Hebrews 6:1-3 (NKJV) Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, [2] of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. [3] And this we will do if God permits.
1 “Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God…” The Hebrews writer now proceeds from the basic teachings of and about Christ to advance towards mature teachings. The Greek word for “perfection” is (G5051) τελειωτής teleiōtḗs, which means someone who has completed, finished, or accomplished something. The Hebrews writer is teaching a course about Christ, faith, principles, and rules that Jesus wants us to know. The basics were taught before. These basics are repentance and faith. Repentance from dead works refers to keeping the Mosaic Law. Faith is the principle for pleasing God particularly salvation.
2 “…of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.” These are some more basics–baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection from the dead and eternal judgment.
There are 8 baptisms in the New Testament:
1. The baptism by John (of repentance) in Mark 1:4 which is a symbol of one’s repentance.
2. The baptism of Jesus by John in Matthew 3:13-16 which was to fulfill all righteousness. Jesus was and is sinless. Why would He need baptism? Perhaps, He was contaminated by the dust of the world’s sinful lifestyle and curse upon the universe. Perhaps, He was ready to start His ministry and like any priest, would prepare Himself by being washed (baptized). Compare Exodus 40:12-15.
3. The baptism of fire/suffering Luke 3:16 which has many interpretations. Some believe it is the baptism of judgment. Others believe it refers to the fire of suffering for Christ.
4. The baptism of pots Mark 7:3-4 which is translated “wash” and refers to the full immersion of the utensils in water.
5. The baptism into Moses 1 Corinthians 10:2 which signifies there acknowledging and accepting God’s choice of Israel’s leader.
6. The baptism for the dead 1 Corinthians 15:29 which refers to some in Corinth who were baptized for those believers who had died before they could be baptized. It was not for their salvation but fulfilling the known desire of those individuals.
7. The baptism of the Holy Spirit Matthew 3:11 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-13. This refers to the gifts of the Holy Spirit given to each and every believer to serve Jesus.
8. The baptism into Jesus Romans 6:3-4. Adam Clarke writes: That, as Jesus Christ in his crucifixion died completely, so that no spark of the natural or animal life remained in his body, so those who profess his religion should be so completely separated and saved from sin, that they have no more connection with it, nor any more influence from it, than a dead man has with or from his departed spirit. This passage does not refer to baptismal regeneration. See Acts
10:44-48 and Acts 16:29-33. Both of those passages refer to water baptism after salvation.
The laying on of hands refers to commissioning, healing, and blessing.
The resurrection of the dead refers to two groups–1) believers and 2) unbelievers. The resurrections are these (the temporary resurrections as done by Old Testament prophets or Jesus are not listed)–Jesus, the Old Testament saints, the dead believers (at the Rapture), the Tribulation age believers who were killed. The nonbelievers are not resurrected until the Great White Throne Judgment in Revelation 20:11-15.
The eternal judgment refers to two groups–1) believers and 2) unbelievers. Believers have eternal life, the only judgment for Church age believers in the Bema Seat Judgment (Romans 14:10-12, 1 Corinthians 3:10–4:5, and 2 Corinthians 5:1-10), which is for rewards only. For unbelievers it is the Lake of Fire with eternal torment, eternal death, eternal darkness, eternal sorrow, eternal anger, eternal hopeless and lack of peace.
3 “And this we will do if God permits.”