Doctrine of Baptisms

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Leviticus 1-3 and Hebrews 6.

One of the passages that has caused some difficulty and been a subject of abuse is found in Hebrews 6:1-2.

Heb 6:1 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,
Heb 6:2  Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

The major issue here is just what are these "principles" and "foundation" refer to. Are they the same thing or different?

Some commentators contend that they both refer to the New Testament teachings, which makes fair sense when we take the context of Heb 5:12. However, one runs into difficulty to explain "repentance from dead works", "doctrine of baptisms" and "lay on of hands" (which implies the passing of miraculous gifts and was present in the 1st century but absolutely not necessary for salvation).

Others take the view that the "foundation" here refers to Old Testament practices.
Strong evidence points in favour of this view.
Firstly, notice that part (a) of v.1 is not exactly meant to be conjoined to part (b) Thus there is no firm indication that the "foundation" refers to the "principles".Also bearing in mind that the immediate readers were Jewish converts. These were people who had Judaism in their blood! In fact it was a problem beginning in the first century, which we touched on a couple of times in class about Judaising Christians. We have been given the foundation, the principles of the doctrine of Chirst, why lay the foundation again with old stuff? Just doesn't make sense. So Paul is further emphasising and reminding them the fact that the Old Law is a done deal! When we examine the theme of the entire book of Hebrews, this idea fits in perfectly.

Secondly, it will then satisfactorily explain the other "foundational" tenets. "Doctrine of baptisms" Cannot refer to the NT baptism, since Paul himself clearly wrote of "one baptism" (Eph 4:5). Does it refer to the "modes" of baptism? Quite obviously not, since the only pattern we see is that of immersion, which the original Greek means. Or perhaps it refers to the water baptism, and Holy Spirit baptism and maybe baptism of John? Yet we note that Holy Spirit baptism (not to be confused with spiritual gifts) was really confined to the few limited examples (e.g. Day of Pentacost, Cornelius) and is not written of as essential to salvation (note that even Cornelius and his household had to be baptized in water). The baptism of John had served it's purpose of repentance, but was already replaced since Christ's death and would thus not be considered "doctrine".
The word baptisms (Greek baptismos) here is translated later in Heb 9:10 as "washings" as it relates to the OT practice of the sanctified utensils and offerings, which is really more accurate. Baptism, as it relates to Christ is always rendered baptisma. Thus it seems clear that Paul was referring to the  OT ceremonial washings.

Laying of hands too was also found in OT practice when it comes to offering of animal sacrifice and appointment to office (c.f. Lev 3,4; Num 27:18). But it seems in this case, Paul was more referring to the former, since animal sacrifice was a big part of the Old Law and this would be latter contrast with the perfect sacrifice of Jesus in chapter 9.

As for "resurrection of the dead" and "eternal judgement", it seems to be stretching things a bit. But even among the Pharisees, both were taught and believed (Act 24:15; Jud 1:7; implied in the question of the lawyer Luk 10:25). Thus it does not seem so far fetched after all if these were too the foundation tenets of the Old Law.

Bearing in mind that even as the 10 commandments have been made obsolete, the principles therein are eternal and still found in the Law of Christ!

But really, by over scrutinizing the details here is really missing the point Paul is trying to make. The problem Paul was addressing is the fact that the brethren were not maturing but still struggling with the foundational issues. Instead these should have by now been a "given" and they were to build on and move on. A foundation of a building is still there even when the building is completed! One cannot be forever working on the foundation and expect an building to spring up! And worse if one were to overlay the foundation with an old blue print!

Let us continue to be exhorted to grow and mature and not mix our spiritual blue prints up! (c.f. 2Ti 2:15)

in Him
Paul


--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6,7