The Foundations – Eternal Judgment (Part 2)

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The Foundations – Eternal Judgment (Part 2)

An important reminder: The elementary principles are for the followers of Jesus Christ. They are not for the edification or conviction of non-believers. This is particularly important to keep in mind as we continue to explore the principle of eternal judgment.

In Part 1, we learned two foundational truths about eternal judgment: First, all will be judged, one way or another. Second, while there are two judgment events associated with eternal judgment, eternal judgment is, well, eternal. It has no beginning, nor end.

The Peril of Not Progressing

This is the heading given to Hebrews 6, in the New King James Version. Several other translations title this section “The Peril of Falling Away”. Regardless of your position on Eternal Security (I am intentionally avoiding that debate*), it is clear, from the verses following the elementary principles, that something perilous is at stake.

Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection… And this we will do if God permits. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. Hebrew 6:1-6

Like the elementary principles, this warning is for the followers of Jesus Christ. “And this we will do if God permits.” Permission implies judgment. Clearly there is judgment here; and it is not judgment that waits until a future event. Make no mistake about it:

God is judging our response to the elementary principles.

At this point, it might help to remember that there are two types of judgment. There is judgment that includes condemnation; and there is judgment that something doesn’t belong or is missing (e.g., sin and faith, respectively). Here – particular to our progressing – we are dealing with the latter.

So, why wouldn’t God permit us to move on to the meatier matters? This question has greatly encouraged me to gain a full understanding of the elementary principles. What I have learned is quite sobering:

The elementary principles are for more than understanding. They are to be believed and lived out in our lives. To do otherwise is to invite peril!

Without this foundation, it will not matter how beautiful and well presented our houses have become. The storms of Matthew 7:24-27 and Luke 6:46-49 will ruin that house. We will be like the seed of Matthew 13:21 –

… yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

Furthermore, our poor foundations inhibit Jesus Christ’s building of His church. Our poor foundations hinder our being made into faithful stewards of the mysteries of God.

Our neglect of the elementary principles is our rejection of His blessing, disobedience to His call, and rebellion against His commands. It is nothing less than an invitation to eternal judgment.

Conclusion

It has been the Lord’s will to unsettle you with the warnings of eternal judgment; and this warning of not progressing beyond the elementary principles. We have lived too long as citizens of this world. Our conformance has dulled our hearing and weakened our desires for maturity as God’s heavenly people. We must regain our eternal perspective, purpose and passion.

Application

The writer of Hebrews encouraged his readers to teach these principles. Of course, teaching assumes understanding. Still, I wonder if each one of us must understand all the principles before teaching them.

Perhaps we could teach each other, in community, what we understand; and, in community, we could encourage one another to believe and live out of every principle.

Then, if God permits, we can move on to the meatier matters. What a feast we will have!!

Assignment

Put on the mind of Christ. Humble yourself before the Father. Ask Him to stir up the desire in your heart for understanding, believing and living out of the elementary principles.
Look for those that will search out these matters with you. Expect the Holy Spirit to teach; and for the Lord Jesus Christ to speak in community.
Lay down your fears of man. Be willing to challenge others with these principles. Their houses are depending on it.

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