The writer of the book of Hebrews supplies us with some of those: Repentance from dead works (changing from legalism), faith toward God, instructions about washing/baptisms, laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
We might be surprised at this list. In the history of Christianity these topics have been the source of a lot of debate, controversy and charges of heresy. It is amazing that the writer of Hebrews puts them all in the category of “elementary teachings!” Spiritual maturity dictates that we move on from these.
Now, to be sure, the writer of Hebrews is not saying that they are not important. The author is merely pointing out that the readers (and, by implication, we who are Christians today) cannot camp on these and stay focused here and expect to grow spiritually. According to the writer of Hebrews, there are “better things that belong to salvation” (Hebrews 6:9) --
• Work and love in serving the saints
• Earnestness in realizing the full assurance of hope until the end
• Imitators of those who have gone before as examples of faith and patience who inherit the promises (current and future rest)
Notice how that for the writer of Hebrews spiritual maturity centers around the Christian journey marked by 4 things: love, serving, holding steadfast the full assurance of hope, and imitating men & women of faith who have gone before. These are all expressions of the converted lifestyle that is following in the steps of Jesus. It is hard to debate and argue about these things.
When Christ is the foundation and center out of which these four things spring, then the journey of spiritual maturity can be faithfully pursued! Too often, we Christian leaders ourselves, spend so much time focusing on the fundamentals that we do not grow. And, if we do not grow into spiritual maturity, how can we expect other Christians to do so?
“The better things that belong to salvation” must be modeled by Christian leaders so others can imitate what they see.
For example, as a Christian leader, how can I model for others “work and love in serving the saints?”
As a Christian leader, how can I model “earnestness in realizing the full assurance of hope until the end?”
As a Christian leader, how can I model “imitating those who have gone before as examples of faith?”
As a Christian leader, how can I model “patience in inheriting the promises?”
Content of the Christian faith (orthodoxy) becomes the elemental foundation for the right practice (orthopraxis) of the Christian faith. I wonder what servant-hood looks like in the lives of Christian leaders who seek the right balance between these two? It seems that part of the journey of spiritual maturity is recognizing that the content of faith becomes the foundation for the practice of faith.
Yes, there is a place to teach against legalism (repentance from dead works), but railing against it and harping against it constantly does not provide the soil for spiritual growth. What believers need to see is Christian leaders who model in their life what grace looks like. What they need to see is the inherent joy possessed by one who has left a legalistic system of belief!
It is possible, you know, to be legalistic in one’s opposition to legalism! May all of us who are in Christian leadership roles seek the “better things that belong to salvation!”
In Christian love, Curtis
