Verse one turns an interesting phrase. What exactly is meant by “leaving” the principles of the doctrine of Christ? Is it to set aside? Is it to forget or turn away from? I think not. All spiritual progress is built upon them. Let us determine, first of all, what is a principle and what is a doctrine. Synonyms for the word principles are concepts, ideas, theories, postulations, assumptions, philosophies, and even truths. One may argue assumptions all day and get nowhere. As an example, one assumption of the creation narrative has Adam and Eve as a single body, rather like Siamese twins who must be separated. Whether they were separated or Eve was created from a rib, what we know about the original man and woman is purely speculative. What, then, is a doctrine? It is a creed, a dogma, a conviction, an article of faith. It is a statement of faith purported by authorities to be incontrovertible. We may easily see that all the synonyms of the word 'principles' fit neatly within the fullness of the word 'doctrine.'
I think what is meant by the word 'leaving,' is simply that we should move on. We should not sit around and argue matters that impede our spiritual growth. Does it really matter whether one is sprinkled or immersed? Put some water on your head and move on. Is there a right and a wrong way to lay on hands? Maybe, but they are just hands; they are not spirit, move on. Is there some special order to the resurrection, some defining attribute about eternal judgment we've missed? We'll know when we get there. Stop pumping so much time and energy into topics of conversation that take you away from the matters at hand. You can circle these issues forever and only go in circles. Move on. Grow.
Some people obsess. Some people forge ahead. “And this will we do, if God permit,” tells me that not everyone is allowed to move on. If you keep circling the details, God will let you stew in them. If you seek to make strides, God will help you move forward. The author explains why in verses four through eight.
First, the example in verses seven and eight. Those things that grow well on the earth are doubly blessed. God blesses them, in the first place, by often sending the rain. The earth is hydrated and healthy. The herbs flourish. More so, because man tends to them, ensuring a proper environment in which to grow. On the other hand, there are useless thorns and brambles in dry and arid places. Some may receive the same rain as the herbs, but they are not tended by man as he has no purpose for them. If anything, they can be used for kindling.
Mankind, itself, may be seen in light of these extremes. Which spirit is cursed, which is doubly blessed? One spirit, having tasted the heavenly gift, drinks fully and is enlightened. That spirit, under the merciful hand of God and in the maintenance of equally enlightened peers, is doubly blessed. Another spirit, also partaking of the Holy Ghost, and tasting the good word of God, and having equal access to the powers of the world to come, turns away. That spirit is cursed. If that spirit should later seek to return, should hope to be renewed through repentance a second time, it is doubly cursed in that it puts Jesus back up on the cross. The cross is a public shame. The sacrifice that God made by sending his only son to the cross was meant to be effective as a single casting of the net, drawing in the 'whosoever will' lot. You can play your losing ticket a second time with no more chance of winning the one-time prize.
Dire words from the author ( the use of “we” suggesting a joint effort in the writing.) However, the audience to whom Hebrews was intended had convinced the author and company of actions and spiritual inclinations toward salvation. The audience had loved the saints and ministered to their needs. They had labored and worked in the name of Jesus. God would not overlook their labor of love any more than he would overlook their love for Jesus. To do so would be unrighteous – and that is not God.
The author and company (“we”) desired that the audience show the same diligence, not only in physical labors of love but also in their hopes for salvation. Be steadfast to the end in full assurance of the hope that is in you. In that regard, there are some spiritual pitfalls that should be avoided. A major pitfall is sloth. Synonyms for the word include laziness, idleness, lassitude, indolence, and apathy. In other words, defying weariness, do not avoid the hard work. Be like those who work patiently toward the promise. The promise is there, it's yours, you just have to reach it. As an example, the author cites Abraham. In the example, God promised, Abraham endured, Abraham obtained the promise that God confirmed by an oath.
In that culture, an oath was a serious matter. Confirmation by oath assured men of an end to all strife. What is strife? It is disagreement, controversy, and conflict. It is hostility, ill-feeling, and disharmony. All the negatives are laid aside and settled with an oath. In verse eighteen, the author mentions two “immutable things.” They are the counsel of God and the impossibility for God to lie. What does immutable mean? Synonyms for the word include enduring, unchangeable, abiding, permanent, established. God was willing to confirm his enduring truth to us in an oath. We are assuaged, our consolation is strong. We have fled the raging world and turned to Jesus as a refuge, as an anchor in a storm, and this steadfast anchor for the soul upon which we take hold, Jesus, who like Moses, has entered the presence of God. As the high priest for those who believe and endure and patiently labor in love and hope, Jesus is compared to Melchisedec in verse twenty. As a priest-king, Jesus is not only our advocate but a merciful judge.
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