Articles
Is the Bible a Simple Book? - 5
In our last article we considered the lack of intellectual progress in the Hebrew Christians. As a result of not advancing their knowledge, they actually lost ground and needed remedial work in the basics (Heb 5:12). In other words, use it or lose it.
The author went on to say: “Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection …” (Heb 6:1a). Newer translations (ESV, NAS, NIV) use the term “maturity” rather than “perfection.” Disciples must move beyond the basics to the more complex issues of doctrine. While it is true that foundational principles must not be forgotten, Scripture nonetheless says, “not laying again the foundation of …” (6:1b).
When I read that I think of churches that are content with the superficial. I do not mean that studying Acts for the third time in ten years is necessarily bad, but are we content to skim the surface and talk about miracles and conversions? Are there deeper levels of information to explore? And why would we study Acts again when perhaps we hadn’t looked at Daniel?
Some churches fall into this pattern because they don’t have qualified teachers to take them deeper into Scripture. Others think that faithfulness depends on holding on to the “old paths,” and by that I mean focusing exclusively on certain issues that we consider bright lines of distinction between us and others. So we plow the same ground again and again trying to indoctrinate the next generation with “soundness.”
But what often happens in the meantime is that the next generation is bombarded with completely new threats and challenging ideas that aren’t being addressed. Yes, error tends to recycle itself in new packaging, but if we don’t stay current, and therefore relevant, we will still be answering questions that no one is asking – and not answering the ones they are.
The author of Hebrews serves up a bit of irony when he lists some foundational principles that we should move beyond. Would your list of “first principles” match his?
1) Repentance from dead works
2) Faith toward God
3) The doctrine of baptisms (washings: ESV, NAS; cleansing rites: NIV)
4) Laying on of hands
5) Resurrection of the dead
6) Eternal judgment
It may be that the list is influenced by the issues these Christians were dealing with at the time. Repentance and faith are obvious beginning points for all believers, and controversy still exists over how and when an unbeliever is actually cleansed by Jesus’ blood. Baptism is entirely discounted by many today, but in the first century Jewish and pagan cleansing rites were likely a problem as well as lingering questions about John’s baptism.
But the overall point is that we can’t keep reading Dr. Seuss. At some point we need to tackle War and Peace.
