The Opportunity for Spiritual Formation and Christlikeness

Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, (Hebrews 6:1 ESV) With these words, the writer of the book of Hebrews calls believers into a life of depth, growing awareness of the things of God, lives of Holiness, and understanding of God's ways. "Leaving the elementary doctrines" calls believers to leave the basic teachings, not in disbelief, but in expectation of deeper maturity and intimacy with God. This intimacy is made possible by God, sustained by God, and finds its end in God. God has promised that spiritual growth is possible and is the One who empowers, guides, and fulfills the growth that He makes known. It should be the passion of the followers of Jesus to permit ourselves to be borne strongly onwards towards full growth of spiritual character.