Baptisms (Washings) Under the Law - Heb_6:1-2

Baptisms (Washings) Under the Law - Hebrews 6:1-2.

"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, (1) Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment." (2)

Here. Paul is encouraging these Jewish Christians to leave the "starting line" of salvation and continue to grow on into maturity. In Hebrews 6:1, the word "principles" is the Greek "ARCHI" and means "elementary." The word "doctrine" is not the usual Greek word translated "doctrine"; instead, it is the Greek "LOGOS" and means "the word." In other words, they were to leave the elementary teaching of the Word of Christ (i.e. salvation), and go on into maturity ("perfection"). When they were saved, they were justified by Christ's righteousness, not the righteousness of the Law, "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth" - Romans 10:4 In Romans 10:2, the word used for "doctrine" is different from the word used in Romans 10:1. In Romans 10:2, the Greek "DIDACHE" is used and means "instruction." The word "baptisms" is "BAPTISMOS" and is referring to the ceremonial washings the Jews had practiced under the Law. This is distinct from "BAPTISMA," as used for the ordinance of water baptism. These "baptisms" (washings) are those spoken of in Mark 7:4; Mark 7:8.

"And when they (Jews) come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables... (4) For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do." (8) The laying on of the hands may have reference to Exodus 29:10 and Leviticus 8:14, which could have been included in the ceremonies of consecrating the priest. It may also include reference to the practice of the laying on of the priest's hands on the scapegoat in Leviticus 16:20-21. In other words, do not go back to the old practices your fathers did under the Law, for "Christ is the end of the law for righteousness." These were the "dead works" and "the foundation" they had previously built upon in Verse One—prior to being saved. It was from this foundation they repented (Greek, "METANOIA," changed their mind); and sought justification through Christ. Allow me to paraphrase the last part of Hebrews 6:1. I believe this will shed some light on its meaning.

"Not laying again the foundation of dead works under the law, from which you previously had changed your mind (repented) and put your faith in God (that is, by accepting God's Word concerning His Son)."

What does Hebrews 6:2 mean by the "resurrection of the dead" and "eternal judgment"? How were they to leave these in proceeding on to maturity? These relate to and would affect ALL mankind; whereas, the "baptisms" and "laying on of the hands" were to Israel, ONLY, under the Law. In other words, do not just dwell generally on a resurrection and eternal punishment; for there is much more to be revealed in the New Testament concerning both. The Old Testament didn't say anything about those being resurrected in Matthew 27:52-53, the resurrection bodies at the Rapture (1 Corinthians 15:51-52 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16), the resurrection of the two witnesses in Revelation 11; or any of the specifics spoken of in 1 Corinthians 15, the Great Resurrection Chapter. Let's go on into maturity, since we are saved; not reaching back for the ceremonial practices which are no longer valid. Let's not just be satisfied with the basics we have learned about the Resurrection and God's judgment, which is the "milk of the Word"; let us continue to study and learn more.

"For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe." - Hebrews 5:13

We can never be thankful enough for our salvation. That is why in Hebrews 6:1 it does not say "forgetting"; but, "leaving" the starting line, and learning more about God's Word.  We have some Christians today who are singing "Standing on the Promises," and doing nothing more than "sitting on the premises"!  Only by reading and standing on God's Word can one grow strong enough to lay aside our little "security blankets" of religious practice and traditions which we have previously learned.  The only way to grow into a mature Christian is to digest the Word of God.

"But GROW in GRACE, and in the KNOWLEDGE of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." - 2 Peter 3:18

Years ago we had a Jewish man speak in our church, a wonderful Christian with a great testimony for his Savior.  One evening my wife prepared the most delicious pork roast for dinner; and, since the Jewish man was staying with us while speaking in the church, he joined us at the dinner table. Can you believe it; we could not get him to take a bite of that pork roast!  I remember kidding him about not being under the Law; but, to no avail—he would not touch that pork roast.

Some ingrained religious practices are hard to remove.  Peter was one who had to outgrow the Law after he was saved.  God's grace and patience was extended to him, as he had to sever the strings that still attached him to the dietary portion of the Law. Concerning the things that were forbidden under the Law, God gave this Word to Peter in Acts 10:13-14.

"And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. (13) But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean." (14)

Yes, Peter was growing by God's grace and in the knowledge of God's Word, as he went on to be a mighty force in God's Army!  Growth and maturity will always be relative to the time spent in the Word of God.  May I challenge you to honestly examine yourself, and see how far you have come toward spiritual maturity since you have been saved.