Day 279 – What is Foundational?

Today’s reading for study: Hebrews 6

In today’s reading, the author warns the people against apostasy.  The warning is conveyed in the strongest possible terms.  The author actually likens falling away to re-crucifying Christ.  Here is the verse:

For it is impossible to renew to repentance those who were once enlightened, who tasted the heavenly gift, became companions with the Holy Spirit, tasted God’s good word and the powers of the coming age, and who have fallen away, because, to their own harm, they are recrucifying the Son of God and holding Him up to contempt. Hebrews 6:4-6

This is yet another strong warning against the very foundational underpinnings of Protestantism and atheism/agnosticism.  Once someone is in the Catholic Church, to voluntarily leave and reject the truth is the most serious of insults against the Lord.

Another verse in Chapter 6 warrants a closer inspection.  The first verse of the Chapter identifies what is “foundational” to Christianity:

Wherefore let us cease to speak of the first principles of Christ, and press on unto perfection; not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God of the teaching of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment And this will we do, if God permit. Hebrews 6:1-3

Notice, the laying on of hands, the ceremony by which authority and the priesthood is passed on is listed among that which is foundational.  This is another key sign that from the outset, the Church had hierarchy and authority.

Tomorrow: Hebrews 7