1. Preface
In the Preface to the second edition of
Biblical Fellowship, (published by the author: see title page). the
author has written: “What does require further investigation
is the very concept of ‘first principles’: What precisely are
‘first principles’? (The author is well aware that “first
principles” as used here is not really a Biblical term. The phrase
“first principles” and the word “principles” have a
specialized meaning when used in Hebrews 5:12 and 6:1: all that can be said with
certainty is that they have to do with foundation principles of the Law of
Moses.) And how can they be Biblically determined? These are important
questions because, no matter how well Biblical principles of fellowship may be
understood, there is still the question of where and how they should be applied.
And being able to draw clearly defined and consistent lines between first
principles and matters of lesser importance is crucial to the process. It is my
hope to deal with these important but difficult matters in a further
work.”
In offering Bible-based answers to these
questions, this present work is something of a companion to that previous one.
It is strongly recommended that both works be studied together.
In its present form, this work should be of
particular interest to all Christadelphians and members of the Abrahamic Faith.
But an abridged form (chapters 5 through 9, combined with chapter 11) could be
useful as a simple statement (and proof) of the saving gospel
— especially for the instruction of the young and of others who are
interested in what the Bible teaches.