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ” where “everyone will give an account of himself to God” (Rom. 14:10-12). The Jews believed God would bring every act to judgment, but there were few specifics regarding this belief (Eccl. 12:14).

v. 3
With initial teachings behind them, they can now move toward their objective. The phrase, “let us go on” in verse one is reaffirmed by “this we will do” in verse three. To advance is a safeguard against apostasy (vv. 4-6). The writer is determined to grow alongside his readers. Despite their spiritual lethargy, the writer trusts God will help them to assimilate and apply further teachings. Their dullness does not deter him from proceeding to unveil the deeper mysteries of the Melchizedekean priesthood.

“If God will permit us” does not mean the writer has doubts, but shows his desires are subordinate to the will of God and affirms his humble dependence on Him. For Believers, all spiritual growth depends upon divine guidance and assistance. For example, only if it was God’s will would Paul return to Ephesus (Acts 18:21), go to Corinth (I Cor. 4:19) or come to Rome (Rom. 15:32). As God favors our efforts to press ahead, we will be victorious.

“If God permit” serves as the introduction to 6:4-6, where the results of rejecting spiritual truth are specified. The writer believes God will permit his readers to progress, knowing that recovery from retrogression is absolutely impossible. 

QUESTIONS: THIRD WARNING: DON’T DENOUNCE (Part 2) - FOUNDATIONAL DOCTRINES

Hebrews 6:1-3

1. The writer tells his readers to totally disregard fundamental teachings. True or False?

2. In Galatians 3:24, with what type of professional person does Paul compare the law?

3. Who is named as the “foundation” in I Corinthians 3:11?

4. To “go on” means to be borne along toward a destination, like a ship. True or False?

5. What is the end result of a habitually sinful life?  (Romans 6:20-21)

 

6. According to Galatians 3:26, how do we become God’s children?

7. Who did Moses lay his hands upon and consecrate for service in Numbers 27:18?

8. According o Mark 12:18, what Jewish sect did not believe in the resurrection?

9. Describe a lifeless church that provides only menial spiritual food. What is necessary for such a church to become alive?

10. List any Christian “habits” or rituals you perform each week.

 

11. The writer expressed his desire to teach his reader, if God will permit him to. List and then discuss with your mate specific things you know are the will of God for your marriage.

 

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