Returning to the basics of the gospel (Hebrews 5:12-14)


Read Hebrews 5:12-6:12

The author of Hebrews wrote to refute some ideas and practices that were not in line with the gospel. He tells the reader that although they have been Christians long enough to be mature in faith they have fallen for false teachings and need to go back to the basics of the gospel. He warns against the teachings about dead works, "instruction about washings, the laying on of hands", the false teachings about the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgement (Hebrews 6:2).

The reference to milk is in comparison to a child. Before a child eats solid food they drink milk. Milk is a basic staple and necessary for growth, however, in this instance it isn't really a positive comment. The author is telling them that they should be on solid food but instead need to go back to the basics like infants. The readers had fallen for false teachings and needed to go back to the basics of the gospel; Jesus Christ is our Saviour and Lord and His work of redemption is sufficient for all of us. We aren't to get caught up in the rules and regulations that are no longer necessary as they are part of the Old Testament covenant. The covenant fulfilled by Jesus. Not only that, they had added their own rules. It's very easy to fall into habits and traditions and then take them as gospel truths, but the Bible is very clear about this. The author is warning against doing these things, and is not the only place in the Bible with this warning, “Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it" (Deuteronomy 12:32). See, also, Revelation 22:18-19. When we get caught up in traditions and fall for false teachings we are to return to the basics of the gospel. The author points us to them in Chapter 6. "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." (Hebrews 6:1‭-‬2). Just as a baby cant continue to live off milk as it grows, so we too must move on from the basics of the gospel to maturity. We are to imitate "those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised" (Hebrews 6:12). So we can see that although it may be necessary at times to revert to the basics of the gospel, we can't stay there. Faith must grow and mature, so study God's word diligently and be wary of false teachers. Let your faith grow and be obvious to those around you, use discernment "trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil" (Hebrews 5:14).


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