6.3. A CONCERN FOR DILIGENCE (Hebrews 6:1-3)

Each believer is to be diligent in building on the foundational doctrines:

Hebrews 6:1 " ... let us go on unto perfection; ..." (KJV)

Perfection, "maturity" (NIV). Having had them laid we should not have to go back over them again and again. Established by them we can go on and achieve spiritual maturity, and enjoy the meat of God's Word. There is not given, nor intended by the writer, any depreciation of the first principles of Christ. Rather, the emphasis is on raising the superstructure of maturity in knowledge of Christ, and experience of Him so as to become teachers of others and be able to exercise the spiritual senses in righteousness.

Hebrews 6:1 "... not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God," (KJV)

Each believer can diligently check that the foundation is laid:

'Metanoia' means a changing of mind - from evil to good or from worse to better, and implies a complete turn about. The ministries of both John and Jesus began with a call to repent (Matthew 3:2; 4:17 ). Jesus stressed that all men needed to repent (Luke 13:1-5 ). He came to call sinners to repentance (Luke 5:32 ) Those who truly repent accept Jesus, and those who do not repent reject Jesus (Luke 10:8-16; 11:30-32 ). Repentance and forgiveness are to be proclaimed to all the nations in the name of Jesus (Luke 24:47 ). Repentance is the response to the message of Christ's death and resurrection (Luke 24:26 ). The resultant benefit is forgiveness (Acts 5:31; 10:43; 13:38 ). Repentance is foundational to our salvation, and essential progress and development.

The New International Version text note suggests "or from useless rituals." Dake, like the early fathers, takes dead works to mean the works of the old nature which deserve death and cause death in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1-8; Galatians 5:19-21; Romans 1:21-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Colossians 3:5-10; Mark 7:19-21 ). We are to repent of dead works and dead rituals for there is no salvation by works. By grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:5 ).

Repenting is turning right about from sin, and faith is turning toward God through Christ (Romans 3:24-25; 5:1-2 ). All we enjoy as His people depends on the sacrifice of Jesus for us and our faith in Him. Through faith in Him we have peace with God (Romans 5:1 ). Access to God (Romans 5:2 ). Standing in Grace (Romans 5:2 ). Joyous rejoicing (Romans 5:2 ). Certain hope (Romans 5:2 ). Persecution becomes beneficial (Romans 5:3 ). All that is happening to us shapes us for good (Romans 5:4 ). Makes us vessels of God's poured out love (Romans 5:5 ). By turning in faith toward God the inexhaustible supplies for here and now and eternity, become ours.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Is every believer expected to be diligent in building on the foundational doctrines, so as to go on to maturity(Hebrews 6:1 )?

2. Are you to lay the foundation again, or diligently check that it is laid, so that you can achieve spiritual maturity and become a teacher of others?

3. Why is repentance foundational to your salvation, and essential to your progress and development (Hebrews 6:1 )? Can you explain what is meant by "dead works"?