Heb. 6:1-2 Understanding the foundational aspects of Christ

THE OPENING WORDS OF THIS SECTION ARE SURPRISING. He has just told his readers that they are not able to assimilate solid food which he would like to give them but can’t because they are immature. We might have expected him to say, as Paul says to the Corinthians in a similar situation: 1 Corinthians 3:2 (NKJV) I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; But he doesn't say this, instead, he says, "Let us press on." · This was the solution to their problem. · If they progressed properly, they would avoid the dangers of immaturity. Hebrews 6:1 (NKJV) 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, · The word "leaving" is the Greek word aphiemi. o It is a verb meaning: "to put or to place". o Thus the word means: "to send away, depart, let go, to disregard." The word "perfection" is teleiotes, which means: "completeness." This is not the same as the word teleios used in Heb 5:14, meaning "full age" or mature. Maturity is the first step towards completeness. The words "let us go on" are passive, which gives us the idea of "being carried on." · It is a word taken from the progress which a ship makes when under sail. · It most likely suggests that God is the actual agent in the advance.