Hebrews 6:1
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,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The author uses "foundation" to describe these initial teachings, not to diminish them, but to emphasize that they are meant to be built upon, not revisited endlessly. The point isn't to forget repentance and faith, but to recognize that a house isn't finished by just laying bricks; there's a whole structure waiting to be built higher.
The author has just admonished his readers for their spiritual immaturity, noting that instead of being teachers, they still need to be taught the very basics of Christian faith. He argues that they should now be ready for more advanced teachings, like "solid food" rather than "milk." Therefore, he proposes moving past these foundational elements to pursue deeper understanding and maturity in Christ.
The Bible urges us to move past the 'basics' of faith. But does that mean we forget them?
The writer of Hebrews is calling for growth, not abandonment, of foundational Christian truths.
What exactly are these 'dead works' and this 'faith toward God' that form the bedrock of Christianity?
Hebrews 6:1 identifies two crucial, interconnected elements that form the starting point for Christian life: repentance and faith.
Repentance from Dead Works: This refers to turning away from actions that are spiritually lifeless or lead to spiritual death. These aren't necessarily just outward sins, but could also include religious observances done without genuine faith or a living connection to God. They are 'dead' because they lack the vital spark of God's presence and power.
Understand the original words
stoicheion · Greek Noun
The initial principles of faith or the foundational knowledge necessary for spiritual growth. In this context, it refers to the basic teachings of the Christian faith that believers are called to move beyond toward spiritual maturity.
teleiotēs · Greek Noun
A state of spiritual completion or full-grown status in Christ. It denotes the goal of the Christian life, moving beyond foundational truths to a deeper, more robust understanding and application of the faith.
metanoia · Greek Noun
A radical turning away from sin and turning toward God. It is a fundamental component of salvation, requiring a change of mind and direction regarding one's life and relationship with God.
nekros ergon · Greek Noun phrase
This letter was written to Jewish Christians who, despite having embraced the foundational truths of repentance and faith in God, were struggling to mature in their understanding and application of Christ's teachings. The author urges them to move beyond the 'milk' of elementary doctrine to the 'solid food' of deeper truths, lest they become spiritually stagnant or even turn back from their faith.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The central events of Christianity, leading to the formation of the early church and the spread of the gospel message.
c. 33-60 AD
Early Spread of the Gospel
The apostles and early believers begin preaching the message of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, establishing communities across the Roman Empire.
c. 49 AD
Council of Jerusalem
A pivotal moment where the early church debated and clarified whether Gentile converts needed to follow Jewish law, affirming that faith in Christ was sufficient for salvation.
c. 60-62 AD
Paul's Imprisonment and Writings
The Apostle Paul, while imprisoned, writes letters like Philippians, Ephesians, and Colossians, often addressing issues of Christian growth and doctrine.
This passage directly echoes the call for repentance found in Hebrews 6:1, highlighting that repentance is a fundamental and urgent necessity for all.
Acts 17:30Similar to Hebrews 6:1's emphasis on 'faith toward God,' this verse calls people to repent and believe in the true God, marking a foundational step in spiritual life.
Romans 6:3-4This passage connects baptism with repentance and newness of life, aligning with the 'foundation of repentance from dead works' mentioned in Hebrews 6:1, showing how these foundational elements lead to a transformed existence.
Colossians 2:6-7This passage mirrors Hebrews 6:1 by urging believers to continue growing in Christ, rather than remaining stuck in elementary teachings, and to be rooted and built up in Him.
1 Peter 4:7-8This passage calls for soberness and watchfulness in prayer, which are expressions of mature faith and repentance, resonating with the call to move beyond foundational repentance and faith toward genuine spiritual growth.
wesleyHebrews 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,"
6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ - That is, saying no more of them for the present. Let us go on to perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works - From open sins, the very first thing to be insisted on. And faith in God - The very next point. So S…
jfbHebrews 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,"
CHAPTER 6Heb 6:1-14. Warning against Retrograding, Which Soon Leads to Apostasy; Encouragement to Steadfastness from God's Faithfulness to His Word and Oath.1. Therefore—Wherefore: seeing that ye ought not now to be still "babes" (Heb 5:11-14).leaving—getting further forward than the elementary "principle…
The author uses "foundation" to describe these initial teachings, not to diminish them, but to emphasize that they are meant to be built upon, not revisited endlessly. The point isn't to forget repentance and faith, but to recognize that a house isn't finished by just laying bricks; there's a whole structure waiting to be built higher.
The author has just admonished his readers for their spiritual immaturity, noting that instead of being teachers, they still need to be taught the very basics of Christian faith. He argues that they should now be ready for more advanced teachings, like "solid food" rather than "milk." Therefore, he proposes moving past these foundational elements to pursue deeper understanding and maturity in Christ.
The author has just admonished his readers for their spiritual immaturity, noting that instead of being teachers, they still need to be taught the very basics of Christian faith. He argues that they should now be ready for more advanced teachings, like "solid food" rather than "milk." Therefore, he proposes moving past these foundational elements to pursue deeper understanding and maturity in Christ.
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Faith Toward God: This is the positive counterpoint to repentance. It's the active trust and reliance on God Himself. It signifies a commitment to follow God, believe His promises, and depend on His character and provision. It's not just intellectual assent but a deep-seated confidence that engages the whole person.
An Indivisible Pair: These two concepts are presented together as a foundation. You can't truly repent from lifeless actions without turning to God in faith, and genuine faith naturally leads to a turning away from actions that displease God.
The writer contrasts 'babes' with those who are 'mature.' What does this spiritual maturity look like, and why is it so important?
The ultimate aim of moving beyond elementary doctrine is to reach Christian maturity, a state of spiritual wholeness and developed understanding.
Beyond Rudiments: The 'principles of the doctrine of Christ' are like the ABCs of faith. While essential, dwelling on them exclusively prevents growth. Maturity involves grasping deeper truths and having a more comprehensive understanding of God and His ways.
'Perfection' as Completeness: The word translated 'perfection' (teleiotes) doesn't mean sinless perfection in this context, but rather completeness or fullness of growth. It's the state of being 'fully grown' (teleios), as contrasted with being a spiritual 'infant' (nepios) mentioned earlier in Hebrews.
A Lifelong Pursuit: This maturity isn't a destination reached once and for all, but a continuous process. It involves actively pressing forward in one's faith, seeking to understand more, and living out that understanding more fully. This ongoing development is crucial for spiritual stability and avoiding spiritual regression.
Works that are spiritually dead or ineffective because they are performed apart from saving faith in Christ or to earn salvation. They represent religious actions or patterns of life that lack the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit.
pistis · Greek Noun
A trustful reliance upon God, encompassing both the act of believing in His existence and the exercise of confidence in His promises. It is the core response of a believer to the revelation of God.
c. 62-64 AD— this verse
Authorship of Hebrews
The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews writes to a community, likely of Jewish Christians, who are struggling to move beyond the basic tenets of their faith and face the risk of spiritual immaturity or even falling away.
"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," — The author uses "foundation" to describe these initial teachings, not to diminish them, but to emphasize that they are meant to be built upon, not revisited endlessly. The point isn't to forget rep…
