Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
From: The Life Application Study Bible
1 “So let us stop going over the basics of Christianity again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we do not need to start all over again with the importance of turning away from evil deeds and placing our faith in GOD. 2 You do not need further instruction about the baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And so, GOD willing, we will move forward to further understanding.” ~ Hebrews 6:1-3
Certain elementary teachings are essential for all believers to understand. Those basics include the importance of faith, the foolishness of trying to be saved by good deeds, the meaning of baptism and spiritual gifts, and the facts of resurrection and eternal life. To go on to maturity in our understanding, we need to move beyond – but not away from – the elementary teachings to a more complete understanding of the faith. This is what the author of Hebrews intends for them to do. Mature Christians should be teaching new Christians the basics. Then, acting on what they know, the mature will learn even more from GOD’s Word.
These Christians needed to be moved beyond the basics of their faith to an understanding of Christ as the perfect High Priest and the fulfillment of all the Old Testament prophesies. Rather than arguing about the respective merits of Judaism and Christianity, they needed to depend on Christ and live effectively for Him. How about you – are you depending on Christ and living effectively for Him?
Father help us to understand and truly know the importance of the baptisms – both with water and with the Holy Spirit. Help us LORD to know and understand the importance and the power that is unleashed by YOU when we lay hands on each other and pray. Make us aware of the true miracle of the resurrection of our King and the eternal consequences of YOUR final judgment – then Father GOD, we will move forward to further understanding, depending on, and living effectively for – Christ Jesus.
Photo: Within the Fortified Walls of Old Quebec City (Quebec, Canada)
Photo By: Lisa K Gonzales
Click on the photo to enlarge
