Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.
‘Of repentance’ Six first principles of Christianity (continues): (6) Eternal judgment (Heb. 6:2; Matt. 25:46; Rev. 14:9-11; 20:11-15; Isa. 66:22-24). ‘Dead works’ [Greek: nekra and erga] refers to the works of the old nature which deserve death and cause death in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1-8; Gal. 5:19-21; Rom. 1:21-32; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Col. 3:5-10; Mark 7:19-21).
There are seven judgments noted in Scripture: [1] The judgment of believers’ sins in the cross of Christ (John 12:31-32): (1) Subjects: believers as to sin (Rom. 6:10; Heb. 9:25-28). (2) Time: on the cross (John 3:14; 17:4; 1Pet. 2:24). (3) Place: Calvary (Luke 23:33; John 19:1-42). (4) Basis: Christ’s perfect work (John 3:16; 5:24; Rom. 6:8). (5) Result: death to Christ; life to believers (Rom. 4:1-24; 5:1-21; 8:1-16). [2] Believers’ self-judgment throughout life (1Cor. 11:31-32): (1) Subjects: believers walking in the light (1Jn. 1:7). (2) Time: every day (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Eph. 4:22-32; Col. 3:5-17). (3) Place: in the earth (Rom. 8:1-16; Heb. 12:5-11). (4) Basis: obedience to God and His Word (Jas. 1:22-25). (5) Result: chastisement or approval from God (Heb. 12:5-11). [3] Judgment of Israel for her many centuries of rebellion (Ezek. 20:33-44): (1) Subjects: the living Jews of the future tribulation (Zech. 12:10 – 13:1). (2) Time: during the great tribulation (Jer. 30:3-11; Matt. 24:4-15; Dan. 9:27; 12:1). (3) Place: Palestine, Edom, and Moab (Zech. 12:1 – 14:21; Dan. 11:40-45; Isa. 16:1-5; Ezek. 20:33-44; Hos. 2:14-17; Matt. 24:15-31; Rev. 12:6, 14). (4) Basis: obedience to God and His Word (Jas. 1:22-25). (5) Result: conversion of Israel as a nation at the second coming (Isa. 1:27; 66:7-8; Jer. 30:3-11; Ezek. 22:19-22; Zech. 12:10 – 13:1; Matt. 23:37-39; 24:31; Rom. 11:25-29).
To be continued…
Living the Word 