The Hebrew writer speaks of the “first principles of the oracles of God” (Hebrews 5:12). These first principles are specified as matters in which an “unskilled babe” would be instructed. Examples of these principles are given in the next chapter, “Repentance from dead works, faith toward God, the doctrine of baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment” (Hebrews 6:1-2). The first principles lay the foundation for the rest of the apostolic doctrine. These are the beginnings of a Christian’s ministry. While a Christian should not be satisfied with only the “milk and not solid food,” it is necessary to revisit such things in an effort to increase our ability of teaching them to others.

In the apostle Paul’s epistle to the saints in Philippi, he tells them in chapter 3 verse 1, “For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.” It is uncertain exactly what “same things” the apostle was talking about. It could have been something he said earlier in the epistle. It could have been something he discussed with them orally when in their presence. Whatever these things were, Paul was revisiting something that had already been addressed. There is value seen in repetition. Paul told them, “for you it is safe.” While this statement is likely regarding the content of the things revisited, it is also true that revisiting the first principles is safe. We need to brush up on these things lest we forget what we have already learned.

The Christians to which our text was addressed were being reproved for a lack of knowledge. This was due to their lack of diligence in study of the scriptures “for though by this time (they) you ought to be teachers, (they) you need someone to teach (them) you again the first principles of the oracles of God” (Hebrews 5:12). These first principles were of the oracles, or utterances, of God – the basic fundamentals of inspired scripture. Study is an important part of Christianity. If you don’t use it you lose it. We as Christians must approach the effort to gain knowledge and wisdom with humility. There isn’t anyone who needs to visit a subject only once. We must not forget what we have learned. Great benefit is derived by brushing up on fundamentals, as it makes them accessible when they are most needed.

We must renew our knowledge of these subjects, lest we follow the Hebrews in their pattern of neglect. This series of articles on the first principles is an effort to do such. This article is the first in a series on the first principles. The series will discuss the examples the Hebrew writer gives in chapter 6 verses 1 and 2. “Repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.” Principles such as the laying on of hands would have been fundamental and elementary to the first century Christians. However, the laying on of hands is not such a basic fundamental to Christians of the twenty-first century. This principle will still be discussed seeing it is beneficial to a Christian’s arsenal of knowledge.

A familiarity with “the first principles of the oracles of God” is important. They constitute the foundation of our faith. The Hebrews needed someone to teach them again these principles. Let us each of us make the effort to master such subjects so we can teach them to others. Such growth will enable us to digest the meat of the word, and avoid a return to ignorance.