Two Are Better Than One

Hebrews 6:1-2 – OVERVIEW: FOUNDATION TRUTHS – Survey I.

One. REPENTANCE – me-taNOIa, nous, – 24x (167). Strong’s # 3341.

Chiefly has reference to repentance from sin, and this change of mind involves both a turning from sin and a turning to God. Parable of the Prodigal Son is an outstanding illustration (Luke 15:11-21). God requires this from man, and His mercy leads to it.

Two. FAITH – PIStis, PEItho* – 244x (708), Strong’s # 4102.

It is a firm persuasion, a conviction based on hearing God’s word (Rom. 10:17). It is always used of faith in God, Christ or things spiritual – a full acknowledgement of God’s revelation or truth (2 Thess. 2:11-12). Involves a personal surrender to Him (John 1:12)! See conduct inspired by such surrender (2 Cor. 5:17). Abraham’s faith rested in God Himself, above His promises, Rom. 4:17-21).

Three. Water BAPTISM – bap-tisMOS, BAPto*– 4x (126). Strong’s # 909.

A process of immersion, submersion and emergence (from BAPto,* to dip). It identifies us with Christ in death, burial and resurrection, Rom. 6:3-4. A baptized person is owned by the One in whose Name he was baptized. Immediate water prepares for immediate Spirit, Acts 8:12.

Four. GIFT (Spirit Baptism). Do-reA, DIdomi, 11x (693). Strong’s #1431.

Metaphorically, baptism in Holy Spirit, as on Day of Pentecost, Acts 2. Jesus baptizes in Holy Spirit subsequent to water baptism, Mat. 3:11. Peter equated the experience of Cornelius with Day of Pentecost, Acts 11:16. Do-reA – always used of the Person of the Holy Spirit Himself. He is normally received by meeting the above conditions, Ac 2:38.

Five. LAYING ON of Hands, epic-thesis, TIthemi -- 4x (409). Strong’s # 1936.

Apostolic practice for imparting the Holy Spirit, Acts 8:18, 19:6. Not just apostles imparted the Holy Spirit in this manner, Acts 9, 22. Elders set apart church members for ministry this way, 1 Tim. 4:14. Paul ministered spiritual gifts in this way, 2 Tim. 1:6. Deacons were set apart in this manner, Acts 6:6.

Six. RESURRECTION, aNA-stasis, HIStemi* 42x (648). Strong’s # 386.

A raising up, or rising: literally, to cause to stand up from dead. The resurrection of Christ from the dead. The resurrection of those who are Christ’s at His Coming. The resurrection of life, John 5:29. A positive reason for seeking the gift of eternal life!

Seven. Eternal JUDGMENT, KRIma, KRIno* 28x (581). Strong’s # 2917.

A negative reason for seeking the gift of eternal life, John 3:36. The process of judgment leading to a decision, 1 Pet. 4:17. Distinguish from the pronouncement of the decision or verdict, Mark 12:40. God’s judgment upon men, Rom. 2:2, 3, 3:8.

Eight. PERFECTION, teleiOtes, TElos* -- 2x (193). Strong’s # 5047.

The actual accomplishment of the end in view, Col. 3:14: perfectness. The state that comes when foundations are built upon. The Church has the responsibility to ground each new convert in these eight essential truths: the milk of the word.