Apostol § 312

Hebrews 5:11–6:8

Brethren, we have many things to say of Melchízedek, and it is hard to explain since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil... Therefore, leaving the principle doctrines 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 baptism, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they should fall away, to renew them again unto repentance, since they crucify to themselves the Son of God anew, and put Him to an open shame. For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for them by whom it is dressed, receives blessing from God; but if it bears thorns and briars, it is rejected and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.