Foundational Truths

The principles of the doctrine of Christ and foundational truths in Hebrews 6:1-3 highlight essential Christian teachings such as turning away from dead works, having faith in God, understanding the doctrine of baptisms, the laying on of hands, belief in the resurrection of the dead, eternal judgment, and the idea of ultimate perfection, meaning spiritual maturity gained through growing in faith and foundational teachings.

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
Hebrews 6:2	Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment
Hebrews 6:3	And this will we do, if God permit

Hebrews 6:1–3 highlights the core teachings of Christ that form the foundation of a believer’s faith, essential for building a genuine relationship with Him and understanding the heart of Christianity. Holding on to these truths is key to walking authentically with Christ. While many may display faith and do good works, true recognition from Him comes through a deep, personal connection, not just outward actions. Verses like Matthew 7:23 and Luke 13:25–27 warn that some, despite their efforts, will hear, “I never knew you,” instead of receiving praise. It’s a clear reminder that truly knowing Christ and living by these core doctrines is what defines real faith.

The principles of the doctrine of Christ in Hebrews 6:1–3 lay out key Christian teachings. These doctrines aim to restore a genuine relationship with Christ, reminding us that even those who show faith and do good works may still hear the words, “I never knew you,” instead of “Well done.” Passages like Matthew 7:21–23 and Luke 13:25–27 highlight that not everyone who calls on His name will enter the kingdom of heaven. Outward acts and words aren’t enough without a true, heartfelt connection to Him.

In Revelation chapters 1 through 3, Jesus speaks to the churches and often says, “I know your works.” This shows His full awareness of their actions, motives, and spiritual state. It’s both praise and caution, reminding believers that Christ sees and evaluates everything they do, urging them to live with sincerity and remain faithful in their journey with Him.

1. Repentance from Dead Works

Biblical Repentance (NIV)

1 Kings 8:47, 2 Chronicles 6:37, Job 34:33, Job 36:10, Job 42:6, Proverbs 1:23

Isaiah 59:20, Jeremiah 5:3, Jeremiah 8:6, Jeremiah 15:19, Ezekiel 14:6, Ezekiel 18:30

Ezekiel 18:32, Hosea 11:5, Matthew 3:2, Matthew 4:17, Matthew 11:20, Matthew 21:32

Mark 1:15, Mark 6:12, Luke 13:3, Luke 13:5, Luke 15:7, Luke 16:30, Luke 17:3, Luke 17:4

Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19, Acts 8:22, Acts 17:30, Acts 26:20, Revelation 2:5, Revelation 2:16

Revelation 2:21, Revelation 2:22, Revelation 3:3, Revelation 3:19, Revelation 9:20

Revelation 9:21, Revelation 16:9, Revelation 16:11

Biblical Repent and Biblical Repentance (NIV) are referenced in several passages, including Isaiah 30:15, Matthew 3:8, and Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3, Luke 3:8, Luke 5:32, and Luke 24:47; Acts 5:31, Acts 11:18, Acts 13:24, Acts 19:4, Acts 20:21, and Acts 26:20; Romans 2:4, 2 Corinthians 7:9, 2 Corinthians 7:10, 2 Timothy 2:25, Hebrews 6:1, Hebrews 6:6, and 2 Peter 3:9.

Biblical Repent and Biblical Repentance (K.J.V.)

Repent:

Exodus 13:17, Exodus 32:12, Numbers 23:19, Deuteronomy 32:36, 1 Samuel 15:29, 1 Kings 8:47,

Job 42:6, Psalm 90:13, Psalm 110:4, Psalm 135:14, Jeremiah 4:28, Jeremiah 18:8,

Jeremiah 18:10, Jeremiah 26:3, Jeremiah 26:13, Jeremiah 42:10, Ezekiel 14:6, Ezekiel 18:30,

Ezekiel 24:14, Joel 2:14, Jonah 3:9, Matthew 3:2, Matthew 4:17, Mark 1:15, Mark 6:12, Luke 13:3,

Luke 13:5, Luke 16:30, Luke 17:3, Luke 17:4, Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19, Acts 8:22, Acts 17:30, Acts 26:20,

2 Corinthians 7:8, Hebrews 7:21, Revelation 2:5, Revelation 2:16, Revelation 2:21, Revelation 2:22,

Revelation 3:3, Revelation 3:19.

Repentance

Hosea / Matthew 3:8/ Matthew 3:11 / Matthew 9:13 / Mark 1:4 / Mark 2:17

Luke 3:3 / Luke 3:8 /Luke 5:32 / Luke 15:7 / Luke 24:47 / Acts 5:31 / Acts 11:18

acts 13:24 / Acts 19:4 / Acts 20:21 / Acts 26:20 / Romans 2:4 / 2Corinthians 7:9

2Corinthians 7:10 / 2 Timothy 2:25 / Hebrews 6:1 / Hebrews 6:6 / Hebrews 12:17

2Peter 3:9

The Call to Spiritual Maturity

The passage from Hebrews 6:1–3 encourages believers to progress beyond the basic teachings about Christ and pursue a deeper spiritual maturity. It begins by urging readers to leave behind the elementary principles of the doctrine of Christ and to strive toward perfection. This journey does not require laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works or faith toward God, as these are considered foundational truths that have already been established.

The writer further identifies several elementary doctrines, including teachings about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. These doctrines serve as the groundwork for Christian faith, but the call is to move forward and build upon them.

Lastly, the passage expresses confidence that this progression toward maturity will only happen if God allows. The author affirms their intention to advance in understanding and practice, dependent upon God’s will.

New Testament Truths and Old Testament Types and Patterns

The journey toward spiritual maturity, as explained in Hebrews 6:1-3, is echoed both in the doctrines of Christ found in the New Testament and in the experiences of the children of Israel as recorded in the Old Testament. These connections are also represented in the structure and elements of the Tabernacle of Moses.

Foundational Doctrines and Their Old Testament Parallels

Repentance from Dead Works:
The doctrine of repentance corresponds to the Passover in Israel's journey and the Brazen Altar in the Tabernacle. Just as Passover marked a turning point for Israel, repentance signifies a decisive break from dead works for the believer.
Faith Toward God:
This truth is reflected in Israel's passage through the Red Sea and their time at the Banks of Marah, as well as the Laver and the Table of Shewbread in the Tabernacle. The movement from bondage to trust in God is foundational for both Israel and the Christian walk.

Further Doctrines and Spiritual Progression

Doctrines of Baptism:
Baptism is paralleled by the provision of water from the rock for Israel and symbolized by the Candlestick in the Tabernacle, signifying cleansing and illumination.
Laying on of Hands:
The laying on of hands corresponds to Israel's encounter at Mount Sinai and is represented by the Boards and the Altar of Incense, indicating consecration and intercession.

Eschatological Doctrines and Ultimate Fulfillment

Resurrection of the Dead:

New Testament Truth	Old Testament Parallel	Tabernacle Element	Description
Repentance from Dead Works	Passover in Israel's journey	Brazen Altar	Passover marked a turning point for Israel; repentance signifies a decisive break from dead works for the believer.

2. Faith Toward God Scriptures (K.J.V.)

Deuteronomy 32:20 / Habakkuk 2:4 / Matthew 6:30, 8:10, 8:26, 9:2, 9:22, 14:31, 15:26, 16:8, 17:20, 21:21, 23:23

Mark 2:5, 4:40, 5:34, 10:52, 11:22 / Luke 5:20, 7:9, 7:50, 8:25, 8:48, 12:28, 17:5, 17:6, 17:19, 18:8, 18:42, 22:32

Acts 3:16, 6:5, 6:7, 6:8, 11:24, 13:8, 14:9, 14:22, 14:27, 15:9, 16:5, 20:21, 24:24, 26:18

Romans 1:5, 1:8, 1:12, 1:17, 3:3, 3:22, 3:25, 3:27, 3:28, 3:30, 3:31, 4:5, 4:9, 4:11, 4:12, 4:13, 4:14, 4:19, 4:20, 5:1, 5:2, 9:30, 9:32, 10:6, 10:8, 1:17, 11:20, 12:3, 12:6, 14:1, 14:22, 14:23, 16:26

1 Corinthians 2:5, 12:9, 13:2, 13:13, 15:14, 15:17, 16:13 / 2 Corinthians 1:24, 4:13, 5:7, 8:7, 10:15, 13:5

Galatians 1:23, 2:16, 2:20, 3:2, 3:5, 3:7, 3:8, 3:9, 3:11, 3:12, 3:14, 3:22, 3:23, 3:24, 3:25, 3:26, 5:5, 5:22, 6:10

Ephesians 1:15, 2:8, 3:12, 3:17, 4:5, 4:13, 6:16, 6:23 / Philippians 1:25, 1:27, 2:17, 3:9 / Colossians 1:4, 1:23, 2:5, 2:7, 2:12

Faith Toward God

Key Scriptures Highlighting Faith

The concept of faith toward God is foundational throughout both the Old and New Testaments. The following passages address the nature of faith, its importance, examples of faith in action, and its implications for the believer’s relationship with God.

Old Testament References

Deuteronomy 32:20 – God remarks on the lack of faith among His people.
Habakkuk 2:4 – The righteous shall live by his faith.

Faith in the Gospels

Matthew 6:30; 8:10; 8:26; 9:2; 9:22; 14:31; 15:26; 16:8; 17:20; 21:21; 23:23 – Jesus frequently teaches on faith, rebukes little faith, and commends great faith.
Mark 2:5; 4:40; 5:34; 10:52; 11:22 – Instances where Jesus acknowledges faith and its role in healing and miracles.
Luke 5:20; 7:9; 7:50; 8:25; 8:48; 12:28; 17:5; 17:6; 17:19; 18:8; 18:42; 22:32 – Various teachings and examples highlighting the importance and impact of faith.

Faith in the Book of Acts

Acts 3:16; 6:5; 6:7; 6:8; 11:24; 13:8; 14:9; 14:22; 14:27; 15:9; 16:5; 20:21; 24:24; 26:18 – Early church experiences and teachings that emphasize faith in Christ for salvation, miracles, and church growth.

Pauline Epistles and Other Letters

Romans 1:5; 1:8; 1:12; 1:17; 3:3; 3:22; 3:25; 3:27; 3:28; 3:30; 3:31; 4:5; 4:9; 4:11; 4:12; 4:13; 4:14; 4:19; 4:20; 5:1; 5:2; 9:30; 9:32; 10:6; 10:8; 11:20; 12:3; 12:6; 14:1; 14:22; 14:23; 16:26 – Paul’s detailed exposition of faith as the means of justification, righteousness, and Christian living.
1 Corinthians 2:5; 12:9; 13:2; 13:13; 15:14; 15:17; 16:13 – Discussions on the power and necessity of faith, its place among spiritual gifts, and its enduring value.
2 Corinthians 1:24; 4:13; 5:7; 8:7; 10:15; 13:5 – Encouragements to live by faith and examine one’s faith.
Galatians 1:23; 2:16; 2:20; 3:2; 3:5; 3:7; 3:8; 3:9; 3:11; 3:12; 3:14; 3:22; 3:23; 3:24; 3:25; 3:26; 5:5; 5:22; 6:10 – Faith is presented as the key to justification, receiving the Spirit, and living as sons of God.
Ephesians 1:15; 2:8; 3:12; 3:17; 4:5; 4:13; 6:16; 6:23 – Faith as the means of salvation, spiritual strength, unity, and protection.
Philippians 1:25; 1:27; 2:17; 3:9 – Faith’s role in the believer’s progress, conduct, and righteousness.
Colossians 1:4; 1:23; 2:5; 2:7; 2:12 – Faith as foundational to the Christian life and steadfastness.

Levels of Faith

The Bible reveals fifteen unique levels of faith. While they appear throughout Scripture in no particular order, here they’re arranged in a practical sequence for better understanding.

1. Measure of Faith

God gives everyone a measure of faith, the without which no other step is possible. It’s enough to believe in Him and receive salvation, though it hasn’t yet matured. Romans 12:3 calls this “the measure of faith,” emphasizing it as God’s gift.

2. Growing Faith

This is the stage where faith develops from its initial measure into something stronger. In 2 Thessalonians 1:3, Paul commends believers whose faith is growing abundantly, pleasing God. Just like milk nourishes an infant, spiritual truth feeds a new believer’s growth.

3. Great Faith

Great faith shows bold confidence and persistence. It’s seen in the Centurion who knew Jesus could heal with just a word (Matthew 8:8-10) and the Canaanite woman who wouldn’t give up on her daughter’s healing (Matthew 15:21-28). Jesus praised their faith, showing that great faith moves God to act.

4. Unwavering Faith

Unwavering faith stays steady, trusting God without hesitation. Hebrews 10:23 urges believers to “hold fast” to hope, relying on God’s faithfulness. This faith thanks God before the answer comes and expects His promises to be fulfilled, like Abraham in Romans 4:20-21.

5. Strong Faith

Strong faith refuses to quit or be defeated. Abraham is described in Romans 4:20 as not wavering at God’s promise but being “strong in faith, giving glory to God.” It stands firm despite challenges, thanks God in advance, and keeps doubt at bay, ready to see answers manifest.

6. Historical Faith

Historical faith is anchored in the scriptural record. Jesus used the testimony of Scripture, along with other witnesses, to confirm His identity as the Messiah (John 5:39). Fulfilled prophecy and historical documents, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, provide evidence for those willing to examine the Scriptures.

7. Active Faith

Active faith responds to God’s Word with immediate action (James 2:14-26; Hebrews 10:19-38). It acts as though the things requested from God, though unseen, are already a reality. Jesus taught that abiding in Him and His Word leads to answered prayer (John 15:5, 7). Active faith embraces the believer’s new life in Christ, exercising the right to act on God’s Word, and is illustrated by the woman healed by touching Jesus’ garment (Mark 5:25-34).

8. Genuine Faith

Genuine faith is sincere and free from deception or pretense. It flows from a true heart desiring to do what is right. Paul commends Timothy for possessing the genuine faith first found in his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5).

9. Common Faith

Common faith is the mutual faith shared by all Christians—faith that brings salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ, and confidence that He hears and answers prayer. Titus 1:4 describes this as "common faith," and Romans 1:12 refers to it as "mutual faith."

10. Human Level of Faith

Human faith refers to the capacity to exercise trust and confidence in people or objects, including God’s Word. This level of faith is a choice, but spiritual adversaries seek to undermine faith in God, preferring confidence be placed elsewhere.

11. Faith Without Root

Faith without root is shallow; it springs up quickly but fails when trials come because it lacks depth. Jesus describes this in Luke 8:13, explaining that insufficient preparation and searching for truth in God’s Word results in faith with no root, unable to endure temptation.

12. Little Faith

Little faith is characterized by fear and anxiety, indicating a lack of complete trust in God. Jesus gently rebukes His disciples for their little faith in times of worry and fear (Matthew 6:30; 8:26).

13. Weak Faith

Weak faith is illustrated by those who are easily troubled by matters not clearly addressed in Scripture. Paul discusses this in Romans 4:19 and 14:1-3, encouraging the strong in faith to support those who are weak. Weak faith limits the ability to experience the fullness of the Gospel’s peace and joy (Romans 14:23; 15:1).

14. Faith Without Works

Faith without works is passive; it acknowledges God’s power but does not act on it. James 2:18 teaches that true faith is demonstrated through works—faith and action go hand in hand.

15. Wavering Faith

Wavering faith is marked by doubt and instability. James exhorts believers to ask in faith without wavering, warning that a double-minded person is unstable and unlikely to receive from the Lord (James 1:5-7). Wavering faith is hesitant and inconsistent, preventing believers from holding fast to their requests until answered.

3.Doctrines of Baptism

Jesus and the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit played a vital role in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ.

He was born of the Spirit (Matthew 1:18-28; Luke 1:35),

anointed by the Spirit (Matthew 3:16-17),

filled with the fullness of the Spirit (John 3:34).

He was led by the Spirit (Matthew 4:1),

spoke and taught through the Spirit (Luke 4:18),

cast out demons by the Spirit (Matthew 12:28),

healed the sick through the Spirit (Matthew 12:28; Matthew 8:16).

He offered Himself on Calvary by the Spirit (Hebrews 9:14),

was resurrected by the Spirit (Romans 8:11),

gave commandments by the Spirit (Acts 1:2),

baptized and empowered His church through the Spirit (Acts 1:5,8)

continues to direct and govern His church by the Spirit (Revelation 1, 2, 3).

4.Laying on of Hands

When the Lord chooses to release His power on earth, He often does so through the laying on of hands, which brings power for:

1. Promotion and Exaltation (Numbers 27:18-20)

God instructed Moses to lay his hands on Joshua to establish him as the leader for the next generation of Israel, transferring the mantle of leadership.

2. Gifting and Equipping (Acts 8:17; Acts 19:6; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6)

The laying on of hands is a primary way for believers to receive spiritual gifts and be equipped for service.

ACCREDITED