The basic doctrines of the Christian faith are the subject of the following lessons. A doctrine is a collection of teachings on a certain subject, and the basic doctrines of the Christian faith are the teachings of Jesus Christ recorded in the Bible.
These doctrines are listed in the Bible in the book of Hebrews:
Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so. (Hebrews 6:1-3)
Two spiritual objectives are set forth in this verse: The first objective is that of building your spiritual life on the right foundation. This foundation is the doctrine of Jesus Christ. The second objective is to go on to perfection. Perfection means spiritual maturity.
There are two reasons for failure to live a victorious Christian life. The first reason is that some who are trying to live like Christians have never been born again. They do not understand the basic doctrines of Jesus Christ. Because of this lack of understanding they have failed to make a proper response to God. The second reason for failure is not going on to spiritual maturity.
The first purpose of this course is to present the basic doctrines of the Christian faith necessary for a proper spiritual foundation. The six foundational doctrines of Hebrews 6:1-3 will be discussed: Repentance from dead works, faith toward God, doctrine of baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. After establishing this foundation, the second purpose of this course is to take you on to perfection [spiritual maturity]...
"And God permitting, we will do so."
Foundations Lesson One
The Bible compares the life of a believer to the construction of a building, For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. (I Corinthians 3:9) and each believer is united in Christ with other Christians to form the Church. The Bible also compares the Church to a building. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (Ephesians 2:22)
Repentance From Dead Works: Part One Lesson Two
Hebrews 6:1-3 lists principles of the doctrine of Christ on which a believer is to build his spiritual life. These principles are called the "foundations" of the Christian faith and are the basic doctrines on which the Christian faith rests. The first of these principles is "repentance from dead works.”
Repentance from Dead Works: Part Two Lesson Three
The last lesson defined "repentance from dead works" which is the first of the basic doctrines listed in Hebrews 6:1-3. "Dead works" were defined as sin and the origin of sin was examined. This lesson continues study of the first foundational principle of repentance from dead works.
Faith Towards God Lesson Four
The second of the foundation doctrines is "faith toward God.” "Faith toward God" refers to your attitude toward God. Some men hate God and rebel against Him. Others are afraid of Him. Your attitude should be one of faith toward God.
Doctrine of Baptisms: Part I Lesson Five
The second of the foundation doctrines is "faith toward God.” "Faith toward God" refers to your attitude toward God. Some men hate God and rebel against Him. Others are afraid of Him. Your attitude should be one of faith toward God.
Doctrine of Baptisms: Part II Lesson Six
In the last lesson you learned the definition of the word "baptize" and studied three of the four baptisms mentioned in the New Testament. This lesson concerns the fourth baptism which is the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Laying on of Hands Lesson Seven
The doctrine of the laying on of hands is the fourth principle in the foundations of the Christian faith. Laying on of hands is an act in which one person places his hands on the body of another person with a definite spiritual purpose. This laying on of hands is accompanied by prayer or prophecy.
Resurrection of the Dead Part One Lesson Eight
There are two other foundational doctrines of the Christian faith, the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. In the study of these two remaining doctrines, the Bible takes us by revelation beyond the present time into the future of eternity.
Resurrection of the Dead Part Two Lesson Nine
In the previous lesson the term "resurrection" was defined and three resurrections mentioned in the New Testament were identified. This lesson explains the future resurrection of all that are in the graves. The future resurrection actually will be two separate resurrections, one of the just and one of the unjust. This lesson will also attempt to explain how the death and resurrection of Jesus affected the destiny of the human soul.
Eternal Judgment Lesson Ten
Eternal judgment is the last of the six foundation principles of the Christian faith. In the Old Testament the word "judgment" is used two ways. One refers to the statutes, testimonies, and laws of God. The other concerns God's judgment on men and nations. The latter meaning is how the word "judgment" is used in the New Testament. It is this meaning that is used in this chapter.
Eternal Perfection Lesson Eleven
You must not only understand the basic doctrines of Hebrews 6:1-3 but you must also experience them. Once you have built your life on these doctrines through experience, you must learn how to "go on unto perfection.” That is the purpose of this chapter.