Hebrews 6:13-20

With war, drive-by shootings, terrorist bombings and natural disasters, you can’t even count on your next breath; for sure. So much of life is out of control and any thinking person has to recognize some degree of insecurity.

 

The Anchor Was an Important Symbol for the Early Christians: Hebrews 6:13-19

“When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, 14saying, ‘I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.’ 15And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.

16″Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. 17Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. 19We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,”

Three common symbols:

1. The dove .

2. The fish .

3. The anchor .

The dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit. The letter of the Greek word for “fish” icthus stands for the words Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior.

 

The Anchor Represented Hope for the Christian Soul: v. 20

“where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”

Three common threats to security:

1. Excessive condemnation .

2. Frequent change .

3. Security crisis .

Source: Gary Collins, Christian Psychologist

Three common threads of hope:

1. The anchor of courage . 1 Corinthians 16:13

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.”

2. The anchor of faith . Matthew 17:20

“He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there” and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'”

3. The anchor of family . Hebrews 10:25

“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another; and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

 

We have an anchor that keeps the soul

Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,

Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,

Grounded firm and deep in the Savior love.

; Priscilla J. Owens