(Hebrews 6:1–2)

1. Repentance from Dead Works

Meaning
Repentance is a change of mind and heart that turns us away from "dead works" (sinful / lifeless deeds) and toward God's will. Scripture repeatedly stresses the need for all people to repent.
Example: Paul preached that God "now commandeth all men every where to repent." Jesus likewise warned, "except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:5).

Turning from "Dead Works"

Hebrews 9:14 — Christ's blood "purges your conscience from dead works to serve the living God."
Romans 6:1-2 — "How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?"
True repentance abandons sinful "dead" behaviors and embraces a new life.

Biblical Calls to Repent

Acts 17:30 — God "commandeth all men every where to repent."
2 Peter 3:9 — God is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
Acts 11:18 — "Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life."
Repentance always aims at life—separating us from dead works so we can receive salvation.

Godly Sorrow and True Repentance

2 Corinthians 7:10 — "Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation."
Job 42:6 — Job "repented in dust and ashes."
Luke 15:17-21 — The prodigal son returned confessing his sins.
Authentic repentance, prompted by godly sorrow, is the first foundation of Christian doctrine.

Primary references: Heb 9:14; Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3-5; 2 Pet 3:9; 2 Cor 7:10
Supporting examples: Job 42:6; Acts 11:18; Luke 15:17-21

2. Faith Toward God

Definition
After repentance, a believer must exercise faith toward God—an active trust in His character and promises.

Hebrews 11:1 — "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
Hebrews 11:6 — "Without faith it is impossible to please [God]."

Faith for Salvation

Ephesians 2:8-9 — "By grace are ye saved through faith."
Acts 20:21 — "Repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ."
Acts 16:31 — "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved."

Examples of Faith

Romans 4:20-22 — Abraham "was strong in faith."
Mark 11:22 — Jesus: "Have faith in God."
John 3:16 / 6:47 — Belief in Christ brings eternal life.

Faith vs. Dead Works

1 Thessalonians 1:9 — They "turned to God from idols."
Galatians 2:16 — "Not justified by works… but by the faith of Jesus Christ."
Faith relies on God, not on our own works.

Primary references: Heb 11:6; Acts 20:21; Mark 11:22; John 3:16; Rom 4:20-22
Supporting: Hab 2:4; Eph 2:8-9; Acts 16:31; 1 Thess 1:9

3. The Doctrine of Baptisms

Hebrews 6:2 mentions "baptisms" (plural), highlighting two foundational baptisms.

• Baptism in Water (for Remission of Sins)

Acts 2:38 — "Repent, and be baptized… for the remission of sins."
Acts 22:16 — "Be baptized, and wash away thy sins."
Romans 6:3-4 — Buried and raised with Christ.
Matthew 28:19 — The Great Commission.
Mark 16:16 — "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved."

• Baptism in the Holy Spirit

Mark 1:8 / Acts 1:5 — Christ baptizes with the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:4 — Fulfillment at Pentecost.
1 Corinthians 12:13 — "By one Spirit are we all baptized into one body."
Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8 — The promised empowerment.

Additional Insights

1 Peter 3:20-21 — Noah's flood prefigures baptism.
1 Cor 10:1-2 — Israel "baptized into Moses."

Primary references: Matt 28:19; Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3-4; Mark 1:8; Acts 1:5; 1 Cor 12:13
Supporting: Acts 8:14-17; Acts 10:47-48; 1 Pet 3:20-21; Matt 3:15-16

4. Laying On of Hands

A foundational practice symbolizing impartation.

• Imparting the Holy Spirit

Acts 8:17 — Samaritans receive the Spirit.
Acts 19:6 — Disciples in Ephesus filled.
Acts 9:17 — Paul receives the Spirit via Ananias.

• Healing and Blessing

Mark 16:18 — Believers "lay hands on the sick."
Acts 28:8 — Paul heals by laying on hands.
Mark 10:16 — Jesus blesses children.

• Ordination and Commissioning

Acts 6:6 — Seven servants appointed.
Acts 13:3 — Paul & Barnabas commissioned.
1 Tim 4:14 / 2 Tim 1:6 — Timothy's gift via laying on hands.
1 Tim 5:22 — "Lay hands suddenly on no man."

Primary references: Acts 8:17; Acts 19:6; Mark 16:18; 1 Tim 5:22
Supporting: Acts 13:3; 1 Tim 4:14; Acts 9:17

5. Resurrection of the Dead

A core Christian hope: all will rise—the righteous to eternal life, the wicked to eternal judgment.

Resurrection of the Righteous

John 5:28-29 — Resurrection of life/damnation.
Daniel 12:2 — OT promise.
Job 19:25-27 — Job's hope.
1 Cor 15:20, 51-53, 55 — Christ the firstfruits; our change.
1 Thess 4:16 — Dead in Christ rise first.
Heb 11:35 — "Better resurrection."

Resurrection of the Unjust & Final Judgment

Acts 24:15 — Resurrection of just and unjust.
Rev 20:5-6 — First resurrection vs. second death.
Isa 26:19; Jer 31:17 — Prophetic hope.

Primary references: John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15; 1 Cor 15:12-23, 51-54; 1 Thess 4:16
Supporting: Dan 12:2; Job 19:25-27; Heb 11:35; John 11:25

6. Eternal Judgment

God's final, everlasting judgment of all humanity.

The Reality of Judgment

Heb 9:27 — Death, then judgment.
2 Cor 5:10 — All before Christ's seat.
Acts 17:31 — Fixed day of judgment.
Matt 25:31-46 — Sheep & goats; eternal destinies.

Judgment Beginning at God's House

1 Pet 4:17 — Judgment starts with God's people.
Heb 10:26-27 — Warning against willful sin.

The Great Judgment to Come

Rev 20:11-15 — Great white throne.
Mark 9:47-48 — Unquenchable fire.
Rom 2:5-10 — God renders to every man.

Living in Light of Judgment

2 Cor 5:11 — "Knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men."
Acts 10:42; 2 Tim 4:1 — Christ, judge of living and dead.

Primary references: Heb 9:27; 2 Cor 5:10; Matt 25:31-46; Rev 20:11-15
Supporting: 1 Pet 4:17; Heb 10:26-27; Rom 2:5-10; Mark 9:47-48

Each of these six foundational doctrines—repentance, faith, baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection, and eternal judgment—forms "the first principles of the oracles of God." With this foundation, believers are prepared to "go on unto perfection" (Heb 6:3), building a mature Christian life without abandoning these essentials.