THE FIRST PRINCIPLES - IV (Faith Toward IAUE - 1)

WBS.097

FUNDAMENTALS OF DISCIPLESHIP

THE FIRST PRINCIPLES - IV

 

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Messiah, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward IAUE,

2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

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FAITH TOWARD IAUE - 1

No man is justified (declared righteous such that we are acceptable to IAUE) by the works of the Law; nor by any deeds or works motivated by good intentions to be pleasing to IAUE.  All such works are empowered by the flesh, and as such, they are dead works and are incapable of pleasing IAUE.

Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against IAUE: for it is not subject to the law of IAUE, neither indeed can be.

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please IAUE.

Paul declared emphatically that “by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified” (Gal 2:16). By the Law, men felt that they had some measure of control over their relationship with IAUE.  The Law was something concrete that they could do or not do.  The Law exercised no dominion over their hearts.  Men could keep the Law, thinking it was sufficient to maintain their relationship of good standing with IAUE, while living in any manner they please.  Interestingly, that is also a common perception of Christians, today. 

Because most Christians, today, became “believers” through an “epistle-based” gospel message, they came to Messiah without genuine repentance; and as a result, they brought their old man into the relationship…a corrupt life that still thrives and strives for dominance; all the while allowing lip service to a body of religious doctrines that define their outward behavior.

Colossians 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Ephesians 4:20 But ye have not so learned Messiah;

21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Yahushua:

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on the new man, which after IAUE is created in righteousness and true holiness.

The problem with the correct gospel message (as far as man’s flesh is concerned) is that it takes away the power of control from man.  Without being able to rely on things he can control (which never provided acceptance before IAUE; it just made man think it did), man must come to IAUE, directly.  This, historically, has always been a fairly unacceptable option.

Exodus 20:18 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.

19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not Elohim speak with us, lest we die.

20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for Elohim is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

“Speak with us…but let not Elohim speak with us.” Letting someone speak to us the words of IAUE meant being given something we could do or not do without having a single thought of IAUE. It is not much different than going to church on Sunday and listening to the pastor tell us what we should do or not do.  At no time do we actually have to think of IAUE or make ourselves personally accountable to His will.  

Approaching IAUE directly means having to cope with the fear of IAUE.  It means being personally accountable for your own behavior, your own obedience or disobedience to the Creator of the universe, and having to deal with an awareness that he chastises His children to correct their behavior and to produce “the peaceable fruit of righteousness” within them (Heb 12:5-11).   [The second and third posts of this blog (May 5, 2013 and May 12, 2013) deal considerably with the concept of the Fear of IAUE.  It would be advisable to read those posts if you have not done so already.]

Hebrews 6:1  Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Messiah, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward IAUE,

There is a natural progression from repentance from dead works to faith toward IAUE.   As we have shown above, when we cease relying on our own works and our own concept of being faithful to whatever standard of behavior seems right in our own eyes, we become REQUIRED to deal with IAUE, directly; and to have confidence in His conditions for acceptance before Him.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to IAUE must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

It is genuinely impossible to have “faith toward IAUE” without both understanding what faith is; and who IAUE is.

WHAT IS FAITH?

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

The NASB translates it like this: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

“Faith” is translated from the Greek word, “pistis,” and refers to “a strong conviction.” Its use in Scripture is always in reference to faith toward IAUE or toward Messiah.

“Substance” is from the word “hypostasis,” which refers to “something placed under” in the sense of providing a foundation.

“Hoped for” is from “elpizo,” which means “trust” and incorporates a sense of anticipation or expectation.

“Evidence” is from “elegchos,” which means “a proof derived from having been tested.”

Now, faith is a strong conviction that forms a solid foundation of belief that the things in which we trust are proven certainties.  It is this form of conviction in IAUE that is required in order to please Him.

We are also told in Scripture, where faith originates:

Romans 10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of IAUE.

In context, this is referring to “faith toward IAUE.”  It is the faith by which man is delivered from all that oppresses and hinders his ability to obey the will of IAUE that he might walk in obedience to Him all the days of his life.  It isn’t referring to faith that results in “going to Heaven when we die;” and it certainly is not talking about the faith to believe IAUE will give you a new car, a new home or a better job.   All faith has as its objective, confident trust and reliance upon IAUE with a view to obedience to His will.

This faith comes by hearing “the word” of IAUE.  This is the “rhema,” which is the spoken word.  In context, this passage refers to preachers going out to speak the word of IAUE that their faith might be communicated to others that they, too, might have faith toward IAUE, and receive the righteousness provided by Messiah.

Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of IAUE revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Much of the current Christian world has made a game of this matter of faith.  It has made “things” the objective of faith, and IAUE the friendly supplier in the sky of those things. It leads men to find promises in the Scripture that would make their lives easier, better and more profitable, then hold IAUE’s feet to the fire to do what He promised.  All such teaching draws men farther and farther away from the simple purpose of life---to do the will of IAUE. 

We will connect this concept of faith with its true object, IAUE, in our next post.

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Kingdom heart: a heart that offers no resistance to the performance of the will of IAUE.   

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Even though we have moved on to a different subject matter, we can never leave this basic concept; for this is what IAUE desires more than anything else in all His creation.

THE FIRST PRINCIPLES - III (Repentance from Dead Works - 2)

WBS.096

FUNDAMENTALS OF DISCIPLESHIP

THE FIRST PRINCIPLES - III

 

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Messiah, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward IAUE,

2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

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REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS - 2

What are dead works?  They are works that 1) do not originate with life; and 2) bear fruit that do not have life.  More specifically, however, what works in particular are being referenced here?  Dead works is a term that relates to man’s efforts to appease or to satisfy IAUE. (All of man’s religions and philosophies ultimately are nothing more than dead works.  We have learned to do dead works from childhood.  It is instinctive to the flesh to offer something of our own doing or our own making in hopes that it will please IAUE on our behalf.)

Take Cain and Abel, for example.  Both men brought an offering before IAUE; but Cain’s offering was rejected?  Why is this?  It is because he brought the produce of the ground that he had worked and tilled.  Abel brought the firstlings of his flock.  Cain offered the fruit of his own labor, his own work to IAUE; while Abel offered an innocent life, making no appeal to IAUE on the basis of the goodness of any action or work on his own part.  Cain sought approval through his works.  Abel sought approval through IAUE’s mercy.

Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Yahushua Messiah, even we have believed in Yahushua Messiah, that we might be justified by the faith of Messiah, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Here is the first part of our revelation of Messiah in this principle of “repentance from dead works.”  It is that no one is justified (made righteous…acceptable before IAUE) based on obedience to the Law.  The only vehicle through which righteousness is obtained is “by the faith of Messiah.”  That does not mean OUR faith in Messah.  It means HIS faith.  When we believe in Yahushua Messiah, we are actually trusting in “his faith” that we are justified (declared righteous) through the effectual working of his faith.  In what did/does Messiah have faith?  It is that what he did in his life and his obedience to IAUE even unto being impaled to death, satisfied the claims of divine justice upon the sins of man.  Yahushua BELIEVES in this; and he literally staked his very life upon it.  Every aspect of our entire redemption is based on the faith of Yahushua Messiah.

Galatians 2:17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Messiah, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Messiah the minister of sin?  IAUE forbid.

18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.

These are the dead works…still clinging to do’s and don’ts in the law to make one’s appeal to IAUE for acceptance.  For those of us who are not Jews by birth, it is the works we do to attempt to make IAUE accept us. To offer such works to IAUE is to negate our reliance upon the faith of Yahushua.   Our acceptance before IAUE is either based upon our works or it is based upon the faith of Yahushua Messiah.  It is not a hybrid of the two.

Romans 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

 21 But now the righteousness of IAUE without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

22 Even the righteousness of IAUE which is by faith of Yahushua Messiah unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Galatians 3: 21 Is the law then against the promises of IAUE? IAUE forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.

22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin that the promise by faith of Yahushua Messiah might be given to them that believe.

Here is the second part of our revelation of the person of Yahushua Messiah in the principle of “repentance from dead works.”  If we believe in Yahushua Messiah, relying upon the effectual working of HIS faith for our right-standing with IAUE, then we have united with Messiah in his death and resurrection.  This is not some positional concept; an imaginary illustration intended to reveal some spiritual truth. Literally, the life that was birthed within us when we were “born again,” is in union with Messiah Yahushua; and he is literally in union within us.

John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

IAUE was in Yahushua when he was on the earth bodily; and Yahushua was in IAUE.  In the exact same way, we are in Yahushua Messiah and he is in us.  Picture the image of baptism.  If you are immersed in water, you are IN the water.  If while you are submerged in the water, you inhale, the water would then be IN you; so you could then say that you were in the water and the water in you.  This is the mechanism of our union with Messiah, and his union with IAUE.

So, how does this relate to repentance from dead works?

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Messiah: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Messiah liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of IAUE, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

When we walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh, it is Messiah that does the works.  It is HIS life within us that is being expressed in our life.  Yahushua has faith that if we believe in him, and trust in his faith, that he will be able, personally and literally, to continue to do the works of the Father through us and in us; not for the purpose of appeasing the Father; but to please the Father, and to accomplish His will in the earth.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Messiah Yahushua unto good works, which IAUE hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

The principle of repentance from dead works is a revelation that all works for the purpose of satisfying and appeasing IAUE are ended by the faith of Yahushua; and when we place our reliance upon Messiah’s faith…when we have faith in HIS faith, Messiah not only clothes us with his own righteousness unto the satisfying of the Father; but he also continues to live through us to do the will of His Father.  We repent, turn from, even the slightest hint of doing anything at all with a view that it will put us in good standing with IAUE Elohim; because Yahushua’s faith has accomplished everything for our acceptance before IAUE.

Any time we walk in the flesh and deny the life of Yahushua from manifesting in our bodies, we are tempted to “do something” to win back that sense of favor before IAUE that our guilt has caused us to forfeit.  The principle of repentance from dead works tells us that we must refuse to go down that road; and instead, we renew our faith in the faith of Yahushua Messiah.  The only works we are now to do are the good works produced by letting the life of Messiah have free reign in our mortal bodies to continue doing the works of his/our Father, IAUE Elohim.

[A revelation, by its very nature, is not something a man can give to another man.  These are just my words on a page, my effort to provide the reader with enough information to take before the Father and ask Him to reveal the essence of this principle of repentance from dead works.  If you read this post and assimilate the information presented, you will not possess the revelation; because the revelation is seeing in Yahushua Messiah something you have not yet seen; and only the Father can open the eyes of your understanding to see it.  Please do not read this series of posts and just learn doctrine.  Take each lesson before the Father and ask Him to reveal His Son in you through these lessons.  Without that revelation, you will only possess doctrine; and that is not what is necessary to lay a foundation.  These first principles are venues for understanding the fullness of who Yahushua Messiah is.]

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Kingdom heart: a heart that offers no resistance to the performance of the will of IAUE.   

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Even though we have moved on to a different subject matter, we can never leave this basic concept; for this is what IAUE desires more than anything else in all His creation.

THE FIRST PRINCIPLES - II (Repentance from Dead Works - 1)

WBS.095

FUNDAMENTALS OF DISCIPLESHIP

THE FIRST PRINCIPLES - II

 

Hebrews 1:6 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Messiah, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward IAUE,

2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

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REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS - 1

Last week we introduced a new topic of study, the foundation of the first principles of Messiah.  We noted that this is not intended to be a “doctrinal” study, though there will be considerable instruction.  Our purpose is to reveal the person of Yahushua Messiah; for no other foundation can be laid.

Messiah shared an illustration at the end of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:24-27) to explain that if you have a foundation, your building will survive the onslaught of the wind and rain and floods; but if you build upon the sand (which is ever shifting) what you erect will not survive because it had no foundation. 

Remember the words of Messiah to the apostle Peter?

Matthew 16:13 When Yahushua came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Messiah, the Son of the living Elohim.

17 And Yahushua answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Many have been taught that Messiah was referring to Peter as the rock upon which he would build his church; but that is not at all what he is saying, here.  Yahushua was referring to the revelation of Himself that was given to Peter from IAUE.  It is the revelation of the person of Yahushua Messiah upon which the church would be built.  This is confirmed by Paul’s words:

1 Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Yahushua Messiah.

So, with this in mind, let us look at the first of the First Principles.

Hebrews 6:1  Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Messiah, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward IAUE,

2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

First, we must recognize that the word “doctrine” in this passage is not the typical word translated as doctrine (didasche).  These are not the principles (arche = beginning, original) teachings of Messiah.  This word is “logos,” and it means the “word.”  This term “logos” literally means the spoken word; but often is associated with the very essence of who Messiah is personally.

There are six principles that form the foundation of the revelation of the person of Yahushua Messiah.

1. Repentance from dead works
2. Faith toward IAUE
3. Doctrine of baptisms
4. Laying on of hands
5. Resurrection of the dead
6. Eternal Judgment

At a glance, this would appear to be an odd collection of concepts.  How many of us would have drafted a comparable list when asked to define the top six things we should know in our discipleship to Messiah? (It might be an interesting task to think about the list we would have prepared, and compare it to what is set forth for us in Scripture.)  These represent six separate mediums through which a separate revelation of the person of Yahushua Messiah is found.  It is much like the story of the four blind men who described what an elephant was.  One blind man feeling the leg of the elephant said it was like a tree.  The blind man touching the tail could not understand that because to him the elephant was like a rope.  The third blind man touching the trunk said the elephant was like a branch, and the fourth touching the ear said the elephant was like a fan.  Each of the blind men had a revelation of the elephant, but none understood what an elephant actually is.  It takes the combined revelations of all of them to know the fullness of the elephant.  In the same way, it takes the revelation of the person of Messiah contained in these six principles before we can truly understand who Yahushua Messiah is.

In order to leave the principles of the doctrines of Messiah, they first must be solidly laid; otherwise, how can we move on unto perfection, as the Scripture instructs?  The first of these First Principles is “repentance from dead works.”

Repentance is a subject we have covered quite well already.  It basically means “to turn around” leaving behind you forever that to which you have turned your back.  Repentance is not feeling sorry for something.  It isn’t feelings of guilt or regret.  It isn’t a feeling at all.  It is a choice that changes the entire course of your life’s direction by burning the bridge behind you making a retreat impractical if not impossible. 

Repentance is always associated with a negative.  The reason we repent of something is because it is the wrong thing for our life.  Repentance removes us from the wrong thing, so it is no longer a part of our life.  So, what is the wrong thing, here?  It is “dead works.”

It is important for us to note that this passage of First Principles is in the book of Hebrews, which serves quite literally as a spiritual manual for the Jews.  Though its truths are universal and applicable to all; some of its content has a unique application to the Jews.  Repentance from dead works is just such a matter.

From the day that IAUE gave Abraham circumcision, there has been the temptation to equate the act itself, and the resulting condition, as being sufficient for man to rely upon for his relationship with IAUE…of being the people of IAUE.  400 years later, when IAUE gave the law through Moses, the Hebrew people compounded their confusion about circumcision with trust in obedience to the Law as not just being sufficient, but mandatory to establish and maintain the relationship with IAUE they desired.  Neither has ever been true.  IAUE gave Abraham circumcision as a sign of that which already existed in his heart…faith toward IAUE (the second of the First Principles).

You will recall the episode in Galatians 2 where Paul explains that he opposed Peter to his face in Antioch because he behaved as one liberated from the law unto grace until James, the pastor of the church in Jerusalem, sent certain disciples to Antioch.  Peter withdrew from eating with the Gentiles because he feared the repercussions of a report getting back to James that he was not keeping the law by eating with the Gentiles.

This was a desperately persistent problem with the early church.  The Jews feared leaving their obedience to the Law because for centuries their people had wrongly trusted in the Law believing that it was necessary to obtain IAUE’s favor.

The apostle Paul had a clear revelation of the person of Yahushua Messiah in this regard.

Romans 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed IAUE, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Abraham did not trust in his circumcision.  He trusted in IAUE.

Titus 3:5  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit;

6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Yahushua Messiah our Saviour;

Paul explained to Titus that our relationship with IAUE was not on the basis of our works in obedience to the Law.  It was based on the person of Yahushua Messiah.

We have just introduced this issue of dead works.  Next week it is my desire to connect this issue in such a way with the person of Yahushua Messiah that IAUE will provide us with a revelation of the person of Messiah that will enable us to lay a foundation stone.

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Kingdom heart: a heart that offers no resistance to the performance of the will of IAUE.   

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Even though we have moved on to a different subject matter, we can never leave this basic concept; for this is what IAUE desires more than anything else in all His creation.

THE FIRST PRINCIPLES - I

WBS.094

FUNDAMENTALS OF DISCIPLESHIP

THE FIRST PRINCIPLES - I

 

Heb 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of IAUE; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

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Today, we embark on a new discussion.  The issues that we have covered in our first 93 lessons have been designed to get the new disciple headed in the right direction in his/her spiritual walk with Elohim our Father and with our Master, Yahushua Messiah. Almost all of us who profess faith in Yahushua were brought unto the knowledge of him through a false or incomplete “gospel” message; so it was needful to overcome the wrong thinking produced by our introduction to faith.  Not being able to live in community and fellowship with the reader makes it impossible to share in the dynamics of daily life and to cultivate his/her discipleship at a more rapid pace.  Had we been able to walk together in life’s experiences in a local relationship, by this time we would all have been qualified to be teachers to guide others in their own discipleship.

Our opening verse, then, applies to us not as a reprimand, as it is found to be in the context of Hebrews 5; but rather as a revelation, exposing us to the realization that there are “first principles” we should know and understand and have implemented into our lives.  It shows us there are certain things that we should understand that form the concrete foundation that should be laid within the disciple.  Without this foundation, we are incapable of digesting anything but milk.

1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

As newborns, milk is the appropriate diet.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with a diet of milk.  If we are new disciples, we should actually desire the milk of the word.  That is what makes us grow.  A heartier diet is as inappropriate for the new believer as is a steak for a 6-month old baby.

1 Corinthians 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

Once we are no longer newborns, we should be on an age-appropriate diet.  As silly as it is to imagine an adult having a bottle of warm milk for lunch, it is equally silly to see disciples who have walked with Messiah for more than a year or two still on a diet of milk.  This is actually one of the main reasons why the world mocks believers.  The intense hypocrisy of our collective lives is exceptionally obvious to the unbeliever.  The world looks at “Christians” who profess to have been in the faith for decades still behaving as children, demonstrating that Messiah has very little influence or power to change their lives.  This makes their message undesirable to the lost.  Who would want to trust their lives to a belief system that creates life-long babies?

So, it is necessary to lay the foundation and then to move on to what that foundation is prepared to support.

1 Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Yahushua Messiah.

The church, today, quotes this verse rather glibly, with very little understanding of what it actually says.  The “western” man in particular, converts everything he learns into formulas, snippets of doctrine, one-liners from the Scripture that codify his statements of belief.  For example:

“I can do all things through Messiah who strengthens me.”

“Believe on the Master, Yahushua Messiah, and thou shalt be saved.”

“Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.”

“We are saved by grace through faith.”

“Faith comes by hearing; and hearing by the word of Elohim.”

All of these “snippets” come straight out of the Scripture; but can you guess what is missing from them all?

Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of Elohim.

20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Yahushua Messiah himself being the chief corner stone.

Colossians 1:25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of IAUE which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of IAUE;

26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

27 To whom IAUE would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Messiah in you, the hope of glory:

28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Messiah Yahushua:

Paul did not preach a doctrine or a belief system.  He did not preach a “message” to be believed. He did not preach a “what.”  He preached a “whom.”  Paul preached Yahushua Messiah…a person.  The person of Yahushua Messiah IS the corner stone.  HE is the foundation.  HE is the message.

Colossians 2:6 As ye have therefore received Messiah Yahushua the Master, so walk ye in him:

7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

So the “first principles” that represent both the foundation and the sincere milk of the word of IAUE are revelations of the person of Yahushua Messiah.  If we are lacking in these revelations, we remain babes and are such as have need of milk (the remainder of the revelation of the person of Yahushua that is still lacking in us). 

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Messiah, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward IAUE,

2  Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

This is the passage that follows immediately after our opening verse about the first principles and still needing milk.  What many teachers and preachers correctly refer to as “Foundation Doctrines” are actually the principal revelations of the person of Yahushua Messiah that enable us to grow up and become adult disciples.  We will cover these six foundational revelations of Messiah in this series of lessons.  We will endeavor to see Yahushua and not just a doctrinal understanding of some truth.  Doctrine is not our life.  Yahushua is.

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

Peter had just explained that the new believers should desire the sincere milk of the word; then explained that the milk was Yahushua Messiah, himself, the chief corner stone of the church.  In this verse he explains what the milk was to produce:  a people who show forth the praises of their deliverer.  Is that what the world sees when they look at us?

Next week:  Repentance from Dead Works

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Kingdom heart: a heart that offers no resistance to the performance of the will of IAUE.   

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Even though we have moved on to a different subject matter, we can never leave this basic concept of a Kingdom Heart; for this is what IAUE desires more than anything else in all His creation.