"MYSTERY BABYLON: ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION?"
Spring 1994, Updated 1998
CHAPTER-TWENTY-TWO
This study has been printed with a twofold motive. The first objective was in exposing and sharing the immense amount of convincing evidence that guides us to the probable conclusion in regard to the identity of Mystery Babylon of the Book of Revelation. The second objective was intended to motivate and generate a God fearing desire to search, examine, and explore the scriptures, that within the whole of it's content we would find the many hidden treasures that testify of Christ. "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me," (John 5:39).
In Hebrews chapter six God declares something that many may instinctively disregard.
"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." (Hebrews 6:1-3)
These are the basic doctrines of God's salvation plan. A true child of God will never leave these precious doctrines of our Heavenly Father. The "Interlinear Bible Hebrew Greek English" (Hendrickson) translates Hebrew 6:1 this way:
"Therefore, leaving the of the beginning of Christ discourse, on to full growth let us be borne..."
The "Interlinear Greek-English New Testament" (Berry) translates this verse the following way:
Wherefore, having left the of the beginning of the Christ discourse, to the full growth we should go on..."
The "Zondervan Parallel New Testament In Greek and English" (Zondervan) translates the verse the following way:
"Wherefore leaving the of the beginning of Christ word on to maturity let us be born..."
Finally, the New King James Bible quotes Hebrews 6:1 the following way:
"Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection.."
The old King James is the only translation used in this study, and it is the most reliable source of today. The Greek quotes mentioned above were used to compare the similarities of these translations to the King James, in regard to Hebrews 6:1. All are in agreement.
When Hebrews states "...leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ ... " we realize that "leaving" means only to "go with" or "to send forth." We are of course never to simply leave the basic doctrines of Christ. We are to carry the doctrines of Christ’s beginning discourse as we go on to perfection. This perfection will include (along with the searching of heavenly meanings) our own sanctification and a continual repentance with regard to our life style. All of these basic principles are ours to bring forth with us as we "leave" (meaning simply to lay aside; not to forget or neglect) the principles and go on to perfection.
The only time one should ever "go on" unto "perfection" is after having absolute assurance of one's salvation. Until that time (and during our entire lifetime) our intent should always focus upon our own wickedness and our great need to have all of our sins forgiven by the only One who can forgive sins; He who is the Word of Life, I John 1:1.
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