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, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. Hebrews 6:1-3
The Apostle Paul in this passage of scriptures tells us that the Christian life is a journey. His words “let us go on” indicate that the Christian life involves constantly moving on. However, to move on we have to lay the proper foundations in our lives, first. Paul here lists those foundations which are necessary in order for us to move on.
Notice: verse three “If God permit”. This phrase implies that qualifying is necessary for us to move on to the next level in the Kingdom. It is only when these six foundations become a reality, in which we walk in daily, that God will permit us to move on. Let us go on to perfection This word perfection is from the Greek word, teleiotes; which has the meaning of completeness to finish the journey. The Apostle Paul here is talking about a process of finishing a journey.
Many Christians live their entire lives in a mediocre, limited experience of their salvation. They lay and experience some of the foundations, but not all of them, and usually their experience is limited to the denomination they belong to. For instance, some experience salvation and water baptism and remain in the experience of those two foundations, thus limiting their experience and walk in the Kingdom of God. Some experience baptism in water and in the Holy Spirit and camp at that level unable to move on because all the foundations are not laid and experienced in their lives.
The Apostle Paul had difficulties with the Corinthian church because they had not moved on.
And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 1 Corinthians 3:1-2 These six foundations are known as the doctrine or teachings of Christ Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on. Hebrews 6:1
The teachings of Jesus become the foundation which we build upon
Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Acts 4:10-11
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: Matthew 7:24
Only when the foundation is properly laid can we move on.
The six foundations are listed as:
Repentance from dead works Faith towards God The doctrine of baptisms Laying on of hands The resurrection of the dead Eternal judgment