The Foundation of the Church (Introduction): Moving From Milk to Solid Food
Introduction
The Christian life is a journey of growth. Just as a newborn baby begins with milk before moving on to solid food, believers also begin their spiritual walk with foundational teachings before pressing into deeper truths. The writer of Hebrews reminds us of this progression:
Hebrews 5:12-14 (KJV):
“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
The “first principles” of God’s Word are the building blocks—the milk of the Christian faith. Without understanding these basics, a believer cannot advance toward maturity.
Why Foundations Matter
The foundation of a Christian life is not optional; it is essential. A building with a weak foundation cannot stand. Likewise, a Christian without a strong foundation is vulnerable to deception and instability.
Paul writes in Ephesians 4:13-15 (KJV):
“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.”
A firm foundation protects us from being “tossed to and fro” by every new teaching or trend. It steadies us, rooting us in Christ, so that we may grow into maturity and discern truth from error.
The Four Foundational Principles of Christianity
Hebrews 6:1-3 provides a clear outline of the foundations every believer must know:
Hebrews 6:1-3 (KJV):
“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, Of the doctrine 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.”
These Four foundations are:
Repentance from Dead Works & Faith Toward God
Turning away from sin and self-righteousness, acknowledging that our own works cannot save us. Placing our full trust in God and His promises through Christ.Doctrine of Baptisms
Understanding water baptism, Spirit baptism, and how they establish us in Christ.Laying on of Hands
The impartation of spiritual authority, blessing, healing, and commissioning.Resurrection of the Dead & Eternal Judgment
The assurance that all will be raised, both to eternal life or eternal judgment.A reminder of accountability before God, emphasizing the seriousness of living righteously.
These are not “advanced topics,” but rather the elementary school of Christianity. Without them, we remain spiritual infants and immature in our walks with God.
Moving On Toward Perfection
The goal is not to stay at the foundation but to build upon it. The word “unto perfection” simply means moving toward maturity in Christ. Just as a strong foundation makes it possible to build a house, a strong spiritual foundation enables us to grow into Christlikeness.
A perfect house requires a solid base.
A mature Christian requires a strong foundation in truth.
We cannot move toward the fullness of Christ until these first principles are firmly established.
Conclusion
The foundation of Christian doctrine is not the end, but the beginning. God calls us to grow from milk to meat, from infancy to maturity, from the basics to the fullness of Christ.
Take time to study, understand, and apply these four foundational truths. Once laid, they will stabilize your faith, guard you from deception, and propel you forward into the perfection of Jesus Christ.
“Let us go on toward perfection.” (Hebrews 6:1)
