0359. THE SURE AND STEADFAST ANCHOR.

THE SURE AND STEADFAST ANCHOR.

"Which hope we have as an Anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entered into that within the veil, even Jesus" (Heb_6:19-20).

Life apart from Jesus Christ is full of uncertainties, because it is outside the plan and purpose of God. Only the Christian can say "We have a hope both sure and steadfast."

I. What this Anchor is. It is Jesus Himself, who is entered within the veil as our Hope. It may not be easy to define Love, Peace, or Hope, but we knew Him.

II. How this Anchor was formed. There are two elements in it, the divine and the human. Our Anchor is both God and Man. "Christ our Hope" as an Anchor. He was severely tested, being tried by God, man, and devils, and is abundantly able to bear any strain that may be put upon Him.

III. How this Anchor is to be had. All who have fled for refuge, by laying hold of Jesus as their hope, are made partakers of its saving power. A felt need in view of the coming storm is all the fitness needed. It is too late to seek the anchor when the ship has split on the rocks.

IV. How this Anchor is to be used. We are not to leave it behind to be called for when the danger appears (Act_27:29); it must be with us continually. "Lo, I am with you alway." What a privilege to be in constant touch with Him who is almighty to keep! Every look of faith is a casting of the anchor within the veil (Col_3:1).

V. How this Anchor holds. "It is sure and steadfast," taking hold of the unseen and eternal Jesus in the presence of God for us has made our standing sure, having entered by His own blood. As our representative He is rooted in God by an eternal covenant. His anchor holds in the day of adversity when all around gives way. It holds in the day of death, when the "cold dark billows roll." It holds in the day of judgment, "when the elements shall melt with fervent heat." Which hope we have as a present enjoyment. He that is without Christ is without hope. "Will your anchor hold?"

Autor: James Smith