Hebrews 5:12, 6:3. In German, Hebrews 5:12 says they needed to be taught the first letters, in other words, the ABCs of the divine words of God. In Chapter 6:1 and 2 it is written what these ABCs are: repentance from dead works and faith in God, baptism, the doctrine of the laying on of hands; in other words, the baptism of the Spirit and healing, the resurrection of the dead, eternal judgment, and obviously all kinds of similar things, such as atonement, breaking of bread, the millennium. In Chapter 6:1 it is written that we shall leave the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ; in German it says we shall walk away from it or let it be. In Norwegian [and English]: go on to perfection. In German it says that we shall pursue perfection. This is in agreement with what Paul says: “I press toward the goal . . . .” Phil. 3:14. Just as they laid the foundation again and again in those days (in other words, continued with the ABCs), so it is also in these days. The fact of the matter is that people neither believe in any kind of perfection nor do they have a genuine hunger and thirst for it, nor are they willing to pay the price in order to obtain it. This is precisely why it is as it is written in Hebrews 6:3 that we can reach perfection only if God permits. This last part in particular is a very little known truth. The fact is that He does not permit such unbelieving, indifferent people who are not in a state to appreciate that which is divine and perfect to obtain this glorious life. Such people are more interested in gifts and talents, music, large congregations, and all the outward indications of a worship service rather than the divine life to which we are called. This is precisely why they will never obtain it and will end up like the foolish (German: stupid) virgins standing outside when Christ comes to fetch His bride. This is no joke! One could think, as most people usually do, that the apostle would emphasize how important the elementary principles are in this context. Yet we plainly see here that the apostle does not do that, even though they are very necessary. It is typical for soulish, carnal people to be regularly bothered by such unnecessary cares.Elias Aslaksen

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Rom. 12:1-2 [Emphasis added]. The fact that God, in His goodness has granted mankind this great salvation is so amazing, that most people who seek God cannot believe it. He wants to make us one with Himself and save us to the extent that we are like Jesus, and become His bride. We can live here on earth and be well-pleasing to Him, saved from the power of sin, from self-love and selfishness. We can be good as Jesus was good, doing the good and blessing wherever we are, not seeking our own but the others’ best. That is our heavenly Father’s will for each one of us—He who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Tim. 2:4. It is understandable that evil people think it incomprehensible that God has such plans. “No,” people say, “I don’t believe that.” Of course, it can only happen by faith, and when people choose not to believe, they exclude themselves, just as Israel of old, and people do it today. It would be reasonable for people to take God’s kingdom by force, so they could achieve a marvelous transformation in this life and partake of God’s nature. Imagine being like Him and being merciful to wretched sinners when they do believe—even before they believe! However, the opposite is the case, even to the utmost degree. People do not want to hear about it; they even despise it. They would rather prefer that you departed this world so they wouldn’t have to see you, and to listen and accept the gospel of true salvation in Christ Jesus. This speaks of the depths of the Fall and Satan’s work among people so he can keep them away from God and destroy them. Although the Scriptures say, “To him who overcomes I will . . .” etc., (all the promises follow one after another), those who are to represent Christ here on earth say, “There is not a man on earth who can overcome; Jesus overcame, but we cannot overcome.” Therefore they deny outright what God in Christ has given to all people. Why? It is because they do not believe that it is possible for God to fulfill His promises to us, and because Satan has managed to bind them in his darkness so that they neither see nor believe what the Scriptures teach. How we must praise God and exalt His holy name! He has opened our eyes so that we can see, and our ears so that we can hear, and He has given us faith to believe that everything He has promised will be accomplished and that we will be presented to Him without spot, holy and blameless. 2 Pet. 3:14; Eph. 1:4; Jas. 1:4. Hallelujah! This is the Lord’s word and will! He has all power, and we can do all things believing in this omnipotence. All praise to God our Father and to Jesus Christ! We praise and magnify Him for all His goodness to us. Therefore I want to exhort everyone: Let His goodness and love, which He has so abundantly demonstrated to us, compel us into attaining this full salvation. Then we can live and walk here with one another, being acceptable to God in all things.Andreas Nilsen