Our Anchor of the Soul

“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. (Heb. 6:19-20 ESV)

For a boat or ship, there is nothing more important than their anchor in times of rough seas. Their anchor holds them secure in one spot and keeps them from “drifting” into the devastating rocks that could sink their ship. In Chapter 2:1, we read, “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” The author of this letter reaches back to this nautical theme and tells his audience that Jesus is the anchor that keeps us from drifting away.

Remember that context is king when trying to interpret what Scripture teaches us. So, to help us understand exactly what is being presented here, we need to go back to verses 16-18 to get the full sense of exactly what the anchor is being spoken of. Verse 6:18 tells us, “So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.” (ESV)  [Emphasis mine].

Two things we as believers in Christ must hold on to: 1) The unchangeable character of God, and 2) It is impossible for God to lie. Both of these are fundamental truths that, as we encounter the lies of the evil one and fight spiritual battles on this earth, are essential to keep in mind. 1) God’s character is unchangeable. We don’t have to worry if God will ever change His mind about us. I know that some believers, when convicted of their sins, feel they are not worthy of God’s salvation. And they are exactly right; none of us are worthy of God’s gift of grace and eternal salvation. Did you hear me, none of us are worthy. But the good news is that our salvation isn’t dependent on our faithfulness to God but on God’s faithfulness to us. God’s character is unchangeable. We need to get that truth down deep in our souls. We need to remember that our God never changes! His love for us through His Son, the Lord Jesus, never changes.

When the evil one attacks us with our past sins, we must also remember the second truth of this passage: 2) It is impossible for God to lie. Is there something impossible for God to do? Yes, it is impossible for Him to lie! We must remember and claim this truth about our God’s character: He cannot lie. It’s impossible! So, let’s ask ourselves these questions: Does God provide eternal salvation to all who confess and believe “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) If you believe this truth, and God cannot lie, then quit listening to the evil one and His lies that God does not love you or care about you. Also, if John 14:6 is true, where Jesus says to His disciples, “… I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (ESV). If you believe it is true and you have accepted Christ as your savior, then why do you continue to allow the evil one to put doubts into your head and heart?

God cannot lie; God’s character is unchangeable. Jesus is God, and He is the anchor of our souls! Continue to trust in Jesus and His finished work on the cross. He’s not going to leave you; He’s not going to allow you to drift into dangerous waters; He is your anchor.

"Living in Grace is not about what I can do, but about what Jesus has already done!"