“Go on to Perfection”

Russ Earl

In the first three verses of Hebrews six we learn a very important aspect of the Christian's life. “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.”

The writer informs us how as Christians we should grow and not just be idle servants of God. He is possibly in some distress over the lack of growth that these Christians have shown so far.  He says “leaving the discussion of the elementary principals of Christ.” We are not to remain babes in Christ. We should grow as Christians and not have to be constantly taught over and over again the elementary principals. A reminder is much different than being taught. To be taught shows how we have failed to learn such things and lack the ability to apply them. To remind us of them is the idea of reinforcing things that we already know.

How many of us can say that we know individuals who have been “members” for years and years; yet they don't understand the most basic principals of the gospel? It's sad to see such individuals come upon "new" understandings on basic principals of which they should have a firm understanding already.

Why is it so important for us to have a firm understanding of the “elementary principals?” The reason is, as the writer says, “let us go on to perfection.” He wants us to be perfect; this is the idea that we should have a good understanding and have a firm grasp of biblical truths. In second Timothy two and verse fifteen, we should recognize that studying the word of God will prepare us and make us to be perfect. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

We are to be “diligent” to learn the "elementary principals" so we can move on to perfection. How can we fight Satan and his many weapons if we do not know the word of God well enough to defend ourselves against temptations?

The Lord in His time of temptation by the devil quoted scriptures just as the devil did. However, Christ quoted them within their contexts and knew of the error in the way the devil quoted them. If we are only babes in Christ and do not even understand the basic principals, then it will be much easier for us to be hurt by the devil and the temptations of the world.

From James four and verse seven, we should know that if we “submit” ourselves to God and resist the devil he will flee from us. This is why we want to be good students of the Bible, so we can know the basic principals, defend them and ourselves when under attack and continue to grow as Christians.

However, notice the words of verse three in Hebrews six. He says, "And this we will do if the God permits." After saying how we should move on from the biblical basics, and how we should no longer be "babes in Christ". He goes on to say that if after all this if God permits we are to be taught them again.

Let us not be as those who are babes in Christ! We should strive to know the basics or be able to pass with some ease the "boot camp" of Christian basics. If we were tested on our basic knowledge of God and His word, how would you stand up? Would you pass? Would you be able to answer the questions given, and if so, how easily could you answer them? Would we have to ask others or could we answer them for ourselves? Let's not be "babes in Christ" instead let us “move on to perfection.”