Since filling up on more than the “basics” about Jesus is a worthwhile and valuable endeavor (as described in the previous couple of articles, looking at Hebrews 5:11-14), I would hope that we are motivated to do so! What does the author of Hebrews say next?
Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.
Hebrews 6:1-3 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/heb.6.1-3.NIV
Well, actually, before we move on to more “advanced” topics (including future articles in this series), let’s make sure that we know what we’re moving on from. What are the “basics” of this foundation that should already have been present – as I read this – within the lives of Christians who initially received this letter (which we now call the book of Hebrews)?
- The “basics” include an element of repentance. Now, I do not believe that “moving on from the basics” means that mature Christians go back to sinning. There are different translations in verse 1, but the repentance – or turning away – here seems to be from either, 1) sin in general and/or, 2) following “useless rituals” [NIV footnote] or works that we believe will earn us our salvation. Seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness should be our focus, even as we learn more and more about what those things mean.
- Faith in (or “towards” [NASB]) God is also part of the foundation. Like repentance, we don’t stop having faith as we grow in Christ. However, that faith should develop and grow, allowing us to entrust more and more of our lives to God (where we may have been holding back). And, that faith typically grows as we learn more about God’s faithfulness.
- We also find elements of baptisms [per NIV and NASB footnotes], laying hands on people (perhaps for healing or other blessings), resurrection, and judgment. These are important, but they don’t capture all that it means to continue to mature in our walk with Jesus.
Of course, when it comes to the Word of God, there’s nothing wrong with the basics, especially for those who haven’t yet heard the gospel. Notice also how many of these topics would normally be included when sharing the good news about Jesus today, as someone learns how to give their life to Christ and receive salvation through Him. Once lost people understand that we will all be resurrected and live forever based on how we are judged, then faith, repentance, and baptism are the right responses to God’s offer of salvation (that is, His means of restoring us to righteousness, so that we can spend eternity with Him).
And, the basics shouldn’t be abandoned as a Christian matures. After all, if you’re building a nice house upon a solid foundation, you don’t go back and destroy the foundation after the house is finished! These are “basics”, but they’re still important. We just shouldn’t stop at them; instead, we must keep going and keep growing. Maturity in our faith means moving past the basics, on to things that are more advanced. For those who are new to the faith, the Bible App’s “verse of the day” might be a good start, and I sometimes read it when I log on, too. However, once you or I have mastered the basics about trusting Jesus, we should dig deeper.
Some of that might mean studying doctrine and theology, leveraging great thinkers and writers that God has blessed with insight over the years. However, I think that a lot of deepening our faith should come from reading the Bible directly, asking the Holy Spirit to speak to us, and talking with God on our own.
In addition, our faith should include passing along what we have learned to others. Do you want to become a teacher of the faith? I don’t mean that you have to stand a podium and formally teach a class, but are you learning more about what you believe so that you can tell others who haven’t yet heard? If not, don’t stay in your current “grade” year after year. Of course, growing in our faith isn’t a linear activity like public schooling. However, if you or I haven’t learned more about God and developed our lives to be more like Jesus compared to, say, a year ago; then it’s kind of like repeating the same “grade” in our spiritual life instead of developing further. Just ask anyone who is learning more and more about God all the time: the process of “sanctification” (i.e., becoming more like Jesus) is an exciting adventure, and it is well worth the time and effort spent in study and practice!
From Sunday School lesson prepared for February 15, 2026
References:
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – Hebrews, by Jim Girdwood and Peter Verkruyse. © 1997 College Press Publishing Co.
