What does Hebrews 6:1-2 mean? Specifically regarding 'washings'?

Question

Hebrews

6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.

Is this referring to foot washings? Or what kind of washings? This has always confused me.

If it is referring to foot washings --- then why aren't we doing more of that in the church? I know that some churches practice it regularly, but they seem to be few and far between.

Sorry folks, I was using the ESV translation. Thanks for your answers!

Answer 1

The Greek word here is “Baptismos”. This is a form of the word we get our word “Baptism” from.

These particular verses, as well as the end of chapter 5, are talking about people who continue to re-study the basic principles of Christianity, and they never move on to where they can teach others and be leaders in the church.

Baptism is obviously one of these basic principles. This is involved in the plan of salvation (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38). This is one of the first things that someone who is taught about Christ should understand. Many of those Baptized in the book of Acts understood its importance after only one “lesson”.

Baptism’s role in washing away sins can be seen in Acts 22:16, and it is described as “the washing of regeneration” in Titus 3:5. Baptism is where we spiritually contact Christ’s death where the saving blood was shed. (Romans 6:3-13, Colossians 2:12) When we contact his death, that blood washes away our sin. (Revelation 1:5)

Becoming a Christian, however, should be a beginning to a new life in Christ (Romans 6:4). This is the first step, not the last. Some, however, never seem to move on to serving God more as time goes on.

Answer 2

This book was written to the Jews, believers mainly but I am sure there were some unbelievers mixed in too. These people were converted to Christianity, out of Judaism and many of them were still believing they had to keep the Old Testament Laws. By this I am referring to the Levitical laws.
I believe this is why the writer talked so much about the Levitical priesthood. Under the Levitical laws there were many ceremonial cleansings that were only an outward cleansing but, represented a cleansing of the heart. If we look at Exodus 30:17-21; and Leviticus 16:23-28; we see some examples of this where the Lord required Aaron and his sons to wash themselves in order to make sacrifices. In the New Testament we see in Mark 7:1-5; we read where Jesus talked to the Pharisees and the Scribes about how they followed the traditions of cleansing with water on the outside by washing hands, cups and pots but then in verse14 he explains that nothing outside defiles the person but what comes from within( the heart) that defiles.
So I believe the writer is trying to get the people to understand that those outer washings were only symbolisms and now that Jesus has fulfilled those laws it was not necessary for them to keep repeating them. I do not think these verses have anything to do with foot washings. Their mindsets were still under Judaism and they were prone to revert back to those traditions. The writer wanted them to make progress and start maturing in Christ but they were regressing back to the old ways. They apparantely had been Christians long enough to start teaching others but they were not because they were not growing in their understanding.
I do hope this helps. This may not be right but it is the way I understand at this time.

May we all continue to grow in grace and the knowledge of our Savior and God. The Lord Christ Jesus.

Answer 3

Most translations use the word "baptisms" there. Generally, it's a good idea when you quote the Bible to let people know which translation you are using. But overall, the passage just means that we as believers shouldn't get stuck continually struggling with the foundations of being a Christian. But instead we should move on to spiritual maturity. It's like moving on from milk to solid food.

About the foot washings, it's just a symbol of the renewal of holiness in Christ. He's already washed us clean, we just have to get the dirt off of us that we get from walking around in a fallen world. So we don't need a head-to-toe cleansing, just our feet washed.

Answer 4

Actually it is refering to foot washing which was definately an action of servatude.. I believe that this practice should be held as a sacrament in church just like baptizing. It is servatude that will give you the most joy rather than trying to always be the most important. When it calls it an elementary doctrine it refers to this being a basic action for Christians to learn. I have done this before and it is incredibly humbling and rewarding to your soul.

Answer 5

It simply reiterates that in the Fullness of time God revealed Himself directly, and that Christ gives us the complete Word of God (Himself, He is the Logos, the Word Incarnate, the Visible, tangible, Real Image of the Invisible God!!! His life by word and deed is what we need to return to the Father, which He was trying to accomplish when spoke to His people by mediation before!) Christ as True God and True Man is complete, therefore there is nothing else to add. Christ still speaks to us, and brings us to the Father (through Himself, namely His Sacrifice, made present in our day by the Power of the Holy Spirit by the ministry of the Church, but this for the past 2000 years has been nothing we the Christian faithful haven't already known. This is another reason why the Church cannot fail as Protestants erroneously point out. If Christ is Supreme (and you'd better believe He is!) and does not lie (He is Truth Incarnate), He promised to send the Holy Spirit to guide the Church (the one in Acts, which is the One in Rome, plus the Eastern Schism), the Church as a whole cannot defect from Christ's teaching (as Christ is the head of His body, the Church, and Christ does not fail!), even if some of its members can as individuals (Popes included).

Answer 6

The "washings" is rendered as "baptisms" in some other bibles. One bible using the word "baptisms" is the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. It's easier than ever to access several bible translations and versions these days because the Internet has many places to look

Answer 7

I realize your question has already been answered, but I wanted to give you a link that will help - blueletterbible.com

It has commentaries, study tools, maps, and many different translations available for looking up scripture. I use it ALL THE TIME!!

Of course, I'm in no way discouraging you from asking questions here - that's how we learn, teach and help each other grow.

God Bless!

Answer 8

The passage suggests that things that are "elementary" be set aside in favor of "maturity". It then specifies the things that are considered "elementary", and says to NOT continue to have a foundation based upon:
1)Repentance from dead works
2)Faith toward God
3)Instructions about washings, laying on of hands, resurr.of dead, and eternal judgment

It sounds like the writer is suggesting that the above things are not as important as more "mature" acts; the writer remains vague as to what the above actions should be replaced with. Later in the passage it says,

"9But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way.
10For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints.

11And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end,

12so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. "

To me, this sounds like he is trying to inspire them to hold fast to their new "religion" even in the face of persecution. Perhaps he is emphasizing that such persistence in the face of adversity is more important than just having "faith", or of practicing rituals like "washing", etc...

Even if he intends something different with regard to the rest of the passage, the wording of the passage you quoted above kinda points to why there isn't more "washing" in church: the passage above downplays the importance of such "washing".

Peace.

Answer 9

you are what you put into your spirit, if you look at porno all day then that will influence your life, then that person must wash away that content from their mind, but as it is written many cannot overcome their sins, and they will continue therein. Washing of the word is by putting the word into your heart by reading or seeing it.

Answer 10

The Priesthood was required to preform elaborate
physical washings, daily.
Jesus is interested in our spiritual cleanness.