What are the elementary doctrines of Christ? 

Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of 1 repentance from dead works and 2 faith toward God, and of 3 instruction about washings [baptisms], the 4 laying on of hands, 5 the resurrection of the dead, and 6 eternal judgment. (Hebrews 6:1-2 ESV) 

Doctrine 1: Repentance from dead works (1) 

The Old Testament explains dead works. 

1. Ten Commandments (2 positive and 8 

negative commandments) 

2. Torah (613 commandments: 248 positive and 

365 negative commandments) 

3. Teaching & examples in the prophets 

4. Psalms and Proverbs 

Doctrine 1: Repentance from dead works (2) 

The New Testament explains dead works. 

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Over 1000 commandments in total 

Jesus' "Sermon on the Mount" expanded the law 

• Lists of sins that will keep one out of the Kingdom: 

• Galatians 5:19-21 

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1 Corinthians 6:9-11 

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Ephesians 5:3-14 

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Colossians 3:5-9 

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Revelation 22:14-15 

Doctrine 1: Repentance from dead works (3) 

Read one New Testament example: 

"Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:19-21 ESV). 

Doctrine 1: Repentance from dead works (4) 

Repentance must be first. If we cannot see that we have sinned, we don't need God! 

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," (Romans 3:23 ESV) 

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9 ESV) 

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. (James 4:17 ESV) 

Matthew 5-7 sets a high 

righteousness 

standard 

Doctrine 2: Faith toward God (1) 

Faith toward God. 

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8 ESV). 

"For God had such love for the world that he gave his only Son, so that whoever has faith in him may not come to destruction but have eternal life" (John 3:16 Bible in Basic English). 

Doctrine 2: Faith toward God (1) 

Faith definition & requirement 

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.... And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe [have faith] that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him" (Hebrews 11:1, 6 ESV). 

Doctrine 3: Instruction about baptisms (3) 

Baptized in or filled with the Holy Spirit 

1. Christ promised to baptize with the Holy Spirit (Matt 

3:11; 28:19; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 1:5; 11:16; 1Cor 12:14). 

2. People are also "filled with the Holy Spirit” (Luke 1:15, 41, 67; Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31; 9:17; 13:9, 52; Eph 5:18) 

3. Some people receive the Holy Spirit in a lesser 

quantity-not filled or immersed in it. The seventy elders received some of Moses' Spirit-Num 11:24-25. The disciples received some Holy Spirit before the resurrection (John 20:22), then filled at Pentecost! 

Doctrine 3: Instruction about baptisms (4) 

The baptism of fire refers to a believer's trials 

"Baptism of fire" is specifically mentioned only twice in the New Testament (Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:16). 

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you" (1 Peter 4:12 ESV). "For everyone will be salted with fire" (Mark 9:49 ESV). 

Believers whose works are like "wood, hay and straw” will be saved—through fire (1Cor 3:10-15). 

May Christ bless you with understanding of His elementary doctrines!