Hebrews 6:1-2 (NKJV) 1 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, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
This is one of the best direct references to maturing as a believer in the entirety of God’s word. It is direct and forthright in its intentions; to convey the importance of not “laying again the foundation” of the “elementary principles of Christ”.
This is a point often lost on many believers. It is often thought that once a person places their faith in Christ, they are good to go, so to speak; ready to move on to living their new life as a believer, but without much thought as to what that really means.
We need to understand, though, that this is far from the truth. For if we are truly putting our faith in Christ, we will want to know all we can about Him, since we are (or should be) trusting Him with our eternal destiny.
And if we are simply “putting our faith in Him” to reserve a spot in heaven, and then just want to “get on with our life”, we may want to re-think our “strategy”.
So, if we are truly putting our faith in Him, we should want to learn all we can about Him. We should be willing to spend the time needed to mature and grow. He did, after all, give His life (literally) for us in order to make a way for our sins to be forgiven.
So, as the writer of Hebrews says, we need to move beyond the basics, once we have a sound understanding of them, and begin to leave behind the “milk” in exchange for more solid foods.
Hebrews 5:13-14 (NKJV) 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
You see, it is the learning of His word that gives us the ability to partake of, and digest, the weightier spiritual things, and to be able to learn to discern good and evil more readily.
And this is crucial for all believers, especially during the season in which we live.
So, we strongly encourage you to spend time in this mighty tool (weapon) that God has supplied us with; His word. Let’s move beyond the basic, elementary principles of Christ.
Your life depends on it, in more ways than most understand.
As we make the effort, God will give the increase.