We are heading into one of the most controversial passages in the New Testament and possibly the entire Bible. The interpretation of Hebrews 6 is hotly debated among sincere believers as well as solid theologians. We will be moving slowly and carefully through this chapter to help you sort through the various views and come to a proper understanding of this challenging text. But today, we will start with the six principles of faith listed in the first three verses. Before you can understand the deeper spiritual truths, you must first come to an understanding of the basics. May God help us all to press on to maturity.

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. 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 6:1–6)

 
Can you identify and define the six “elementary principles of Christ” listed in today’s text? Let’s get a solid understanding of those principles so that we can continue to grow spiritually and never go backwards.

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5–11)

Pastor Mike