Importance of Starting with Clear Biblical Text
Scripture itself testifies to its foundational role in Christian formation. Paul reminds Timothy that "from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" [3]. The phrase "from infancy" underscores how early exposure to biblical text shapes theological understanding—a principle recognized across Jewish and Christian traditions. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown notes that "the tender age of the first dawn of reason is that wherein the most lasting impressions of faith may be made" [6], highlighting the formative power of Scripture encountered at the beginning of one's journey.
The author of Hebrews employs architectural imagery when urging readers to move beyond elementary teachings: "leaving the doctrine of the beginning of Christ, let us be led forward unto perfection, not laying again the foundation" [1]. This does not dismiss foundational truths but assumes their necessity. As Jamieson-Fausset-Brown explains, "As in building a house one must never leave the foundation: yet to be always laboring in 'laying the foundation' would be ridiculous" [7]. The foundation includes "repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God" [1]—doctrines rooted in specific biblical texts rather than abstract speculation.
Clear biblical grounding prevents the instability of "halting between two opinions" [4]. Torrey's Topical Textbook catalogs how decision in faith requires "seeking God with the heart" and "keeping the commandments of God" [4], both of which presuppose knowledge of what Scripture actually says. Without textual clarity, believers risk the "double-mindedness" [4] that comes from uncertain foundations. The call to "let us go in with true hearts, in certain faith" [2] depends on confidence in revealed truth, not conjecture.
God's own work in the heart—opening, enlightening, establishing [5]—operates through the medium of Scripture. The text is not merely informational but instrumental: it makes one "wise unto salvation" [3, 6] precisely because it mediates divine truth. This instrumental role explains why the biblical writers themselves appeal constantly to prior revelation, building doctrine on exegesis rather than innovation. The Scriptures function as the norming norm, the standard against which all teaching must be measured, ensuring that theological construction rests on what God has actually said rather than what interpreters wish He had said.
Sources
- Hebrews “Hebrews 6:1 (Geneva1599) — Therefore, leauing the doctrine of the beginning of Christ, let vs be led forward vnto perfection, not laying againe ye foundation of repetance from dead workes, and of faith toward God,”
- Hebrews “Hebrews 10:22 (BBE) — Let us go in with true hearts, in certain faith, having our hearts made free from the sense of sin and our bodies washed with clean water:”
- II Timothy “II Timothy 3:15 (BSB) — From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Decision — Necessary to the service of God -- Lu 9:62. Exhortations to -- Jos 24:14,15. Exhibited in Seeking God with the heart. -- 2Ch 15:12. Keeping the commandments of God. -- Ne 10:29. Being on the Lord's side. -- Ex 32:26. Following God fully. -- Nu 14:24; 32:12; Jos 14:8. Serving God. -- Isa 56:6. Loving God perfectly. -- De 6:5. Blessedness of. -- Jos 1:7. Opposed to A divided service. -- Mt 6:24. Double-mindedness. -- Jas 1:8. Halting between two opinions. -- 1Ki 18:21. Turning to the right or left. -- De 5:32. Not setting the heart aright. -- Ps 78:8,37. Exe”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Heart, The — Issues of life are out of -- Pr 4:23. God Tries. -- 1Ch 29:17; Jer 12:3. Knows. -- Ps 44:21; Jer 20:12. Searched. -- 1Ch 28:9; Jer 17:10. Understands the thoughts of. -- 1Ch 28:9; Ps 139:2. Ponders. -- Pr 21:2; 24:12. Influences. -- 1Sa 10:26; Ezr 6:22; 7:27; Pr 21:1; Jer 20:9. Creates a new. -- Ps 51:10; Eze 36:26. Prepares. -- 1Ch 29:18; Pr 16:1. Opens. -- Ac 16:14. Enlightens. -- 2Co 4:6; Eph 1:18. Strengthens. -- Ps 27:14. Establishes. -- Ps 112:8; 1Th 3:13. Should be Prepared to God. -- 1Sa 7:3. Given to God. -- Pr 23:26. Perfect with God. -- 1Ki 8:”
- 2 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Timothy 3:15: from a child--literally, "from an infant." The tender age of the first dawn of reason is that wherein the most lasting impressions of faith may be made. holy scriptures--The Old Testament taught by his Jewish mother. An undesigned coincidence with Ti2 1:5; Act 16:1-3. able--in themselves: though through men's own fault they often do not in fact make men savingly alive. wise unto salvation--that is, wise unto the attainment of salvation. Contrast "folly" (Ti2 3:9). Wise also in extending it to others. through faith--as the instrument of this ”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 6 (introduction): WARNING AGAINST RETROGRADING, WHICH SOON LEADS TO APOSTASY; ENCOURAGEMENT TO STEADFASTNESS FROM GOD'S FAITHFULNESS TO HIS WORD AND OATH. (Heb 6:1-14) Therefore--Wherefore: seeing that ye ought not now to be still "babes" (Heb 5:11-14). leaving--getting further forward than the elementary "principles." "As in building a house one must never leave the foundation: yet to be always laboring in 'laying the foundation' would be ridiculous" [CALVIN]. the principles of the doctrine--Greek, "the word of the beginning," that is, the discussion ”