Milk-Toast Believers Stay With The Basics

First, notice the six-part foundation of Hebrews 6:1b-2.
All six things are Jewish in nature—if not Messianic Jewish in particular.

(A) “Repentance from dead works” is a “change of mind” regarding those works that are outside of Christ. 6:6 requires that this repentance be distinguished from a position sympathetic to Christ as those who “crucify” Him “cannot be renewed to repentance” (6:6). “Faith toward God” is an acceptance of His provision for forgiveness in Christ. If Christ is the “speaking of God” (1:2), then Christ is the “Word of God” spoken of in 4:12. For one to trust this God, there must be something upon which they can trust. How can one trust somebody if they have not heard a promise of some sort from them.

(B) “Baptism and laying on of the hands” seem best understood from the scope of Acts 8 where they are found as twin evidences of conversion. One was man’s acknowledgement of conversion while the other was God’s (as the Holy Ghost would come upon those whom received the “laying on of the hands.”)

(C) “Resurrection of the dead” and “eternal judgment” are of course the third couplet of “things to come.” John 5:28-29 shows that this is not an original thought with Hebrews’ author.

Second, acknowledge that all but the “laying on of the hands for the Holy Spirit” are timeless and should be taught today.

Third, realize that we build upon foundations, but we are building nonetheless.
The writer doesn’t generalize them as “unable to comprehend Biblical truth", nor does he say the basic doctrines are expendable. However, He says they are unable to adequately consume the “milk” and move on to “meat.” He equates “milk” as the “first principles of the oracles of God” (5:13) and the “principles of Christ” (6:1).

The “first principles” or “beginning principles” are that with which he meddled before 5:11 and that into which he would love to delve (5:11), but simply doesn’t feel like they are ready. This is evidenced by the fact that the next four chapters (through chapter 10) stays with the comparison between Christ and Aaron and does not "move on."

Fourth, know that "meat” is equated with more teaching of “perfecting” (6:1) doctrine regarding “Melchisedek” (5:10-11). Therefore, the “advanced truth” spoken of is more truth concerning this “order of Melchisedek.”

Fifth, pray for an enlightened mind. This principle of “moving on” is exercised through the brain muscle. It must be stretched and used to be able to know (“through the spirit of wisdom and revelation” Eph 1:17-18) Christ for one’s sustenance and enjoyment. Churches should not be allowed to minimize the depths of Christology. Rather, knowing Christ is life (John 17:3), we must develop our vocabulary to bridge the language and generation gap. However, we must not strip the depths of God’s richness from the message itself--else it is no longer the message.