“Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and 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 6:1-3, kjv)

This passage deals with spiritual growth; using the format of the doctrines of Christ, which outline the elements of our faith:

I). Repentance from dead works--

This refers to works of the flesh; things we do to try to earn or to keep our good standing with God. But this is antagonistic toward God because this doctrine makes ‘works’ all about ourselves when we should really be consecrating ourselves to obedience unto Him.

Parallel Verses: James 2:14-26 & Hebrews 9:14

II). Faith Toward God—

It’s faith in God through the Sacrifice of Christ that matters, not trying to follow rules and regulations, which only acts as a mirror to our sinful nature and keeps us struggling in the flesh to reach perfection, which can never be as long as we are in the body. Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please Him, just as it is impossible to love others as we love ourselves. Without faith, it is impossible.

Parallel Verses: Hebrews 11:6 & Romans 8:8

III). Doctrines of Baptism—

Through baptism, we exalt the LORD; we declare our faith in Him before the world through this public washing away of sins. Baptism is an outward demonstration to our new commitment of cleanliness and purity in our lives.

Parallel Verse: Acts 2:41 

IV). Laying on of Hands—

Another elementary faction for believers is the placing of sins onto animal sacrifice, however, for the New Covenant believer it has more to do with appointing leaders and soul-winning, through witnessing and prayer for redemption and forgiveness of souls. And furthermore, for the purpose of healing.

Parallel Verse: Acts 8:17

V). The Resurrection of the dead—

This refers to the knowledge and confidence as believers that our spirit, soul, and ultimately even our body will be resurrected after death.

Parallel Verse: John 11:25

VI). Eternal Judgment—

Also vital for the believers' understanding is that every man will stand before God after death, either toward eternal life with the Father or eternal damnation in the Lake of Fire.

Parallel Verses: Daniel 12:2 & Matthew 3:12
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Through this passage, the writer of Hebrews lays out the fundamentals of Christianity. Moreover, through the new believers' new desires, the Holy Spirit enables us to love one another as we love ourselves.

Therefore, if we have newfound love for others, and profound love for Him because of all He has done for us; particularly His Supreme Sacrifice on the Cross, knowing He took on Himself the punishment for things we would ultimately do, how could we then refuse Him?

For if we love Him, we WILL obey:

"He who has my Commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me....." (John 14:21a)

Anyone who becomes awakened unto the Truth and subsequently denies Christ Jesus to rule and reign over them cannot be a child of God. For if we know and refuse to believe anyway, the evidence that we are not worthy is apparent. Anyone who does not want a relationship with their Savior, nor has a desire to live for Him reveals that he is a child of the enemy; only interested in himself and going his own way, immovable and hopelessly unloving toward others.

"For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame." (Hebrews 6:4-6)

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)

KJV & NKJV

Linzy is a certified Bible Counsellor, with countless republications on her viewers blogs, Bible Studies, Ezines and the like. Her portfolio includes, non-fiction articles, short stories for all ages, and Christian poetry.