“when God wanted to prove for certain that his promise to his people could not be broken, he made a vow. 18 God cannot tell lies! And so his promises and vows are two things that can never be changed. We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us.19 This hope is like a firm and steady anchor for our souls. In fact, hope reaches behind the curtain[c] and into the most holy place. 20 Jesus has gone there ahead of us, and he is our high priest forever,” Hebrews 6: 17-20 (CEV)
Hope is the anchor for our souls when fear would try to shake the foundations of our souls. The writer of Hebrews in chapter 5 has just warned his readers of being “dull of hearing.” He is pleading with them to grow—to mature in their knowledge of Jesus. As we turn to chapter 6, he begins with a plea once more. He seems at first discouraging. He has noted that among the congregation that there are some who want to return to a doctrine of works only. Some wanted to return to ceremonial rituals of being saved over and over again; as though that were possible!!
Christ had paid the price for salvation once and forever on the cross. To suggest that one could be saved, lose that salvation and be saved again was not possible. The writer points this out very clearly in his arguments to follow in Hebrews 6: 4-6
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
So, he points out that if it were possible of losing one’s salvation there would be no further hope of salvation again.
Then to add to the disheartening news, he follows with a parable:
For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. (Hebrews 6:7-8)
In this he is speaking of God’s word pouring upon the earth to give life—some hear the word and accept Jesus as their Savior. Some hear the word and even go out to teach false doctrine—thorns, briers. They have heard the truth; but, never really know or accept Christ as their Savior. It is the same warning Jesus had given in Matthew 7:22-23
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
How scary is that!! If I could somehow lose my salvation, there would be no hope of salvation or what if I only think I’m saved; but, am not? Thanks be to God we are not left there in that place of fear!! Certainly, yes each of us must examine our own hearts to know whether we have accepted Christ as our High Priest. That should be evidenced by some degree of growth along this journey; without which we must wonder. Yet, we are not left there. Instead, the writer has been saying, I cannot be the one of certainty to tell you which state is yours. Search your heart. If God be willing, let me teach you of higher assurances so that you may grow and flourish. (Hebrews 6:3).
As the writer turns once more to teach of Jesus, he says—I don’t think either of these are you—so come and learn more of the hope that is yours. “Listen, learn and grow in your knowledge of Jesus. There is the anchor for your soul!! He is the certainty of your salvation!! Not the vain dead works or rituals. Come learn of Him!!” The power of your salvation is not in you—it is anchored in the promises and vows of God, who cannot lie. Read once more the scripture we began with:
“when God wanted to prove for certain that his promise to his people could not be broken, he made a vow. 18 God cannot tell lies! And so his promises and vows are two things that can never be changed. We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us.19 This hope is like a firm and steady anchor for our souls. In fact, hope reaches behind the curtain[c] and into the most holy place. 20 Jesus has gone there ahead of us, and he is our high priest forever,” Hebrews 6: 17-20 (CEV)
Your salvation is dependent on Him and furthermore, the fruit of your labor is dependent on Him as well.
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. Hebrews 6:10
So, dear friends; let me encourage you. If you have grown stagnant in your faith—turn once more to look upon Jesus who is the certain anchor of your soul. It is not your works that hold you tight to His bosom. Turn to Him and grow in the presence of His love and Grace which will hold you firm. Or for you who are laboring with no apparent results for all your labor. Remember the harvest is His—don’t give up—keep spreading His word, keep doing all that He has asked of you!! God will reward your labor of love, one day you will see that.
[tweetthis]Jesus is the Secure Anchor for Your Soul. Seek Him! He will lift you up![/tweetthis]
The song I chose for you today is My Hope is Jesus
Contemporary English Version (CEV)Copyright © 1995 by American Bible Society
photo used by permission: https://unsplash.com/@repponen
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.