LEAVING THE FIRST PRINCIPLES -- Tomorrow:
"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." (Hebrews 6:1-4, NKJV).
Devotion 9 of 24
" . . . 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."
Here we have three pairs of "principles." Two inward experiences: repentance and faith. Two outward ceremonies: Baptism and the laying on of hand. Two future events: the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment.
All of these are PREPARATORY in nature. Repentance turns us from the old life toward the new life (Acts 20:21). Faith is mentioned in its initiatory state, which is 'toward God" (Acts 20:21). Baptism is at the entrance of newness of life (Rom 6:4). The laying on of hands relates to being set aside to begin a work for God (Acts 13:3; 1 Tim 4:14). The resurrection will move us into the eternal order (Phil 3:11). "Eternal judgment" is the prelude to our eternal destiny (Acts 17:31).
These principles also have to do with men. They are all required because of the entrance of sin. Repentance from sin is required, lest sin maintain its hold upon us. Faith toward God is required while we live in a condemned world. Baptism is related to washing away our sins (Acts 22:16). The laying on of hands consecrates the individual who formerly was devoted to other things. The resurrection involves the destruction of the last enemy, death (1 Cor 15:26). Judgment will vindicate God, showing Him to be true, and every one in conflict with Him a liar (Rom 3:4).
None of these principles involve the fellowship of the Father and the Son, to which we are called (1 John 1:3). Rather, they prepare men for such marvelous accord. Repentance severs the bond with the world. Faith secures the bond with the unseen world. Baptism moves us from one realm to another. The laying on of hands prepares men to work with God. The resurrection and eternal judgment are lines of demarcation beyond which the fulness of fellowship with God will be realized.
What thoroughness characterizes the principles of the doctrine of Christ! Within, evidence of the grace of God: repentance and faith. Both of which are given by God (Acts 5:31; 2 Pet 1:3). Without, the confirmation of faith: baptism and the laying on of hands. In one we obey the form of the doctrine, in the other we agree with the direction of the Almighty (Rom 6:17; Acts 13:2-3). The future, encapsulated in the confrontation of humanity with the ages to come: the resurrection and eternal judgment. All will be raised and stand before God, to give an account for their deeds, whether good or evil (Rom 14:12; 2 Cor 5:10).
Mind you, these are the elemental points of Christian doctrine. That means you cannot get your bearings spiritually without an understanding of these things. Spiritual growth cannot take place without the apprehension of these principles. A failure to grasp them gives Satan and flesh the advantage. Those who have not heard or embraced these principles, cannot build upon the foundation.
Some have called them "the simple Gospel of the apostolic age." The fact that these things are considered deep in our day is evidence of a remarkable deterioration in both spiritual appetite and culture. It indicates that a "falling away" has occurred.
Notwithstanding the inability of the contemporary church to receive these things as elementary, that is precisely what they are--elementary. Those who are confined to them, lingering in the beginnings, are thereby subject to unspeakable danger. They are in a backward stance, which is consistently condemned by God. For the person in Christ Jesus, the closer one is to the entrance, the further one is from God. Let the slothful soul take heed to these words.
PRAYER POINT: Father, I do not want to remain in the outer court when You have called me into the Holiest Place. In the name of Jesus, I ask for spiritual stamina to continue pressing to the center of spiritual life, and away from its edge.