Your Kingdom Foundation
Introduction
ELEMENTARY PRINCIPLES OF CHRIST
THE FIRST PRINCIPLES OF THE ORACLES OF GOD
The writer of the letter to the Hebrew Believers is led by the Holy Spirit. He is inspired by Him to convey the Word of Christ to them so he begins with this statement:
"God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son" (1'1-2).
This is an amazingly clarifying statement because it is crucial for understanding the whole Bible, the Word of Christ and the Kingdom of God. Jesus expressed it in other ways and our heavenly Father said it very clearly on the Mount of Transfiguration (see Hear Him! on the Menu).
The writer is aware of the significance of what the Holy Spirit has called him to do. He speaks to Believers as disciples in regard to their spiritual foundation. Apparently, their Elders have received and experienced these foundational principles although some may well have missed out.
However, having started the letter and spoken of several basic things, he reaches the point of introducing Melchizedek as a type of Christ, and he says these astounding words:
"... of him (Melchizedek) we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.
But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
And this we will do if God permits" (Hebrews 5'11-6'3).
The primary thing he's saying is that they need to be re-taught the first principles of the oracles of God. So, the question then is, what are the oracles of God? That phrase is used only three other times in the New Testament: by Stephen, by Paul and by Peter.
* Stephen calls them "the living oracles" (Acts 7'37-38). Having been brought before the Jewish powers that be, Stephen is part way through reminding them of their history as it relates to Jesus as their Messiah when he says: “This is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, ‘The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear’
This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the Angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, the one who received the living oracles to give to us".
* Paul says (Romans 3'1-2): "What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God.
* Peter says (1:4'11): "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God".
These godly men are speaking after the Holy Spirit came. Apparently, the understanding what oracles of God are is well established.
So, the elementary principles of Christ are the first principles of the oracles of God. And that's the basis of Your Kingdom Foundation.
The writer of the letter to the Hebrew Believers does an unusual thing (prompted by the Holy Spirit?). Having said he's not going to do any re-teaching and he's leaving the whole discussion of the principles, he leaves a very important thing: a list of them.
Next: Repentance and Faith.
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