"Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil." Hebrews 6:19 (KJV)
Our hope rests in Jesus Christ. He is the “author and finisher of our faith.” Hebrews 12:2
This hope is grasped by faith. It is not the amount of faith that matters but the object of our hope. We confess that ‘Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God”. Matt 16:16.
This certainty and confidence is figuratively described as “an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast. Our faith then is anchored in a person. We can only know Him through the Bible, the inspired Word of God. The Bible reveals God to man through His Son our Lord Jesus Christ. Heb 1:2. The Bible then is a unique book, inerrant and infallible. It proclaims that only Jesus saves. Acts 4: 12. There is no other way to God. Certainly good works can never save any man. The writer of the Epistles to the Hebrews propounds that our faith is anchored in Jesus Christ. We shall take a look at Hebrews chapter 6.
A. God is Righteous (vl-8)
Creeds are important as they declare the essential doctrines of our faith. We must agree on the biblical meaning of repentance, faith, salvation, baptism, eternal security, resurrection and judgment. It is possible for one to receive the word of truth, but not the power, to worship outwardly without inward beauty, to receive the gifts of the church but not the graces. He will fall without remedy. God is righteous and will administer the right judgment.
B. God is Faithful (v9-15)
What things accompany salvation? They are works of faith and labour of love “I will shew them my faith by my works.” James 2:18, KJV. God keeps a book of remembrance. He will not forget neither will He fail to reward. We fail God when we become slothful in our worship and service. Take the example of Abraham. God made a covenant with him. He became the father of the faithful. He through faith and patience inherited the promise. God took an oath of faithfulness.
C. God is Immutable (v16-20)
It is impossible for God to change. Immutability is His attribute. He also cannot lie. Credibility is based on the quality of the person speaking and the manner of the speech. His Word is unchanging. Its truth endures forever. “The fear of the Lord is clean enduring forever; the judgments. of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.” Psalm 19:9, KJV. Whatever He says is reliable and whatever He promises He will fulfil. We can have confidence in His Word. He can enjoy eternal security. “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish.” John 10:28, KJV. God is both love and justice.
Conclusion
A great ship when in harbour drops her anchors. She is held secure though still afloat on the waters. Although the title is “Anchored in Faith”, we should rightly say that we are “Anchored in Jesus.” Our faith can waver but Jesus is “the same yesterday, today, and forever”. Hebrews 13:8, NKJV.
By Late Rev Dr Patrick Tan – Founder, Honorary Chaplain MCF Singapore
Reproduced from MCF 50th Anniversary Commemorative Publication