Day 27 - The Anchor Of The Soul
- Pastor b.Side
- May 27
- 3 min read
This [hope] we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the [Presence] behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, [even] Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. - Hebrews 6:19-20
An anchor is a simple tool that offers substantial benefits. It is merely a heavy piece of metal that keeps a boat or ship from drifting to undesirable places. It secures the boat or ship firmly in place. This is the role that Jesus plays for those who believe in the Gospel. He is the One who prevents His people from drifting into dark waters that lead to sin, death, and hell. He is the One who secures God's people as children and heirs of His blessings and eternal life.
“This hope we have…”
When the Bible describes “hope,” it refers to a confident expectation. Believers in the Gospel of Jesus Christ can expect God to keep our souls secure in His possession with certainty. He has promised to bless those who trust in the integrity of His Word. Since His Word never changes and He does not lie, it follows that God’s Word is supremely valuable. This is why the scriptures compare God’s promises to an anchor for our souls. Just as an anchor safeguards a boat, God’s Word protects the souls of those who believe. We should confidently expect God to fasten our souls to His promises of saving us from sin, death, and hell and granting us the inheritance of eternal life and blessings because He said He would.
“Which enters the [Presence] behind the veil…”
No one else can secure the soul. We can’t even see our own souls, let alone secure them in the benefits tied to God’s eternal promises. The Old Testament scriptures prove this. Even though the children of Israel were God’s chosen people, they didn’t have free access to God’s presence. Although God’s presence was physically manifested as a cloud above the Ark of the Covenant, that Ark was sealed off from the people. Only the high priest could encounter God’s presence, and he was permitted to do so just once a year with a multitude of sacrifices. That’s how the whole nation related to God’s presence at that time. The sins and faults of the people created an insurmountable distance from God. That was the extent of the relationship anyone could have with God UNTIL Jesus. He is the only One able to freely approach the presence of the Father “behind the veil” that separates us all from God and His goodness.
“Having become High Priest forever…”
Jesus’ sacrifice destroyed the eternal threats of sin, death, and hell, enabling Him to enter the kingdom of heaven on our behalf and allowing us to follow Him through the cleansing power of His blood. The devil attempted to tempt Jesus into sin to undermine His sacrifice. The devil failed. Death tried to corrupt Jesus. Death failed. Hades sought to keep Jesus captive. Hades failed. Jesus surpassed every high priest who ever lived for these reasons. This is why He is once more compared to Melchizedek. While God is typically out of reach, Melchizedek connected Abraham to God in fellowship through worship. Jesus accomplishes the same for us today because of the work He did to pave the way to heaven. Jesus paid the price for our sins and entered heaven before us, and because He is God, He can reach down to lift us up while seated there. No one else can make promises like this because no one else transcends all the factors that threaten those promises. Jesus proved it, and that’s what makes Him so good.
Prayer for today
Our heavenly Father, thank You for securing our souls from sin, death, and hell. We acknowledge that we cannot secure ourselves; You alone are capable. Help us trust in You alone and place our confidence in You and the work You’ve done, rather than in ourselves. Since Your work focuses on the well-being and security of our souls in Your presence, help our hearts and minds to be centered on the same for Your glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.