Let us go on unto perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God.
Hebrews 6:1
Let us go on to perfection instead of continuing to lay a foundation of repentance from dead works. What is dead works? Are they not the carnal nature of man which is vanity such as one’s own pride. It is the self-righteous attitude of a Christian to do God’s work in their own flesh instead of believing in faith through the Spirit of Christ. It is through the Holy Spirit that we are able to walk in love and not in hate. We must remember what the apostle Paul told the Ephesians in chapter four and five. Our mind is to be renewed on a daily basis by the reading of the word of God. Each day we are to put on the new man which is Christ and do good works and not dead works. This means we let go of all bitterness, outrage, and anger. We forgive one another since God has forgiven us through Jesus.
We do not have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them, [see Ephesians 5:11]. We are sanctified by the washing of the water by the word [see Ephesians 5:26]. We are sanctified through Christ and because we believe in Him as the son of God, we now partake of His divine nature. This is worked out through the Holy Spirit and not of ourselves. Christ is being formed in us every day. We receive the Holy Spirit through prayer to the Father God. The Holy Spirit helps guide us toward the image of Christ and works through us to share the Gospel of the good news. We are ambassadors for Christ since we have been reconciled to God through Christ’s blood. We are now the temple of the living God, therefore; we come out from those who do the works of darkness.
Separation from the works of darkness is so we do not compromise our position in Christ. Many Christians are involved in illegal activity or wrongdoing and do not know that they are being deceived. Separation is from false teachers, and motives of others who are unbelievers. God wants us to be wise and move unto maturity in the Lord having the knowledge and experience of salvation. Do you have this experience of salvation? Look at what the apostle Paul told the Philippians.
Be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is by the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”
Philippians 3:9
We are to be found in Christ, for He is our righteousness. It is not what we have done with our good works, but what Christ has done for us. Paul told the Philippians that he did not attain perfection, but He followed after Christ to understand Him who became the perfect sacrifice on the cross for all of humanity, [see Philippians 3:12-13]. Paul knowing who he was, stated that the one thing he would do, is to forget those things which are behind and continue to reach for those things that are before him. In doing this Paul exclaimed, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” [Philippians 3:14]. In otherwards, we are not stuck in the past in our failures, but we move on toward the prize possession in Christ towards our future. We must progress into being faithful servants in the Lord. We must exclaim like Paul that “the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom, to whom be glory forever and ever, Amen [see 2 Timothy 4:18]. Is this your prayer that the Lord shall deliver you from every evil work?
Moving unto perfection in Christ is for those who are reaching maturity and who can now discern between good and evil [see Hebrews 6:1]. These are those who can now eat solid food and have their senses exercised unto good works. Those who move forward in the Lord are not unskilled in the word but are able to teach and witness for the Lord and are able to do the work of an evangelist.
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
2 Timothy 4:2
Do the work of an evangelist stated Paul to Timothy. This was said after exclaiming that all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, [2 Timothy 3:16]. Why? So that man may be perfect and furnished unto all good works, [2 Timothy 3:17]. What is necessary in doing good works is the word of God, for it is the discerner of all thoughts and intents of the heart. This was stated in Hebrews chapter 4, verse 12. But let us look at the verse before verse twelve, “Let us labor, therefore, to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief,” [Hebrews 4:11]. It is unbelief that befalls man from gaining perfection and rest. Perfection can only come through Christ. We must believe in who He is and stay in that belief.
It is Jesus who learned obedience by the things he suffered in being made perfect in order to become the author of eternal salvation to all who would follow and obey him, [see Hebrews 5:8-9]. Thus, a warning is given to those who are believers and are in danger of falling away through unbelief or sin. We have a high priest who is Jesus Christ, and he is the offering for our sins. Jesus is the new living way that is dedicated for those who believe. We are urged to hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering. This is done without hesitation. If you are wavering in your belief, ask God to help you out of it. God is able to help you out of your unbelief if you confess this before him. In Mark chapter nine there is a father who brought his son to Jesus. The son had a dumb spirit since he was a child. Jesus told the father that all things are possible to him that believe.
And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou, my unbelief.“
Mark 9:24
I believe, help my unbelief. If this is your plea, God can help you with your unbelief. God knows our heart and He is able to see us through when we have a true confession of the heart.
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.”
Hebrews 10:22
We have a sure foundation in Christ, and he is the author and finisher of our faith. Christ has reconciled us back to God and He is the final sacrifice for our sins. We can boldly come unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need, [Hebrews 4:16]. Let us come to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and help for our unbelief and sins that we may continue on to perfection through Christ Jesus. Let us let go of dead works by our confession, repentance, and move forward in the love of Christ. “Looking forward to that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ,” [Titus 2:13].
