Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so. Hebrews 6:1-3
There are some basic teachings about Jesus Christ our Savior that all of us ought to know. When I read the list in the book of Hebrews, I realize my non-Jewish background has limited my understanding. For instance, while I understand repentance and faith, instructions about cleansing rites is outside my background growing up in 21st century America. Jesus knew about them and was actually chided because His disciples ignored some of them. The laying on of hands makes sense to me (at least how we commission, pray, and set apart people for works of ministry). I get the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment, thanks to Paul’s epistles. Whew. Now its time for me to move on to Middle School education.
God, You are amazing. I confess that I lack much of the knowledge that could make my experience and understanding of You even greater. I long to walk through the Holy Lands and discover first hand more about Jewish culture, life and first century living. Would You by Your grace impart to me what I need to know day by day so I can fulfill the high calling You have on my life. I will be diligent to study Your Word and other sources to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
