An Anchor of the Soul

An anchor is used to prevent ships from drifting and keep them where they need to be. The Hebrew writer used this illustration to describe our hope – it is an anchor of the soul. Without this, we would go adrift and be lost. To use it properly, we need to understand what our hope is and how we take hold of it.

Why Do We Need an Anchor?

• So we do not drift away from the truth (Hebrews 2:1) – drifting puts our soul in jeopardy (James 5:19-20)
• So we are not tossed and carried about by every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14) – some are only interested in what is “new” (Acts 17:21); we need the “ancient paths” (Jeremiah 6:16)
• So we are not overcome by the storms of life (Matthew 7:24-27) – these can destroy us if we stray from the truth (Psalm 119:92)

How Does Hope Act as an Anchor?

• It enables us to focus on God and His promises (Hebrews 6:13-18) – God cannot lie (Titus 1:2); Jesus is our “forerunner” in heaven; He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6)
• It protects us from desires that plunge us into ruin and destruction (1 Timothy 6:9) – God’s word keeps us from sin (Psalm 119:11); we must recognize that its pleasures are passing (Hebrews 11:24-26)
• It provides us with stability in the midst of tribulation (Revelation 2:9) – all face trouble, Christians and non-Christians; we have a firm foundation (2 Timothy 2:19), but we must abstain from wickedness

What Do We Hope For?

• Fellowship with God (Hebrews 2:9-11) – possible through Christ as our sins are forgiven (Ephesians 1:7); this was the promise since the first gospel sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38-39)
• Life after death (Hebrews 2:14-15) – Jesus is the first fruits of the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-22); the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ (Romans 6:23)
• The rest that God has prepared for us (Hebrews 4:8-9) – rest from our labors (Revelation 14:13); Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us and will return for us (John 14:1-3)

How Do We Take Hold of This Hope?

• Be obedient to the Lord (Hebrews 5:9) – we are born again to a living hope (1 Peter 1:3); walk in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:7)
• Be diligent and do not give up (Hebrews 6:11-12) – remain faithful until death (Revelation 2:10); run with endurance by fixing your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-3)
• Take care not to fall short of it (Hebrews 4:1) – this happens through disobedience (Hebrews 4:11); we need to encourage one another to remain faithful (Hebrews 3:12-13)

Conclusion

• Our hope is “sure and steadfast” – it goes through Christ into heaven itself
• Let us not lose sight of our hope – instead, let us follow Jesus, the “forerunner for us,” to that reward