Therefore, leaving the elementary message about the Messiah, let us go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, faith in God, teaching about ritual washings, laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. Hebrews 6:1-2 HCSB
About a year ago our church discovered that the walls in one of the buildings had been built without any steel rebar nor any concrete. The structural engineer said that the walls were standing up by the grace of God. Any building needs a strong foundation and reinforcement to stand against winds, earthquakes, and general shifting of the soil.
Christians are pressured on all sides and tempted by Satan. If they have not built a strong foundation of faith, it is possible that the “winds and earthquakes” of sin and temptation will cause them to spiritually collapse. After encouraging the readers of Hebrews to move on and grow to maturity in Christ, the writer listed six foundational Christian truths. 1. One must repent from his dead works and sins. 2. Accept Jesus as Lord by faith in God. 3. Ritual washing relates to baptism much like the purification process the Jews used. 4. Laying on of hands was a sign of blessing, commissioning, healing, and affirming of spiritual gifts. 5. The resurrection of the dead indicated the belief that those who believe in Christ will rise from the dead and live forever in heaven. 6. Eternal judgment was the belief that everyone will someday face the judgment of God. Unbelievers will face eternal punishment while believers will enjoy eternal life with God in heaven.
Challenge: Build a strong foundation so you can stand strong against any adversity that life throws at you. Satan will do everything in his power to shake your life and cause you to fall. Build your faith on these six foundations so you can grow in maturity and resist the temptations of Satan. Pray consistently and fervently for strength.