Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
Take a look at these dividing doctrines from church history.
repentance from dead works...In 1483 a German monk named Martin Luther took exception to the way that the Pope and his representatives were selling forgiveness of sins. In addition they argued that people are saved not based on the works we do, but on the forgiveness offered freely by God's grace. Ever since the church has been divided into Protestants and Catholics because of this elementary doctrine.
faith toward God...In 1536 a pastor in Geneva, named John Calvin, articulated a view of God's grace based on the absolute sovereign choice of God. This understanding of how the doctrines of Grace function has divided the Protestant world according to Calvinistic and Arminian boundaries because of this elementary doctrine.
instructions on washings...The evangelical world is often divided on an understanding on the mode and method of baptism. Some believe that children should be baptized in order to counteract original sin. Others believe that only people mature enough to make a faith decision should be baptized. Some believe that immersion is the only legitimate way to baptize people. Others believe that sprinkling or pouring water are acceptable ways to perform baptisms. These "elementary doctrines" are serious fault lines that divide the Christian world.
laying on of hands...This phrase most probably refers to the ordination of people for the purposes of ministry. Consider the current debate that rages around the role of women in leadership in the church. Some believe that women should serve in any and all roles of church leadership. Others believe that God has reserved certain roles of leadership for men only. This one of the most divisive "elementary doctrines" in the church today.
resurrection of the dead and eternal punishment...Eschatology is the study of what happens at the end of all things. The church world is divided by an understanding of how the world will end. Pre-millinial...post-millinial...a-millinial...this "elementary doctrine" still divides the church.
I may be reading too much into this, but I found it very interesting that many of the major divisions from church history seem to be foreshadowed in this verse.
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4 comments:
Doug,
I am really glad you spent the time to break this down. I was very interested in this when Mike mentioned it yesterday. I completely agree there is some foreshadowing and don't think you are reading too much into it. Thanks for doing such a wonderful job, as always!! We are praying for you!!
Jessica
Looking for some clarification here.. When the Hebrew author says "let us leave the elementary doctrine...", surely LEAVE doesn't mean abandon, stay away from, or never again touch with a 10-ft pole, right? Or is it suggested here that we stay away from subjects like baptism, the rapture, etc. simply because they're so divisive?
A better way to understand the idea here it "to leave behind." That is "to move on from." That is the amazing thing...these issues (which we continue to argue over) are here presented as "elementary" issues that mature Christians should be beyond.
Interesting that we sometimes get "stuck" in life. Could it be that we are afraid of change? Isn't it exciting to move on to new things and go outside the comfort zone of the familiar?. God doesn't belong in a box. Why do we (I) so often put Him in one? Our society pushes education and yet we stop short with our knowledge of God.... infinite knowledge. Go figure.
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