The Anchor of the Soul

In last Sunday’s tirade of a sermon exhibiting so many facets of the priceless gem of salvation, I mentioned one particular text and image almost in passing. But it deserves more attention. In view of God’s unchangeable character, definite saving purpose, guaranteed truthfulness, provision of spiritual refuge, and strong encouragement for us to hope in Christ, Hebrews 6:19-20 then says: We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. It’s that word “anchor” I want you to picture. My experience on the water is mostly with lakes where wind and waves are minimal. For me, having an anchor has meant avoiding the nuisance of drifting when I’m casting a lure into that certain spot. But, of course, on a large body of water in stormy weather, being able to drop anchor means so much more—like protection from being driven onto rocky shoals. The anchor holds securely, preventing catastrophe. And notice—our spiritual anchor is “sure and steadfast.” Just in case anyone imagines the soul’s anchor might not be up to the task (i.e., too small or light to hold our boat againstthose enormous waves), these words make it clear: no storm can pull God’s people awayfrom their secure hope in Christ. The anchor of the soul will hold! Adding another image, our hope “enters into the inner place behind the curtain.” This recalls the divider between the outer sanctuary of the Old Testament tabernacle and the interior Holy of Holies. Once a year (on the Day of Atonement) the high priest entered the most holy place to offer the blood of animals to atone for the people’s sins. In fact, animal sacrifices pre-figured the one, true sacrifice that actually could atone for sin, namely the death of Christ on our behalf. So think of it: what Christ did in dying for sinners like us was to provide an eternally secure and unmovable anchor that keeps us truly safe. We are as secure in Jesus as his blood is precious; we are as solidly anchored as the life of God’s Son is valuable! And so, REST. Rest in the perfect provision of our steadfast anchor.