It was taking me too long to come up with a proper intro to this post so I decided to simply begin with scripture:
“…we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and confirmed and one which enters within the veil”
Hebrews 6:18b-19 LSB
Context
As per usual before we get to the bolded text I must begin with context. After encouraging the readers to “be not slothful” (6:12) the author of Hebrews explains the oath and counsel God gave as a promise to Abraham and how Abraham realized this promise by “patiently [enduring]” (6:15). This same promise (of blessing and life) was given to the “heirs” (which is us! Rom 8:17) and is to be realized the same way Abraham did: patiently enduring with faith.
As Gentiles, we were “without hope” (Eph 2:12) and away from this promise of God. However, Jesus Christ came to save us all and grafted us into this promise. We, therefore, have abandoned our hope in anything else for salvation (works, law, rituals, money, etc.) and have “taken refuge” (main verse above) to the God of our promise.
Finally, because of God’s unchanging nature we have “strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us” (main verse above)
Hope
Before we get into the idea of this ‘hope’ being the “anchor of the soul” we must define what this hope is in the first place. This is easy. Paul makes it very clear in his first letter to Timothy: “Christ Jesus, our hope…” (1 Tim 1:1). Enough said.
Anchor of the Soul
The word “adrift” describes the great majority of souls in our world today. I hate to say it describes many Christians today as well. Possibly your own soul. You can spot adrift souls by observing how they react to all different circumstances they find themselves in. As well as observing how they react to various sources of news (good or bad). The adrift soul will usually proclaim how they are perishing (Luke 8:24) in their stormy circumstances.
What is needed to stop an adrift soul? An anchor. What type of anchor? An anchor of hope. What is that hope? None other than Jesus Christ alone. You can spot souls that are anchored by observing how they react to all different circumstances they find themselves in. As well as observing how they react to various sources of news (good or bad). The anchored soul will usually proclaim how they are safe and sound (Ps 27:3).
The only difference between the two is whether they are adrift or anchored. Do not run to man made psychology to find out why a soul is restless. Do not admire the character of a man if he seems anchored. There is only one hero in this story. There is only one anchor. And there is only one that can be an anchor to the adrift souls. That is Jesus Christ. If you try to make anything else your anchor you will find yourself sinking sooner or later.
Conclusion
There is much more to say about this verse especially about the idea that this hope “enters within the veil”. It is a beautiful concept but to ensure this post isn’t too long I will say, as a dear friend of mine is known for saying, “study it out”. Go to Hebrews and read more about this blessed hope and you will be blessed for doing so.
Action
- Praise God for the hope of His Son and how He anchors your soul
- Confess to God your hope in anything other than His Son
- Ask God to strengthen your faith in His Son
- Listen to this post’s song: There is Hope