Hebrews 6:19
Verse
Context
God’s Unchangeable Promise
18Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.19We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,20where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Which hope we have as an anchor - The apostle here changes the allusion; he represents the state of the followers of God in this lower world as resembling that of a vessel striving to perform her voyage through a troublesome, tempestuous, dangerous sea. At last she gets near the port; but the tempest continues, the water is shallow, broken, and dangerous, and she cannot get in: in order to prevent her being driven to sea again she heaves out her sheet anchor, which she has been able to get within the pier head by means of her boat, though she could not herself get in; then, swinging at the length of her cable, she rides out the storm in confidence, knowing that her anchor is sound, the ground good in which it is fastened, and the cable strong. Though agitated, she is safe; though buffeted by wind and tide, she does not drive; by and by the storm ceases, the tide flows in, her sailors take to the capstan, wear the ship against the anchor, which still keeps its bite or hold, and she gets safely into port. See on Heb 6:20 (note). The comparison of hope to an anchor is frequent among the ancient heathen writers, who supposed it to be as necessary to the support of a man in adversity, as the anchor is to the safety of the ship when about to be driven on a lee shore by a storm. "To ground hope on a false supposition," says Socrates, "is like trusting to a weak anchor." He said farther, ουτε ναυν εξ ἑνος αγκυριου, ουτε βιον εκ μιας ελπιδος ὁρμιστεον· a ship ought not to trust to one anchor, nor life to one hope. Stob., Serm. 109. The hope of eternal life is here represented as the soul's anchor; the world is the boisterous, dangerous sea; the Christian course, the voyage; the port, everlasting felicity; and the veil or inner road, the royal dock in which that anchor was cast. The storms of life continue but a short time; the anchor, hope, if fixed by faith in the eternal world, will infallibly prevent all shipwreck; the soul may be strongly tossed by various temptations, but will not drive, because the anchor is in sure ground, and itself is steadfast; it does not drag, and it does not break; faith, like the cable, is the connecting medium between the ship and the anchor, or the soul and its hope of heaven; faith sees the haven, hope desires and anticipates the rest; faith works, and hope holds fast; and, shortly, the soul enters into the haven of eternal repose.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Hope is found represented on coins by an anchor. sure and steadfast--sure in respect to us: steadfast, or "firm" [ALFORD], in itself. Not such an anchor as will not keep the vessel from tossing, or an anchor unsound or too light [THEOPHYLACT]. which entereth into that--that is the place within the veil--two images beautifully combined: (1) The soul is the ship: the world the sea: the bliss beyond the world, the distant coast; the hope resting on faith, the anchor which prevents the vessel being tossed to and fro; the encouraging consolation through the promise and oath of God, the cable connecting the ship and anchor. (2) The world is the fore-court: heaven, the Holy of Holies; Christ, the High Priest going before us, so as to enable us, after Him, and through Him, to enter within the veil. ESTIUS explains, As the anchor does not stay in the waters, but enters the ground hidden beneath the waters, and fastens itself in it, so hope, our anchor of the soul, is not satisfied with merely coming to the vestibule, that is, is not content with merely earthly and visible goods, but penetrates even to those which are within the veil, namely, to the Holy of Holies, where it lays hold on God Himself, and heavenly goods, and fastens on them. "Hope, entering within heaven, hath made us already to be in the things promised to us, even while we are still below, and have not yet received them; such strength hope has, as to make those that are earthly to become heavenly." "The soul clings, as one in fear of shipwreck to an anchor, and sees not whither the cable of the anchor runs--where it is fastened: but she knows that it is fastened behind the veil which hides the future glory." veil--Greek, "catapetasma": the second veil which shut in the Holiest Place. The outer veil was called by a distinct Greek term, calumma: "the second (that is, the inner) veil."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus,.... Christ was a runner; he had a race to run, which lay in going about to heal diseases, in preaching the Gospel, in obeying the law, and in suffering death for his people; which race was run by him with great swiftness, strength, and courage, with patience, cheerfulness, and joy, and is now ended; as appears from the accomplishment of salvation, from his entrance into heaven, and session at the right hand of God; from the glorification of his human nature, and its everlasting freedom from the dominion of death: and this race is run out, as a "forerunner"; Christ is the most excellent runner; there is none like him; there is none that can come up to him; he has out ran and exceeded all others; he has performed in the best manner; he has run out his race first, and has entered into heaven first by his own blood; and he has cleared the way thither, and opened the gates of heaven for his people; and is a guide and pattern for them to follow: and he is the forerunner for them, as well as entered for them; for he was born, and he lived, and died for them, for their good and service; and he is entered into heaven for them, as man and Mediator, and as their high priest; where he represents their persons, appears and intercedes for them, takes care of their affairs, and presents their services; prepares mansions of glory for them, and takes possession of heaven in their name, and opens the way for them to follow him thither; all which gives great encouragement to hope to enter now, where Jesus is: who is made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec; see Heb 5:6. This is repeated here, to lead on to what the apostle had to say concerning Melchizedek in the following chapter. Next: Hebrews Chapter 7
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:19-20 Christian hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. In the first century, an anchor was an image of stability and safety. • through the curtain: A curtain separated the outer room of the sanctuary, into which only priests could go, from the inner room, the Most Holy Place (Exod 25:10-40). Only the high priest could go into the Most Holy Place, and only once per year on the Day of Atonement (Exod 29; Lev 16:1-25). Because of Jesus’ extraordinary high priesthood, he has already gone in there for us into the presence of God as our eternal High Priest, and he leads us in with him (Heb 10:19-23). • the order of Melchizedek: This phrase introduces the discussion in 7:1-28.
Hebrews 6:19
God’s Unchangeable Promise
18Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.19We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,20where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Key Words: Hope
By J. Glyn Owen1.7K50:43HopeHEB 1:8HEB 6:19HEB 8:6HEB 9:11HEB 10:23HEB 11:1HEB 12:2In this sermon, the speaker addresses a group of confused and vacillating professing Christians who are of Jewish background. The focus of the sermon is to reveal the unparalleled glories of Jesus, the Messiah, and to emphasize that embracing Christianity is far superior to the ritualistic religion they had abandoned. The speaker repeatedly emphasizes that everything in the new covenant is better than the old, and that Jesus is the ultimate source of glory and redemption. The sermon concludes with the assurance that Jesus has won the battle against darkness, conquered sin on the cross, and now sits at the right hand of God, ready to welcome his redeemed people into heaven.
Your Funeral Service
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.4K35:38FuneralMAT 25:11CO 9:24HEB 6:19In this sermon, the preacher begins by sharing how a large number of people initially attended their meetings, including many children who were later forbidden to attend by the priest. The preacher recounts an incident where a person cursed the priest and shortly after, died from touching an electric wire. The sermon then shifts to the topic of death, emphasizing its sudden and unexpected nature. The preacher urges the audience to focus on their relationship with God and not be attached to worldly pleasures, as the world is temporary. The sermon concludes with a reference to the parable of the ten virgins and the importance of being prepared for the judgment day.
Lives Filled With Hope
By Bob Hoekstra1.2K48:55JHN 16:33ROM 15:13EPH 1:18EPH 2:12COL 1:272TH 2:161TI 1:1TIT 2:13HEB 6:191PE 1:3This sermon focuses on the theme of lives filled with hope, emphasizing how God's remedy for discouragement, worry, and despair is unique and distinct. The key verse, Romans 15:13, highlights the God of hope filling believers with joy, peace, and abounding hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. The speaker shares personal experiences of relying on this verse during challenging times, encouraging listeners to trust in God's promises and be flooded with hope.
The Five Pillars of the Gospel
By Ian Paisley1.1K37:45ISA 9:2MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 3:23EPH 1:7HEB 6:191JN 2:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the five great cardinalities of the Gospel: the book, the birth, the blight, the blood, and the basis. The book refers to the Bible, which is seen as the anchor of the soul and the source of comfort and protection. The birth represents being born into God's family and becoming a member of the family of God. The blight refers to personal sins and the darkness they bring, while the blood symbolizes the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ. The basis for his namesake emphasizes the importance of the Gospel in bringing hope and light to a dark and sinful world.
Ephesians 1 - Pauls Prayer - Part 6
By Gareth Evans1.1K04:59PSA 71:5ROM 15:131CO 13:13COL 1:27TIT 1:2HEB 6:19HEB 10:231PE 1:3This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding Christian hope, which is not based on uncertainty but on eager expectation and assurance in God's promises. The speaker contrasts worldly hope, which carries negative possibilities, with the hope of the Christian, rooted in the unchanging and absolute nature of God's faithfulness. Christian hope is described as a confident belief in the promises of God, such as the forgiveness of sins, the return of Jesus, and eternal life.
Our Anchor Within the Veil
By Erlo Stegen1.1K51:35AnchorMAT 7:21MAT 26:26MAT 28:19HEB 6:16HEB 6:19HEB 9:6HEB 9:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having an anchor in life. He shares his personal experience of being converted and how his priorities shifted from sports to the Lord. The anchor symbolizes a deep and secure foundation in God, which can withstand any storms or challenges. The preacher warns against trusting in one's own abilities and encourages placing trust in God, referencing Psalm 71. He also shares a poignant story of a church leader who died without a secure anchor, highlighting the urgency of making Christ one's anchor before it's too late.
Hopeless Without Chirst
By Tim Conway1.1K09:39PSA 42:1ROM 5:5ROM 8:24ROM 15:13EPH 2:12COL 1:271TH 4:13TIT 2:13HEB 6:191PE 1:3This sermon emphasizes the devastating impact of hopelessness without Christ, painting a vivid picture of being stranded on a rock in a sea of despair, thirsting for satisfaction but finding none. It contrasts the bleakness of a life without Christ, filled with emptiness and futile efforts, with the hope and assurance that believers have in Jesus Christ. The message urges listeners to heed Christ's call, find true satisfaction in Him, and rejoice in the hope of a glorious future in heaven.
(Genesis) Genesis 35-37:11
By Joe Focht96457:55GEN 28:20PSA 23:1PRO 3:5ACT 2:17ROM 13:14COL 3:1HEB 6:19In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob and how he experienced a lack of full obedience to God. The preacher emphasizes that partial obedience is not true obedience and compares it to a half-truth, which is essentially a lie. The sermon also highlights how sometimes Christians find themselves in places they shouldn't be, whether spiritually, emotionally, or sexually, and God allows things to fall apart as a consequence. The preacher uses the example of Jacob's daughter being raped and his sons engaging in a bloodbath in a town as a result of Jacob's disobedience. The sermon concludes with a story about a boy named Teddy Stallard who was disinterested in school but was encouraged and transformed by a teacher's simple act of kindness. The preacher encourages Christians to have their hearts lifted above the world and to set their affections on things above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God.
Children: Jesus Is the Anchor of the Soul
By Tim Conway52020:20ISA 53:10JHN 3:16JHN 19:17ROM 6:23HEB 6:19This sermon emphasizes the significance of Jesus Christ as the anchor and rock of our souls, drawing parallels between the anchor, rock, and the ultimate emblem of Christianity, the cross. It delves into the profound sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, highlighting how God the Father crushed His own Son to pay the penalty for our sins, offering salvation and forgiveness to those who trust in Him. The message urges children to recognize the limited time they have in this life to believe in Christ and receive His gift of salvation.
The Hope of Heaven and the Resurrection
By Mike Bickle2250:22Hope of HeavenResurrectionLUK 20:36LUK 24:39JHN 14:21CO 15:20EPH 1:9PHP 3:21HEB 6:191JN 3:2REV 21:2REV 22:1Mike Bickle emphasizes the profound hope of heaven and the resurrection, urging believers to anchor their identity in being 'sons of the resurrection.' He shares a touching account of Martha Stevens, a faithful believer on her deathbed, who experiences the joy and peace of dying, revealing glimpses of the heavenly realm. Bickle highlights the importance of understanding our future resurrection and the physicality of heaven, encouraging believers to live in light of this reality. He reassures that our resurrected bodies will be like Christ's, filled with glory and purpose, and that our actions in this life have eternal significance. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of our eternal home and the joy that awaits us.
Hope: The Eternal Kingdom (Supernatural, Physical, and Political)
By Mike Bickle1551:50Eternal KingdomHopeISA 51:3ISA 65:20EZK 36:35ROM 8:18ROM 15:13TIT 2:13HEB 6:191PE 1:31JN 3:2REV 21:3Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of hope in relation to the eternal kingdom, discussing its supernatural, physical, and political dimensions. He explains that hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation in God's promises for the future, particularly the second coming of Jesus and the restoration of creation. Bickle highlights that believers are born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus, which impacts their present lives and decisions. He encourages the congregation to anchor themselves in this hope, which purifies their hearts and strengthens their resolve against life's challenges. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of the heavenly and earthly realms in God's eternal plan.
Hope
By William Cowper0PSA 42:11PSA 71:14PSA 147:11PRO 10:28LAM 3:24ROM 5:5ROM 15:13HEB 6:191PE 1:21William Cowper preaches about the transformative power of hope in the face of despair and the importance of genuine faith in God's mercy and grace. He contrasts the emptiness of worldly pleasures and false hopes with the lasting joy and freedom found in a sincere relationship with God. Cowper emphasizes the need to acknowledge our sins, seek redemption through Christ, and live a life guided by God's truth and love, even in the midst of trials and tribulations.
The God of Hope
By Tom Macartney0PSA 119:114JHN 17:13ROM 8:17ROM 15:4ROM 15:13COL 1:271TH 5:8TIT 2:12HEB 6:191PE 1:3Tom Macartney preaches about the importance of hope in the Christian life, emphasizing that true hope is confidently waiting for something certain in the future. He highlights that hope is essential for survival and recovery from depression, pointing out that Jesus Christ is the only hope for humanity. Macartney discusses the challenges to hope, including the way of the cross that leads to glory, and the need for Christians to have complete assurance in God's control and eternal life through new birth. He concludes by encouraging believers to trust in the God of hope, who fills them with joy, peace, and overflowing hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Hope of the Redeemer's Return
By A.W. Pink0The Return of ChristThe Nature of Christian HopeJHN 14:1ROM 8:241CO 15:191TH 4:162TH 2:16TIT 2:13HEB 6:191PE 1:31JN 3:2REV 22:20A.W. Pink emphasizes the significance of the believer's hope in the return of Jesus Christ, distinguishing it from common misconceptions about hope being tied to salvation, death, or worldly conversion. He argues that true hope lies in the personal return of the Redeemer, which is a source of comfort and assurance for believers. Pink highlights that this hope is not only a future expectation but also a present reality that shapes the believer's life and faith. He encourages Christians to focus on this blessed hope, which promises ultimate redemption and fulfillment in Christ. The sermon serves as a reminder that the hope of Christ's return is the anchor for the soul amidst life's trials.
Re-Examining Serious discipleship...
By Larry R. Sinclair0EXO 26:31MAT 27:51LUK 23:45JHN 2:19ROM 5:2HEB 6:19HEB 9:3HEB 10:19The preacher delves into the significance of the veil (katapetasma) in the Bible, particularly in the tabernacle and temple, as a separation between the Most Holy Place and the Holy Place, symbolizing the presence of God. The tearing of the veil at Jesus' crucifixion signifies the opening of God's presence to mankind through Christ's sacrifice, granting believers access to God. The veil represents Christ's flesh, which when torn, provided a new and living way for believers to enter God's presence. The sermon emphasizes the importance of faith as an anchor of the soul, keeping believers steady amidst life's storms and uncertainties.
June 25. 1678.
By Jane Lead0PSA 18:2ISA 45:22EPH 6:13HEB 6:19Jane Lead emphasizes the importance of fixing our gaze on God, the ultimate source of help and relief. She encourages anchoring our hope in the power of the God-head to withstand challenges and obstacles. By remaining steadfast in God, we can become like a strong, unyielding wall against all opposition.
Lvi. to Earlston, the Younger
By Samuel Rutherford0MAT 6:192CO 12:9PHP 1:21COL 3:2HEB 6:19Samuel Rutherford preaches about finding joy and blessings in suffering for Christ, recognizing that even enemies can unintentionally contribute to our blessings. He reflects on the sweetness of the cross and the presence of the Lord in times of affliction, acknowledging personal neglects and guiltiness. Rutherford emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation in Christ to withstand life's storms, with a secure anchor within the veil of God's presence. He concludes that true gain is found in Christ alone, with all other things being temporary and insignificant.
Coming Up From the Wilderness
By J.C. Philpot0DEU 8:15ISA 8:18ISA 35:1ZEC 3:8JHN 15:5EPH 3:18EPH 5:25HEB 6:191JN 4:19REV 21:3J.C. Philpot preaches about the Church of God, represented as a virgin bride of Christ, coming up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved, Jesus. The wilderness symbolizes the present suffering condition of the Church, marked by toil, solitude, peril, lack of food and water, and spiritual dangers. The believer is described as continually coming up from self, sin, temptation, and unbelief, leaning on Christ for strength, love, and salvation. This posture of leaning on Jesus signifies a tender affection, weakness, and a sweet union with the Savior, leading to eternal bliss in His presence.
Drive a Stake Down
By Charles E. Cowman0JOS 24:15PSA 118:27ISA 41:10PHP 1:6HEB 6:19Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of being bound to the altar of consecration, symbolizing a complete surrender to God even in times of difficulty and doubt. He emphasizes the need to be enamored with the Cross, bound by the cords of redemption, love, and hope, never wavering from our commitment to be partners with Christ in His suffering. The sermon encourages believers to drive a stake as a witness of their consecration, settling the question of their commitment forever, and to trust in God's faithfulness to lead them to a place of blessing and salvation.
The Hope of the Cast-Down Soul
By J.C. Philpot0JOB 23:10PSA 34:19PSA 42:5PSA 43:5ISA 41:10ISA 45:22MAT 11:28JHN 6:37HEB 6:192PE 1:4J.C. Philpot preaches about the tender and affectionate way David addresses his soul, questioning why it is cast down and disturbed, and encourages it to hope in God. He delves into the various causes that lead God's people to be cast down, such as guilt of sin, unceasing conflict between nature and grace, hiding of God's countenance, temptations, and afflictions. Philpot emphasizes the importance of finding hope in God, which can spring from invitations in God's word, past testimonies, and a sight of scriptural evidence raised up by the Spirit of God in the heart, ultimately providing relief and support in times of despair.
Really a Work of Grace or Not?
By Anne Dutton0PSA 51:10ISA 54:5JHN 4:14JHN 6:37ROM 8:12CO 1:22EPH 1:13HEB 6:191PE 1:8Anne Dutton preaches to a brother in the Lord, affirming the work of God upon his soul as a true work of grace. She highlights the signs of grace in his life, such as being weaned from sinful delights, conviction of sin, dependence on Christ's righteousness, and embracing Jesus as Savior. Anne addresses the brother's objections about lacking certain experiences like deep terrors of conscience, overflowing joys in believing, inward troubles, and gradual progress, reassuring him that God works uniquely in each believer. She encourages him to seek the sealing of the Spirit for greater assurance and joy in Christ, emphasizing the intimate love relationship believers have with Jesus.
"Seed for the Sower"
By George Warnock0ROM 4:162CO 1:7HEB 2:2HEB 3:14HEB 6:192PE 1:102PE 1:19JUD 1:1REV 17:14The preacher delves into the concept of 'bebaios,' describing it as something fixed, stable, and reliable, unwavering and persistent, known with certainty, and valid over time. This term signifies a sense of certainty and trustworthiness, akin to being firm, steadfast, and unalterable. The sermon emphasizes the importance of having a firm foundation in faith, highlighting how the promises of God, shared sufferings, and the Word of God are all 'bebaios' and can be relied upon. It stresses the need for believers to hold fast to their assurance, build their hope on Christ, and diligently confirm their calling and election through a holy life.
Security in Storms
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 107:29ISA 43:2MAT 14:24JHN 14:27HEB 6:19Charles E. Cowman preaches about the significance of facing life's storms and tempestuous seasons, drawing parallels to the challenges and trials we encounter. He emphasizes that while storms of temptation and bereavement may seem harsh, they lead to a deeper connection with God through prayer and reliance on His promises. Cowman highlights that Jesus Christ doesn't guarantee a storm-free life but assures perfect security amidst the storms, guiding us safely to our destination. He encourages setting our sails to the heavenly gale, trusting that no matter the circumstances, God will lead us home.
Prayer - 1 Peter 1:3-5, Part 2
By A.W. Pink0God's MercyRegenerationNEH 9:27PSA 86:5PSA 86:13LUK 1:78ROM 8:32ROM 9:15EPH 1:3TIT 3:4HEB 6:191PE 1:3A.W. Pink emphasizes the abundant mercy of God as the foundation of our regeneration and lively hope in Christ, highlighting that this mercy is both general and special. He explains that God's mercy is not only a characteristic of His nature but is also demonstrated through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which assures believers of their new birth and eternal life. Pink urges believers to recognize the transformative power of this mercy, which leads to a living hope that is active and purifying in their lives. He contrasts the genuine hope of the regenerate with the false hopes of the unregenerate, underscoring that true hope is rooted in the promises of God and the work of Christ. Ultimately, he calls for a heartfelt acknowledgment of God's mercy, which is essential for spiritual life and growth.
Safe Home in Port - Acts 27:25
By Bernard Fell0ISA 43:2MAT 14:27ACT 27:25ROM 8:28HEB 6:19Bernard Fell preaches about the unwavering faith of Paul in the midst of a violent storm at sea, where despite the chaos and despair, Paul's belief in God's promise of salvation brought hope and courage to all on board. The sermon draws parallels between the physical storm faced by Paul and the spiritual storms we encounter in life, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's deliverance and finding peace in His presence. Through Paul's example, we are reminded that having Christ on board our ship of life ensures our ultimate salvation, even when the journey is tumultuous and uncertain.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Which hope we have as an anchor - The apostle here changes the allusion; he represents the state of the followers of God in this lower world as resembling that of a vessel striving to perform her voyage through a troublesome, tempestuous, dangerous sea. At last she gets near the port; but the tempest continues, the water is shallow, broken, and dangerous, and she cannot get in: in order to prevent her being driven to sea again she heaves out her sheet anchor, which she has been able to get within the pier head by means of her boat, though she could not herself get in; then, swinging at the length of her cable, she rides out the storm in confidence, knowing that her anchor is sound, the ground good in which it is fastened, and the cable strong. Though agitated, she is safe; though buffeted by wind and tide, she does not drive; by and by the storm ceases, the tide flows in, her sailors take to the capstan, wear the ship against the anchor, which still keeps its bite or hold, and she gets safely into port. See on Heb 6:20 (note). The comparison of hope to an anchor is frequent among the ancient heathen writers, who supposed it to be as necessary to the support of a man in adversity, as the anchor is to the safety of the ship when about to be driven on a lee shore by a storm. "To ground hope on a false supposition," says Socrates, "is like trusting to a weak anchor." He said farther, ουτε ναυν εξ ἑνος αγκυριου, ουτε βιον εκ μιας ελπιδος ὁρμιστεον· a ship ought not to trust to one anchor, nor life to one hope. Stob., Serm. 109. The hope of eternal life is here represented as the soul's anchor; the world is the boisterous, dangerous sea; the Christian course, the voyage; the port, everlasting felicity; and the veil or inner road, the royal dock in which that anchor was cast. The storms of life continue but a short time; the anchor, hope, if fixed by faith in the eternal world, will infallibly prevent all shipwreck; the soul may be strongly tossed by various temptations, but will not drive, because the anchor is in sure ground, and itself is steadfast; it does not drag, and it does not break; faith, like the cable, is the connecting medium between the ship and the anchor, or the soul and its hope of heaven; faith sees the haven, hope desires and anticipates the rest; faith works, and hope holds fast; and, shortly, the soul enters into the haven of eternal repose.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Hope is found represented on coins by an anchor. sure and steadfast--sure in respect to us: steadfast, or "firm" [ALFORD], in itself. Not such an anchor as will not keep the vessel from tossing, or an anchor unsound or too light [THEOPHYLACT]. which entereth into that--that is the place within the veil--two images beautifully combined: (1) The soul is the ship: the world the sea: the bliss beyond the world, the distant coast; the hope resting on faith, the anchor which prevents the vessel being tossed to and fro; the encouraging consolation through the promise and oath of God, the cable connecting the ship and anchor. (2) The world is the fore-court: heaven, the Holy of Holies; Christ, the High Priest going before us, so as to enable us, after Him, and through Him, to enter within the veil. ESTIUS explains, As the anchor does not stay in the waters, but enters the ground hidden beneath the waters, and fastens itself in it, so hope, our anchor of the soul, is not satisfied with merely coming to the vestibule, that is, is not content with merely earthly and visible goods, but penetrates even to those which are within the veil, namely, to the Holy of Holies, where it lays hold on God Himself, and heavenly goods, and fastens on them. "Hope, entering within heaven, hath made us already to be in the things promised to us, even while we are still below, and have not yet received them; such strength hope has, as to make those that are earthly to become heavenly." "The soul clings, as one in fear of shipwreck to an anchor, and sees not whither the cable of the anchor runs--where it is fastened: but she knows that it is fastened behind the veil which hides the future glory." veil--Greek, "catapetasma": the second veil which shut in the Holiest Place. The outer veil was called by a distinct Greek term, calumma: "the second (that is, the inner) veil."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus,.... Christ was a runner; he had a race to run, which lay in going about to heal diseases, in preaching the Gospel, in obeying the law, and in suffering death for his people; which race was run by him with great swiftness, strength, and courage, with patience, cheerfulness, and joy, and is now ended; as appears from the accomplishment of salvation, from his entrance into heaven, and session at the right hand of God; from the glorification of his human nature, and its everlasting freedom from the dominion of death: and this race is run out, as a "forerunner"; Christ is the most excellent runner; there is none like him; there is none that can come up to him; he has out ran and exceeded all others; he has performed in the best manner; he has run out his race first, and has entered into heaven first by his own blood; and he has cleared the way thither, and opened the gates of heaven for his people; and is a guide and pattern for them to follow: and he is the forerunner for them, as well as entered for them; for he was born, and he lived, and died for them, for their good and service; and he is entered into heaven for them, as man and Mediator, and as their high priest; where he represents their persons, appears and intercedes for them, takes care of their affairs, and presents their services; prepares mansions of glory for them, and takes possession of heaven in their name, and opens the way for them to follow him thither; all which gives great encouragement to hope to enter now, where Jesus is: who is made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec; see Heb 5:6. This is repeated here, to lead on to what the apostle had to say concerning Melchizedek in the following chapter. Next: Hebrews Chapter 7
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:19-20 Christian hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. In the first century, an anchor was an image of stability and safety. • through the curtain: A curtain separated the outer room of the sanctuary, into which only priests could go, from the inner room, the Most Holy Place (Exod 25:10-40). Only the high priest could go into the Most Holy Place, and only once per year on the Day of Atonement (Exod 29; Lev 16:1-25). Because of Jesus’ extraordinary high priesthood, he has already gone in there for us into the presence of God as our eternal High Priest, and he leads us in with him (Heb 10:19-23). • the order of Melchizedek: This phrase introduces the discussion in 7:1-28.