“We who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf.” (Hebrews 6:18-20)

“Much of modern Western life revolves around building some semblance of security into our lives. A home that provides shelter and protection from destructive elements in both nature and society. Insurance that safeguards against unforeseen tragedies. Bank accounts that assure the resources of tomorrow will prove sufficient for our needs. Relationships that give us comfort. Yet, in the back of our minds we realize that all of these could be gone in a moment. An illness. A business failure. A car wreck. Life is fragile, and we long and reach for a security that stretches beyond the dark possibilities crouched just around the next corner. …Our souls are ever attempting to anchor our lives, to catch hold of something outside ourselves that will transform our detached existence to a state of stability.

Yet…our aim too often is off, hitting water droplets and dust balls on the surface of reality, elements that themselves will soon evaporate or be swept away. Money, homes, positions, and even people are transitory. Such can provide no lasting stability in life. Thus Hebrews invites us to a security anchored in eternal realities found in the ;inner sanctuary behind the curtain’ (6:19), where a truth-telling God encourages us by giving oaths. His promises offer the only true surety for the future. All other sources of stability give but promissory notes that may or may not be fulfilled, depending on the character, resources or future of the issuer. Our God, however, is a God of integrity, of endless resources, and of a never-ending future and, as such offers us a superior basis for stability in life. An old hymn says it well.

How firm a foundation, you saints of the Lord

In laid for your faith in his excellent word.

What more can he say than to you he hadsaid,

To you who for refuge to Jesus has fled.

(George H. Guthrie, Commentary on Hebrews, p.249)