The Peril of Not Progressing

6 Therefore, ^(A)leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to ^[a]perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from ^(B)dead works and of faith toward God,

Spiritual Immaturity

¹² For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the ^[a]oracles of God; and you have come to need ^(A)milk and not solid food. ¹³ For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is ^(B)a babe. ¹⁴ But solid food belongs to those who are ^[b]of full age, that is, those who by reason of ^[c]use have their senses exercised ^(C)to discern both good and evil.

¹⁴ how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without ^[a]spot to God, ^(A)cleanse your conscience from ^(B)dead works ^(C)to serve the living God?

The Corinthians’ Repentance

7 Therefore,^(A) having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Pressing Toward the Goal

¹² Not that I have already ^(A)attained,^[a] or am already ^(B)perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. ¹³ Brethren, I do not count myself to have ^[b]apprehended; but one thing I do, ^(C)forgetting those things which are behind and ^(D)reaching forward to those things which are ahead, ^14 (E)I press toward the goal for the prize of ^(F)the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

¹⁵ Therefore let us, as many as are ^(G)mature, ^(H)have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, ^(I)God will reveal even this to you.

¹³ and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.

²⁰ but ^(A)declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do ^(B)works befitting repentance.

³² For ^(A)John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; ^(B)but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward ^[a]relent and believe him.

Need for a New Priesthood^(A)

^11 (B)Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron?