Leaving The Principles Of The Doctrine

“Leaving the Principles of the Doctrine”

By

Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr.

Hebrew 6:1-3 “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, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit”.

OPENING:- Let me first and foremost make this perfectly clear - the context of this verse suggests that we are to leave the principles of Christ's doctrines by building upward from the foundation and not forsaking it. When a natural foundation is laid, you leave that foundation by placing one brick at a time upon the foundation and building upward until you have a completed structure. You do not leave it by moving across town and building the walls some place other than where the foundation has been laid. Likewise, when we have a firm foundation laid, we should never leave it by separating ourselves from it but leave it by building continually up from it with knowledge while still being joined to it by the mortar of God's love.

In 1 Corinthians 3:10 says: "According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereon." Not only are we to build upon the foundation, but we are to be careful of how we build.

It is important that we as Christians continue to grow in the Word of God and thereby learn and understand “The Principles of the Doctrine of Christ" and continually press toward the mark for the prize of the High calling of God.

Prayer:

UNDERSTAND: - Hebrew 6:1 says "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection...

The Greek in Hebrews 1 says literally, "Therefore leaving the word of Christ of the beginning" The word ''beginning'' in Greek is ''arche. (ar-khay'); it means beginning, or origin.

Doctrine merely means a teaching, of which we all can use a little more. However, in this verse DOCTRINE is translated from the word LOGOS it is the only place where logos is translated doctrine. LOGOS conveys the thought and intent and is an outward expression of God Himself – and the word (LOGOS) became flesh – that is the outward expression of God – Jesus Christ.

Christ's teachings on the basics are what Hebrews is getting at. The basics are to be studied, fed upon as an infant would feed upon milk. Once the foundation has been laid you are to improve not only in your understanding but in your practice and attitudes concerning spiritual things. 1 Corinthians 13:11 says “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things”.

Doctrine is a codification of beliefs or a body of teachings or instructions, taught principles or positions in a belief system. Doctrine is important. Without it we cannot be saved. Salvation is doctrine. Doctrine defines who we believe in, what we believe concerning God, and what He requires of us.

Doctrine is essentials to the faith and are non-negotiable: The deity of Christ, Baptism of the Holy Ghost, the death, burial and the resurrection, salvation by grace, resurrection of the dead, eternal judgment

Doctrine is a mind thing because the answer to doctrinal questions often involves simply just memory. What does it mean to repent? What are the two natures of Christ? What is the Bible about? Are the Spiritual gifts still essential today?

These all are important questions and the answers guide our understanding. Our understanding is what guides our actions and words.

Doctrine is a mind thing. It is, in one sense, easier than those teachings of Christ that deal with the heart. Because with the mind you only need to understand. However; with the heart you need to obey. John 7:16 says “Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me”.

The Doctrine of Christ is established not just in ‘Word’ only, but also in ‘Power’.

The way we can recognize those who are established in “The Principles of the Doctrine of Christ", is not just by their ‘Words’, but through the ‘Power’ they demonstrate by the Holy Ghost.

Let us go on to Perfection - is when your understanding of truth and your actions are one and the same.

The word for ''perfection'' or ''maturity'' in the Greek is ''teleiotes.'' It means "a perfecter" and comes from the Greek word ''telos'' which means to make perfect, to carry through completely, to accomplish, finish, end, to accomplish.