The-Rock-Talk #11
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Going Toward Perfection
Hebrews 6:1 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,
2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
Elementary principles are doctrines taught to the new convert. We are given a list of them: No. 1 - repentance and faith; No. 2 - baptism as a witness to conversion; No. 3- laying on of hands, a sign sometimes associated with receiving the fullness of the spirit. No. 4 - the coming resurrection of the dead. No. 5 - the accountability at the judgment.
But we must not remain at the level of new converts. We must go on to perfection, to the level of maturity so that we can receive the teaching and experience the full adequacy of Christ our High Priest.
Maturity in Christ is characterized by love for God which arises from the very depths of one's being, to love God with all of one's heart, soul, and mind. Love for God should overflows the believer as love for one's neighbor. This is nothing less than the fulfillment of God's command to be "holy for I am holy". Thus Christian maturity is a life that is infused by the Spirit of God, enabling one to embody the very character of Christ in daily living.
3 And this will we do, if God permit.
This we will do - go on to perfection, keep walking by all the light that God shows us.
4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
Here is a truly converted person, his understanding has been enlightened by the truth and he has tasted the gift of salvation. He has received the Holy Spirit as He indwells all believers. He has experienced the forgiveness offered in the good word of the gospel. The age to come began with Christ's first coming. The spiritual power available in this age is a reality in a converted person's life and yet there is a danger in his backsliding.
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
A Christian who falls into sin may be forgiven but those who fall away - who continuously and stubbornly refuses to follow God - destroy for themselves the benefits of Christ's work.
7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:
8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
An illustration from nature showing our accountability to God for our potential and opportunities.
---by Keith R. Vaughan