Endure to the End
In Hebrews 6:1-2, Paul teaches us the principles of the doctrine of Christ.
1 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,
2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
Note that the doctrine of Christ is repentance, faith, baptism, laying on of hands. Paul clarifies what he means by the “laying on of hands.:
14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
Peter defines that the gift Paul refers to is the gift of the Holy Ghost.
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2: 38)
A gift is something given to us permanently, meaning if we are worthy, the Holy Ghost will always dwell in our hearts as a constant companion. In other words, the gift of the holy Ghost comes only after we have been sanctified through baptism, and then the gift comes only through the laying of hands of the presbytery. The presbytery refers to those officers who hold the priesthood.
Paul, however, is teaching us that the principles of the doctrine of Christ are the beginning and not the end. When Paul said, “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ,” he doesn’t mean to ignore them. He is teaching us that those are the first principles and ordinances of the gospel, but we must go even further. We must “go on unto perfection.” Going on to perfection is a very heavy order. Christ doesn’t make it easier when he said,
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Everyone knows that in this life we can never be perfect. But nowhere does either Paul or the Savior teach that perfection is attainable in this life, Jesus himself being the only one who was perfect. Paul says, “Go on unto perfection.” In other words, continue to improve by repenting of our sins daily and continuing to strive. In the words of Tennyson, “to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.” Consider the word ‘yield’ to mean not to give up or quit or abandon the quest.
Following the doctrine of Christ, enduring to the end is the key to eternal happiness. No matter how long or hard the journey, enduring is greater than the failures and triumphs, the criticisms and applause, the whips and garlands, the hardships and luxuries of our whiplash life. The Preacher tells us
“8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof….” (Ecclesiastes 7:8)
Christ said,
“If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.” (John 8:31)
The key is “to continue.” “In my word” means to continue “in my commandments” or “in my laws.” God encourages us to continue because he knows that we cannot of ourselves reach perfection. Spotted repentance is a dangerous gamble, betting our souls that we will die on a spiritual high. Only those who endure, continually struggling, have certainty. The only way that we can become perfect is through Christ. It is Christ alone, not ourselves, and not our works, that makes us perfect. Perfection cannot come until after the resurrection
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