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You are here: Home / God's Communication / The First Principles of Christianity

The First Principles of Christianity

September 26, 2016 by David Orton

first principles christianity

Therefore leaving the elementary [first principles] teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity…

Hebrews 6:1

The ‘first principles’ (arche) of anything are the founding or ruling principles. Within them are embedded the genius of successful completion (telos); first principles are thus a seed principle.

Having accomplished God’s redemptive purpose for history, the ascended Christ – as ruler of the cosmos – declares that he is both the “Beginning and the End”—the arche and the telos (Rev 21:6; 22:13).

What does this mean? That beginnings determine endings. The only reason history is not going well – for us personally or culturally – is because we have forsaken the ‘first principles’ of Christ. His person, laws, and redemptive work provide the ruling principles for the governance of the cosmos; and hence, the accomplishment in history of all things that God the Father purposed for the maturation and flourishing of humankind. We must therefore refocus on teaching the ‘first principles’ of Christ and of his Gospel.

Christ, as Creator & Lord and Redeemer & Judge, provides through his Gospel God’s wisdom and ways for his government of the universe, including the conduct of nations.

First Principles therefore includes:

  • Doctrine of Christ (Hebrews 6:1-3).
  • Christian Initiation (Acts 2:38).
  • Covenant Community (Acts 2:42).
  • Law and Gospel (Romans; Galatians).
  • Creation Order (Gen 1-3).
  • Creation Mandate (Gen 1:28).
  • Covenant and Kingdom Motif of Scripture.
  • Inerrancy of Scripture.
  • Faith of the Ecumenical Creeds (Apostles’ Creed, Nicene Creed, Chalcedon Creed).
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Filed Under: First Principles, God's Communication

David Orton

About David Orton

David has served as a teacher and ministry leader for over 40 years. He teaches with a measure of prophetic gravitas and as the founder of Lifemessenger carries a message of reformation, particularly for the Western church and culture.

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21st century Western man is now living in the moral debris of the 20th century experiment—the experiment of messianic statism – Marxist, Fascist, and now secular Humanist – with its rejection of God in Christ as the genius of the Western cultural heritage. Spiritually, morally, and financially bankrupt the West has now exhausted its options. 

Our message despite the historic failure of humanity, including the church, is one of certainty and hope. God has a purpose for history and for nations—for their governance, prosperity, and peace. God’s plan for the planet is more than adequate for its crisis. Lifemessenger is committed to speaking a prophetically pertinent word to church and culture.

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