Articles
Elementary Principles - Part 1 Introduction
Elementary Principles - Part 1
Introduction
By Derek Long
The Hebrew writer mentions, “the elementary principles
of Christ” (Hebrews 6:1). Most people are familiar with the term “elementary” in reference to a type of school one may attend in the beginning of one’s education. Elementary seems to refer to fundamental, basic, and the primary things. Hence, when the Bible speaks of the “elementary principles of Christ,” it is speaking of those fundamental and basic principles Christians ought to be familiar with. It is important to make sure we have a good grasp of the elementary principles and pass such instruction on to others (2 Timothy 2:2; Matthew 28:18-20).
Elementary principles are the first things we need to learn to enable us to grasp deeper concepts. In secular education, we might think about how a person must learn numbers and gain the ability to count before learning how to multiply, etc. Clearly there are some things the Bible stresses we need to learn first which will equip us to handle other, more challenging topics. If we fail to grasp elementary principles, we will be confused when attempting to study harder topics. Elementary principles are acceptable for some to have need of but we are expected to eventually go pass the elementary principles. In Hebrew 5:11-6:1, the Hebrew writer rebukes some for failing to grow as they should and having need of elementary principles when they should be going on to perfection. The text says, “of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection.” Elementary principles are like milk. A baby needs milk in order to survive and cannot digest meat in the beginning. Yet there comes a time in a baby’s life where he needs solid foods and not just milk. In a similar way, there comes a time in our development as Christians when we need solid food instead of the milk of the word. We need to guard ourselves against a failure to grow in our knowledge of God and His word lest we become stunted in our spiritual growth (2 Peter 3:18). The person who fails to grow in their understanding as they should will constantly miss out on many wonderful truths God has contained in His word. Let’s realize elementary principles are important but let’s resolve not to stay on elementary principles.
The concept of “elementary principles” reminds us there needs to be an order in how we teach people. We need to start teaching people basic concepts about the word of God and
build upon these truths as time goes on. It can be discouraging to some if we start talking about them in a manner which is past their present ability to understand or know.
A person does not have to remain ignorant of God’s word or on the milk their whole life. In fact, it is God’s desire, for, “all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Knowing the truth is not some unattainable goal but is something God feels we can actually accomplish if we are diligent (2 Timothy 2:15).
The Hebrew writer lists some topics which would be included among the elementary principles of Christ. Such things make up a foundation for our knowledge. He says, “not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal
judgment” (Hebrews 6:1-2). As we go through future articles in this series, we want to examine each of these elementary principles in more detail to give us a good basis for understanding God’s will for us.
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