6:1

the primary doctrine about the Christ: This expression refers to the basic teachings that Christians learned when they first became disciples. (Heb 5:12 and study note) Paul mentions six of these basic teachings here and in the following verse and calls them a foundation. As with a literal building, the foundation was the starting point. Mature Christians would not content themselves with these teachings only. They moved beyond the basic doctrines by building on them and growing in knowledge and understanding of deeper teachings, such as those found in Paul’s letters. Doing so helped those Christians to reason on the Scriptures and apply them, conducting themselves according to their principles.​—Heb 5:14.

let us press on: Paul here includes himself when urging his fellow believers to make progress as followers of Christ. According to one reference work, he is, in effect, saying: “Let us move forward together.” Though a mature Christian, Paul was always eager to move forward and improve in imitating Christ.​—Php 3:13-16.

maturity: Paul stresses the importance of becoming full-grown as a Christian​—one who seeks to understand both basic and deeper truths and to improve in teaching them to others. The Greek word used here is related to the word rendered “mature people,” or “full-grown people,” at Heb 5:14 (see study note), where such ones are contrasted with someone who is “a young child.” (Heb 5:13 and study note) A mature Christian has had his “powers of discernment trained to distinguish both right and wrong.” (Heb 5:14) Therefore, he is not easily led astray or influenced negatively by others​—for example, in his understanding of Christian doctrine.​—Eph 4:11-14.

repentance from dead works: These “dead works” include acts of wrongdoing as well as attempts to gain salvation that are not in harmony with God’s will. (Mt 7:21) Among such dead works were the efforts that some made to earn salvation by observing the Mosaic Law when it was no longer in force. (Ro 10:2-4; Ga 2:16 and study note) Even seemingly good works could be considered dead, or useless, if not motivated by love. (1Co 13:3) The Hebrew Christians needed to repent, or turn away from, all such dead works in order to progress to maturity.​—Heb 9:14.

faith in God: Paul here mentions “faith in God” as part of the foundation, or beginning, of one’s becoming a Christian. (Heb 11:6) Before becoming Christians, those whom Paul addresses here already believed in God, for they were Jews. Thus one reference work says about “faith” as used in this context: “What is meant is not only faith in God’s existence . . . but trust in God.” Such faith and trust were part of “the primary doctrine about the Christ,” so it was essential that the Hebrew Christians put faith also in Jesus as God’s appointed “Chief Agent of their salvation.”​—Heb 2:10 and study note; Joh 14:1; Ac 4:12; 1Pe 1:21.