Leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection!
The title is from Hebrews 6:1, and tells of the foundation of Christ (the mind of God coming alive in us), then enumerated, and the chapter from there describing moving into perfection. We’ve seen in prior posts, what completes us is seeing the Father (see John 14:8 thru 11), which comes when Christ is formed in us and we see Him who is invisible, as did Moses (see Hebrews 11:26 & 27) and all elders described with Him. We know Hebrews 11 ends tell of all these having seen the promises far off by their faith, meaning through study and experience their minds were able to see the abstract (future) they had been promised, and knowing acted. The chapter ends saying of those who by faith accomplished these works, “39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.”
Here is what Hebrews 6 goes on to describe as the foundation we have already been taught, from where we are now able to continue into perfect, which we understand is the promise spoken of later in Hebrew 6 and in the verse above from Hebrews 11. “1Therefore 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, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.”
Hebrews 11 beginning with “therefore” telling us what is said above is referring to what was said in ending chapter 5. There the writer spoke of the LORD being a priest forever in the order of Melchisedec, and through His suffering with those suffering, to glorify them, became the Author and Finisher of their faith. This is telling of the work of the LORD, as a High Priest in leading us into the presence of the Father, perfecting us and then leading us into the promise.
These ideas are what John 14 tells as it records the LORD describing how he will manifest himself to those who love Him and keep His word (which we have learned means to protect and preserve it in the form it was deliverer – undefiled by the hand of man).
Hebrews 5 speaks to those who are dull of hearing by thinking they already knew it all, and were in reality in need of being taught. It appears, then as now, some heard and were willing to continue on with the Author and Fish their faith into reaching the promise. Hebrews 6 goes to tell of those who had tasted and were enlightened, but were unwilling to continue into what it says is the “powers of the world [aion- age] to come.”
This world to come is the beginning of the new creation, spoken into existence by the power of the word of God, which the same verse in Hebrews 6 describes with the powers of the world to come. We know this creation by the word of God, the same word reserved in heaven for this moment, is what Peter describes in 2 Peter 3:6 & 7. Peter tells of it as the perdition (destruction) of ungodly men, who are the mockers he earlier describes, who think this moment is a myth.
This time and place is the place the LORD said he was going to prepare it for the awakening of all His saints, who have arrived and now wait for His appearing in His kingdom. This arrival is what Jude speaks of saying:
“Behold, the LORD comes with ten thousands of his saints,
15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speak great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.
17 But, beloved, remember you the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our LORD Jesus Christ;
18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.”
Here is first 2 Peter 3, then John 14, followed by the portions of Hebrews 5 & 6.
2 Peter 3
1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
2 That you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the LORD and Savior:
3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation [the end of the former age and the beginning of this one].
5 For this they willingly are ignorant of [and wrestle with to their own destruction – perdition], that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
6 Whereby the world [age] that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the LORD as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9 The LORD is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
10 But the day of the LORD will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements [the ideas of these ungodly men – the false teachers among us spoken of in 2 Peter 2: 1 thru 3, who speak evil of this truth] shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works [the dead works of these men] that are therein shall be burned up.
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements [these men’s ideas – the idols they have created and put in God’s place] shall melt with fervent heat?
13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness.
14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that you look for such things, be diligent that you may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
15 And account that the longsuffering of our LORD is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him has written unto you;
16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
17 You therefore, beloved, seeing you know these things before, beware lest you also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
John 14
1 Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
4 And whither I go you know, and the way you know.
5 Thomas says unto him, LORD, we know not whither you go; and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me.
7 If you had known me, you should have known my Father also: and from henceforth you know him, and have seen him.
8 Philip said unto him, LORD, show us the Father, and it suffices us [seeing the Father, in the son, is what makes us compete].
9 Jesus said unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet have you not known me, Philip? he that has seen me has seen the Father; and how say you then, Show us the Father?
10 Believe you not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwells in me, he does the works.
11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.
12 Truly, truly, I say unto you, He that believes on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
13 And whatsoever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14 If you shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
15 If you love me, keep my commandments.
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knows him: but you know him; for he dwells with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
19 Yet a little while, and the world sees me no more; but you see me: because I live, you shall live also.
20 At that day you shall know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.
21 He that has my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves me: and he that loves me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
22 Judas said unto him, not Iscariot, LORD, how is it that you will manifest yourself unto us, and not unto the world?
23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
24 He that loves me not keeps not my sayings: and the word which you hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.
25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
28 You have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If you loved me, you would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, you might believe.
30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world comes, and has nothing in me.
31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence [forward into perfection and His promises].
Hebrews 5
5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, You are my Son, to day have I begotten you.
6 As he saith also in another place, You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing you are dull of hearing.
12 For when for the time you ought to be teachers, you have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
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,
2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
3 And this will we do, if God permit.
4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
7 For the earth which drinks in the rain that comes oft upon it [speaking of the same waters/word as does Peter, which the sons of God and the sons of perdition are manifested] , and brings forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receives blessing from God:
8 But that which bears thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which you have shewed toward his name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
12 That you be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.
15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
16 For men truly swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.
17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us [the end of what we have had faith in]:
19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters into that within the veil [into the presence of God];
20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec [who leads us here].
The promise is referred to in verse 14 above when it quotes Genesis 22:17, which gives the full content saying, “17 That in blessing I will bless you, and in multiplying I will multiply your seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and your seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; 18 And in your seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because you have obeyed my voice.”
The word rendered “gates” telling of our possessing the gates of our enemies, is from the Hebrew word sha’ar, meaning an opening. The deep meaning is found in the one time the identical word it is derived from is used: Proverbs 23:7 where it is translated “thinks.” “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, says he to you; but his heart is not with you.”
Here is the Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary definition: Strong’s #8176: sha`ar (pronounced shaw-ar’) a primitive root; to split or open, i.e. (literally, but only as denominative from 8179) to act as gate-keeper (see 7778): (figuratively) to estimate:–think.
It is telling of the gatekeeper, those who have taken God’s people captive and hold them as the gates of Hades/Sheol.
The gatekeeper in a pattern is the butler who was in prison with Joseph, whose dream Joseph interpreted. In it were seen three branches, which Joseph told him were three days until he would be restored to his position. We know this is the butler that later remembered Joseph, and his words opened the prison and Joseph was released.
Genesis 41
9 Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:
10 Pharaoh was wroth with his servants, and put me in ward in the captain of the guard’s house, both me and the chief baker [symbolizing those who have added the leaven to God’s word]:
11 And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.
12 And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret.
13 And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; me he restored unto mine office, and him he hanged.
14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.
In this same context the gatekeeper is called the “porter” in John 10, who opens the door when he hears the LORD’s voice from beyond the door: the words from the flesh, which must be understood – comprehended, as God’s words.
John 10
1 Truly, truly, I say unto you, He that enters not by the door [in the flesh] into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
2 But he that enters in by the door [in the flesh] is the shepherd of the sheep.
3 To him the porter opens; and the sheep hear his voice [they do not know by seeing his body – which is the door that must be opened to see what is behind]: and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out [from the gates of Hades].
4 And when he puts forth his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
6 This parable spoke Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spoke unto them. [Do you now comprehend?]
7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Truly, truly, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
10 The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.
12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and flees: and the wolf catches [harpazo] them, and scatters the sheep.
13 The hireling flees, because he is an hireling, and cares not for the sheep.
14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
15 As the Father knows me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
17 Therefore does my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.
20 And many of them said, He has a devil, and is mad; why hear you him?
21 Others said, These are not the words of him that has a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind? [The powers of the world {age} now come, to rise and raise from the dead, and to open blind eyes.]
The LORD’s flesh as the door that must be opened is described in Hebrews 10:20 as the veil of His flesh, which we know was torn open at His death, into two. We know this is the veil that must be gone through to enter the presence of God. The chapter tells of the new and living way, which comes as the same enemies whose gates we now possess are made the LORD’s footstool – after He has corrected us away from their errors and sins, by writing His law in our minds and making them the foundation of our reasoning (heart).
Hebrews 10
5 Wherefore when he comes into the world, he says, Sacrifice and offering you would not, but a [flesh] body have you prepared me:
6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin you have had no pleasure [because He seek the knowledge of God in us – which does take away sin/error].
7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do your will, O God.
8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin you would not, neither had pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do your will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
11 And every priest stands daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool [as He comes in the order of Melchisedec].
14 For by one offering he has perfected for ever them that are sanctified [purified and made holy].
15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20 By a new and living way, which he has consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
21 And having an high priest over the house of God;
22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together [into one body], as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching.
26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose you, shall he be thought worthy, who has trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and has done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
30 For we know him that has said, Vengeance belongs unto me, I will recompense, says the LORD. And again, The LORD shall judge his people.
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Psalm 110
1 The LORD said unto my LORD, Sit you at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.
2 The LORD shall send the rod of your strength out of Zion: rule you in the midst of your enemies.
3 Your people shall be willing in the day of your power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: you have the dew of your youth.
4 The LORD has sworn, and will not repent, You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
5 The LORD at your right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.
6 He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries.
7 He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head.
Proverbs 23
1 When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before you:
2 And put a knife to your throat, if you be a man given to appetite [try the spirits, because many false prophet are in the world].
3 Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.
4 Labor not to be rich: cease from your own wisdom.
5 Will you set your eyes upon that which is not [on the deceptions – what these false teachers among us say the see]? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
6 Eat you not the bread of him that has an evil eye, neither desire you his dainty meats:
7 For as he thinks [sha’ar] in his heart, so is he [lies are His gates – the mind in sin/error that holds in Sheol those that follow them]: Eat and drink, says he to you; but his heart is not with you.
8 The morsel which you have eaten shall you vomit up, and lose your sweet words.
9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of your words.
10 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:
11 For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with you.
12 Apply your heart unto instruction, and your ears to the words of knowledge.
13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if you beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
14 You shall beat him with the rod, and shall deliver his soul from hell.
15 My son, if your heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.
16 Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when your lips speak right things.
17 Let not your heart envy sinners: but be you in the fear of the LORD all the day long.
18 For surely there is an end; and your expectation [the expected end] shall not be cut off.
19 Hear you, my son, and be wise, and guide your heart in the way.
20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:
21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags [speaking of the things these men are feeding their people, which create the ignorance and confused mind].
22 Hearken unto your father [God] that begat you, and despise not your mother [the true church of believers faithful to God] when she is old.
23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begets a wise child shall have joy of him.
25 Your father and your mother shall be glad, and she that bare you shall rejoice.
26 My son, give me your heart [make God’s ways the foundation of reason], and let your eyes observe my ways.
27 For a whore [the unfaithful] is a deep ditch; and a strange woman [the ways that are not God’s] is a narrow pit.
28 She also lies in wait as for a prey [to devour man], and increases the transgressors among men.
29 Who has woe? who has sorrow? who has contentions? who has babbling [confused words]? who has wounds without cause? who has redness of eyes?
30 They that tarry long at the wine [the words {fake news} of the false prophets and false teachers among us]; they that go to seek mixed wine.
31 Look not you upon the wine when it is red, when it gives his color in the cup, when it moves itself aright.
32 At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like an adder.
33 Your eyes shall behold strange women, and your heart shall utter perverse things.
34 Yea, you shall be as he that lies down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lies upon the top of a mast. [violently tossed and turned – and unable to see an end]
35 They have stricken me, shall you say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake [come out from under the ignorance of their lies]? I will seek it yet again. [As a dog returning to his own vomit, so does a fool return to his folly.]
