Series: Jesus Is Better- The Better Priest [#4]
THE BASIC FOUNDATIONAL TRUTHS
Hebrews 6:1-12
Introduction:
Last week, we looked at this side note section about Christian immaturity. The writer stopped writing about Jesus being the better Priest; and told the people that they needed to grow up. He needed to write to them about some deep biblical truths; but couldn’t because they refused to grow up. Our text this morning tells us what the basic foundational truths of Christianity are. As we study these, ask yourself, “Do I know about these basic foundational truths”?
Hebrews 6:1 (MSG)
“So come on, let's leave the preschool finger painting exercises on Christ and get on with the grand work of art. Grow up in Christ. The basic foundational truths are in place: turning your back on "salvation by self-help".
I love how the Message puts it- “So come on, let's leave the preschool finger painting exercises on Christ and get on with the grand work of art.” I want us to look at the basics that we are to graduate from.
The basics:
1. You cannot earn salvation.
There is nothing that we can do to earn salvation. No matter how much you do for other people, or how many times you pray every day, or how much Bible you read- It won’t save you.
Hebrews 6:1d (MSG)
“Turning in trust toward God.”
The basics:
2. Faith in God.
Salvation is by having faith in God. Faith is believing in something that none of your senses can pick up on. If you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God raised from the dead you will be saved. Put your trust in God.
Hebrews 6:2a (MSG)
“Baptismal instructions.”
The basics:
3. Baptism.
Baptism is a symbol of following Jesus Christ. Baptism does not save you. Jesus was baptized. Baptism is an outward symbol of an inward change. Baptism symbolizes the person’s death, burial, resurrection, and following of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 6:2b (MSG)
“Laying on of hands.”
The basics:
4. Laying on of hands.
The laying on of hands can be found in several different situations. When a person is being ordained as a deacon or minister, everyone lays their hands on the person as an affirmation of their call.
Scripture also tells us that if you are sick that you are to go to the elders and ask them to anoint you with oil and pray over you. Most times, the elders place their hands on the person that they have anointed with oil and are praying for.
Hebrews 6:2c (MSG)
“Resurrection of the dead.”
The basics:
5. Resurrection of the dead.
There will be a day when the Archangel will shout and the trumpet will sound; and the dead in Christ will rise first and then those who remain will be raised. We call this the Rapture.
Hebrews 6:2d (MSG)
“Eternal judgment.”
The basics:
6. Eternal judgment.
Those who die without Jesus Christ as their Savior will be judged for all that they have done and then cast into the Lake of Fire which is the 2nd death.
Hebrews 6:3 (MSG)
“God helping us, we'll stay true to all that. But there's so much more. Let's get on with it!”
The next 3 things are a little bit deeper; but are still basics of the faith.
Hebrews 6:4-6 (NIV)
“It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.”
The basics:
7. Assurance of salvation.
This is something that has been debated and argued by different denominations for a long time. While people on both sides of the argument use this passage, I believe that this is very clear. I do not believe that a saved person can lose their salvation. Almost all scholars believe this passage is talking about Christians, so we can’t say that this is talking about lost people.
If you could lose your salvation, then this passage tells us that you cannot get it back. If that’s the case and you lose your salvation you might as well go crazy because you’re not getting resaved. By the way, if you can lose your salvation, what is the sin that causes you to lose your salvation. If it’s not a particular sin; but the amount of times that you commit that sin- Then how many times of committing that sin are you allowed before you lose your salvation?
Hebrews 6:7-11 (NIV)
“Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case--things that accompany salvation. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure.”
The basics:
8. Bear fruit.
Jesus said that by our fruit they will know us. A good tree bears good fruit and a bad tree bears bad fruit. There should be evidence in your life that you are a Christian.
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Hebrews 6:12 (NIV)
“We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”
The basics:
9. Don’t be lazy.
This sounds obvious; but this is probably the main reason that many Christians never mature. They don’t want to mature. It takes to much effort. Why bother trying to mature? If you are saved, you are going to go to Heaven anyways. Unfortunately, this is the opinion of many.
Conclusions:
The basic foundational truths are very important; but we need to be able to move on to deeper spiritual truths. I pray that each of you continue to grow in Christ.
