What does "leave the elementary teachings" mean in Hebrews 6:1 for spiritual growth?

Leaving “the elementary teachings” (Hebrews 6:1–2) means moving beyond the basic, introductory doctrines so they become a settled foundation on which deeper understanding and obedience are built. The passage lists those basics: “repentance from dead works and faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.”

What spiritual growth looks like:

– Treat the basics as a foundation, not a ceiling. Once repentance and faith are established, build on them rather than continually re-laying them (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:11).

– Pursue “solid food” instead of spiritual “milk” by consistent study, obedience, and discernment (Hebrews 5:12–14).

– Deepen knowledge of Christ’s high-priestly work (the next theme in Hebrews) so love and reverence for Him mature (Hebrews 6:19–20).

– Grow into “the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,” moving past spiritual childhood (Ephesians 4:13–15).

– Let Scripture train and equip for every good work, not merely inform (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

– Bear fruit that accompanies salvation—service, generosity, perseverance—evidence that maturity is taking root (Hebrews 6:7–12).

Leaving the elementary teachings, then, is not abandoning them; it is mastering them so thoroughly that the believer is free to explore the richer, fuller depths of Christ and to live a life that reflects His maturity and glory.