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Daily Devotions

Hebrews

Hebrews 
Day 
Day 142

"The elementary principles of Christ..."

Text: Hebrews 6:1

WHAT WOULD CONSTITUTE “THE ELEMENTARY PRINCIPLES”?

To the author of Hebrews this was not a subjective topic. He went on to make a list of these things which he considered “elementary principles”. For easier comprehension these principles are enumerated as follows:-

1. Repentance from dead works (Hebrews 6:1c)

2. Faith toward God (Hebrews 6:1d)

3. Doctrine of baptisms (Hebrews 6:2a)

4. Laying on of hands (Hebrews 6:2b)

5. The resurrection of the dead (Hebrews 6:2c)

6. Eternal judgment (Hebrews 6:2d)

FOUNDATIONAL TEACHINGS

Let us ponder afresh this strong word of admonition the author of Hebrews wrote.

“Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles
of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the
foundation…”
Hebrews 6:1

1. Discussion

a) This word is translated from the Greek “logon”.
b) This has been translated as “oracles” in Hebrews 5:12.

2. Discussion of the elementary principles

a) The obvious reference is to the “simple or elementary word of God”.
b) The above list of doctrines is considered “elementary”.
c) Another effective word is “foundation”.

MODERN DAY CHRISTIANITY

It would appear that modern day Christians seem to lack “basic foundations”. The focus of modern day evangelism seems to focus on encouraging people to “believe in Christ” so that they can secure a place in heaven! If this is the case, then we have fallen short of the standard that seemed to have existed in the first century.