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The Anchor of the Soul

by Chris Simmons

We read in Hebrews 6:18-19, “we may have strong encouragement, we who have fled for refuge in laying hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil.” The Greek word used for “anchor” is the same word used for a literal anchor in Acts 27:29, 40 and is thus symbolic of what will keep us from drifting in the dangerous waters of life, just as it does for a ship. Peter wrote the letter of I Peter to Christians who were scattered about and enduring trials and tribulations, and exhorted them on the basis of this hope that is said to be the “anchor” to our soul. In the book of I Peter, Peter speaks of three different aspects to our hope which we would do well to commit to our lives.

First, we must understand the nature of our hope. We hope for many things in this life, all of which when realized, lasts but for a brief moment and then passes. But the nature of our hope that anchors our soul is much different. Peter writes in I Peter 1:3-4, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.” Peter states our hope, or our inheritance is “imperishable” – that is, it will never corrupt or perish. Clinton Hamilton writes concerning this word, “it is exclusive of all of which we are aware in the material world. All that we see, handle, taste, smell, hear in this material world is subject to perishing. Nothing is abiding.” Peter also states our hope is “undefiled”. It is unsoiled, uncontaminated and without blemish; also contrary to all that we hope for that is physical. Finally, the nature of our hope is said to be unfading. It is perennial. It’s an inheritance which will never lose any of it’s glory or beauty. This is a hope, the likes of which we have never experienced before.

Second, we must understand the power of our hope. As noted in Hebrews 6:19, it has the power to keep us from drifting into sin and apostasy. Peter also notes the power of our hope in I Peter 1:6-7 where he writes, “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Our hope has the power to enable us to endure and withstand the distress caused by manifold trials. Trials which he describes in 4:12 as being “fiery ordeals”. Our ability to “greatly rejoice” in our imperishable hope will see us through, and give us the power to overcome the trying and difficult times. Paul wrote of this in Romans 8:18, 24-25, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us … For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one also hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.” Compared to eternity, these trials and tribulations are said to be “… though now for a little while …” Paul described it this way; as “momentary, light affliction (that) is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison” (II Corinthians 4:17).

Finally, Peter speaks of the certainty of our hope. Peter, by citing the ability of God’s prophets to accurately look ahead to the time of Christ, assures us that we can thus look ahead with confidence to the hope that the same Holy Spirit has revealed to us. “As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful search and inquiry, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven – things into which angels long to look. Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” The Old Testament prophets, moved by the Holy Spirit spoke of that which was to come. Matters of which they did not fully comprehend or certainly ever see the fruition of. They spoke of the coming of a Messiah. They foretold of His death and sacrifice for sins (Isaiah 53:10-12; Psalms 16:8-11). They spoke of His resurrection and conquering of death. They spoke of His reign and rule in His kingdom. Things which they believed by faith, and not by sight. Things the Holy Spirit guided them to say which the sojourners to whom this was written knew had been fulfilled. This same Holy Spirit is now guiding Peter in his words as he offers hope of an inheritance to come, which they must view with faith and not sight, just as the prophets of old did.

What a hope we have. A hope that is imperishable and will never fade away, that will see us through even the most difficult trial, and which we can hope for with the highest degree of certainty. It will indeed “anchor” our soul.

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