I find that very few Christians are astute in these very fundamental doctrines, therefore how can we go on to maturity? The author of Hebrews says in chapter six, verses one and two:
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 towards God (Salvation), with instruction about Ablutions (Baptisms), the Laying on of Hands, the Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgement.
Hebrews 6:1–2
Let’s make sure we understand these six doctrines.
I’m sure we all know about Repentance, asking forgiveness for our sins and being ashamed of our old life before beginning our new. Salvation is predicated upon knowing the Only True God and Jesus Christ whom God has sent (John 17:3). In John:
Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.
John 11:25
This eternal life He offers us is based upon the word Believe. It does not mean to merely have a belief in Christ; even the demons believe and shudder (James 2:19). The word believe is Pisteuo in Greek and it literally means to trust in, cling to and rely on! This is what your salvation is based on, and this is one way you can lose it! Just stop trusting in, clinging to and relying on Christ Jesus.
Instructions about Baptisms.
See subject on Baptisms.
The Laying on of Hands
An excellent example of this practice is found in Acts 8:14–20. In this chapter you will notice the Samaritans had received the Word of God, had been Baptized in Water in the name of the Lord Jesus, but had not been Baptized in the Holy Spirit. The Apostles at Jerusalem heard about it and sent Peter and John (Apostles) to Lay Hands on them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. Notice the Laying on of Hands is a Power (Acts 8:19), and that it is a Gift from God (Acts 8:20). Luke tells us:
Now at the Church of Antioch there were Prophets and Teachers…while they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for the Work which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. So being sent out by the Holy Spirit…
Acts 13:1–4
Notice first: The laying on of hands was done by Prophets and Teachers. Second: Neither the Church nor the Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem Ordained their ministry, but it was the Holy Spirit! Luke further tells us:
On hearing this, they were Baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (Water Baptism) and when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke with Tongues and Prophesied.
Acts 19:5–6
Notice first: Paul was an Apostle, as were Peter and John who Baptized the Samaritans. Second: Water Baptism may come before or after Spiritual Baptism. Third: they spoke in tongues as the evidence of being Baptized in the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2:4 and Acts 10:44–46).
Is this experience for today? Luke wrote:
And Peter said to them repent and be Baptized everyone of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and you shall receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children and to all that are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Him.
Acts 2:38–41
Three thousand souls were baptized in the Holy Spirit that very day! Paul wrote to Timothy:
Do not neglect the Gift you have that was given you by prophetic utterance when the Counsel of Elders laid their hands upon you.
1 Timothy 4:14
Notice first: The Gift Timothy received was given by Prophetic Utterance and Laying on of Hands. This involved Prophets and Teachers. Peter was an Apostle and called himself a fellow Elder (1 Peter 5:1). The only record we have of those laying on hands are Apostles, Prophets and Teachers!
The Resurrection of the Dead
We are told of four resurrections other than that of Christ Jesus.
First: The First Fruit Resurrection
This took place immediately after the Resurrection of Christ Jesus. They are undoubtedly Jewish Saints who attained the “High Calling” of God in their time. Remember: To the Jew First!
And Jesus cried again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit, and behold the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook, and the rocks were split; the tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the Saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs AFTER HIS RESURRECTION they went into the Holy City and appeared to many.
Matthew 27:50–54
Again in 1 Corinthians 15:22–23 where Paul is talking about the resurrection:
For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ, THE FIRSTFRUITS, then at his coming (Parousia – Appearance or Rapture) those who belong to Christ.
Then John in Revelation 14 tells us about the 144,000 who have the name of Christ and God written on their foreheads:
It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are chaste (Virgins). It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes; these have been redeemed from mankind as FIRSTFRUITS for God and the Lamb. And in their mouth, no lie was found, for they are spotless.
Revelation 14:4
Second: The First Resurrection
This is the resurrection where Christ is coming for his bride! Christ is seen coming on the clouds of Heaven with power and great Glory; and He will send out his Angels with a loud trumpet call and they will gather in his elect (Bride) from the four winds (Spirits), from end of Heaven to the other (Matthew 24:30–31). Notice, this resurrection occurs “immediately after the tribulation of those days when the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light and the stars (Satan’s Angels or Nephilim) will fall from heaven” (Matthew 24:29). A similar scripture occurs in Revelation 6:12–13. This is the opening of the sixth Seal.
Then he opened the sixth seal. I looked and behold there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars (Satan’s Angels) of the sky fell to earth.
Revelation 6:12–13
Notice, this occurs after the four horsemen rode (tribulation under the beast to the Church and Jews) and just before the outpouring of God’s wrath upon the wicked nations. At this interim in time (Revelation 7) the Angels seal the 144,000 Jews to protect them during God’s wrath, the Bride is raptured and the beast (Son of perdition) is slain (see chart).
Third: The Resurrection of All Israel
See subject on the Jews.
This resurrection occurs about three and a half years after the First Resurrection at the time Christ literally returns to earth to set up his Millennial Reign (see chart).
Fourth: The Final Resurrection or Great White Throne Judgement
This is found in Revelation 20:11–15. The thing to be aware of here is that the “books” were opened (Death and Hades) and the dead were judged by what they had done and then Death and Hades were thrown into the Lake of Fire. If any were not found written in the “Book of Life” they were thrown into the Lake of Fire — this is the second death or Death of the Soul! But there was another book opened! The BOOK OF LIFE! There will be many saved in this Great White Throne Judgement. All those who did not qualify for Brideship, not to mention the vast number that are saved during the millennium when the wells of salvation are again opened! So please, do not call this the resurrection of the damned — you may be in it!