We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. – Heb. 6:19a NIV.
Click the link above to download the full text of this ministration.
The book of Hebrews is a book whose writer is not too definite but its objective is crystal clear. It was written with the intention to encourage the Christian Jews to retain their Faith and not slide away from it, due to doubts being raised by the traditional believers of the Jewish Faith, whose belief is rooted mainly in the teachings and laws of Moses. These agitators continue to down play the importance of Jesus Christ to God’s plan for humanity. The writer of Hebrews meanwhile, presents arguments to support the supremacy of Jesus Christ over angels (Heb. 1:1-14) and Moses (Heb. 3:1-6), warning the believers against back sliding and letting them realize that Jesus is not just another Prophet but a High Priest in the order of Melchizedek, who was the King of Salem and was without known parents, neither was he associated with the lineage of the yet to come Levi, but received Tithes from, and blessed Abraham, whom the Jews revere so much in their religious beliefs – Heb. 6:20 – 7:28.
The writer of the book of Hebrews stated that the High Priest is the only one that could enter the inner sanctuary once a year to offer sacrifices for the remission of sins, but Jesus Christ by his death entered once and made a once and for all sacrifice. This was sufficient to grant hope to all who believe, and thus become saved from eternal condemnation of their soul (Heb. 9:1-15), by inheriting righteousness, that gives them hope of eternal life. They are equally saved from expenditures associated with the regular offering of sacrifices for sins – Heb. 10:1-18. The writer appeals to Jewish Christians to believe this argument, adding that it is by having Faith in this argument that they can enjoy the permanent benefit that comes from the sacrifice made by God’s chosen High Priest, who is sinless, unlike the temporary relief that comes from the High Priest chosen from amongst men who is and not sin free, even though he needs to satisfy the condition of being called by God for that purpose – Heb. 4:14-5:10.
It is the belief in this supreme sacrifice of the sinless High Priest of God, called Jesus Christ, that the writer of the book of Hebrews says, will save souls from eternal damnation. This is the same belief that those arguing against are asking proof of. The writer of the book of Hebrews however states clearly in the scripture today that the fate of their soul must be anchored on Hope. Hope in this instance means having Trust in the sufficiency of the supreme sacrifice of Jesus Christ to ensure salvation of souls. It is this Trust that he symbolised with the object described as Anchor.
Anchor is a heavy object attached to a cable or chain having a metal shank with a pair of curved, barbed flukes at one end and used to attach a ship to the sea bottom. It helps to ensure that the ship remains stable in the face of the waves of the sea to avoid its drifting in unwanted directions. The writer of the book of Hebrews says the Jewish Christian needs to secure his/her faith from drifting away from the location where it is intended to be. However, unlike the real Anchor that has a pair of curved barb flukes with which the ship is attached to the bottom of the sea, the Christian is to attach his/her soul to God through Jesus Christ using Faith and Patience – Heb. 6:12.
That most Christians today are facing a crisis of some sorts with regards to their belief in Christianity as a religion is in no doubt. With all the negatives being revealed about Christian leaders and followers, and the practitioners of evil, seemingly getting away with their evil acts, many are beginning to question the moral basis of the Christian religion and how it compares with biblical standards. The questioning is not with the intention to judge the practitioners of such supposedly evil acts, but whether it can actually be the path to effectively securing one’s soul from eternal damnation. The picture on display today amongst Christian groups is in complete contrast to biblical standards set for those who are to inherit the kingdom of God. So much evil and wickedness is associated with the Church today and there is blatant dis-regard for doing what is being preached.
Meanwhile, the personalities associated with these acts are in no way unimportant and the acts have gone on for so long that the love of many for Christianity is waxing cold – Matt. 24:12. For such Christians, the advise of the writer of the book of Hebrews is apt. They will be better off, ignoring all those visible negatives and walk with their God in Faith and Patience.
To walk with God in Faith in this instance is to believe that all that is in the scriptures is the only truth to safeguard souls from destruction. Jesus Christ himself had advised that Christian leaders should be followed in terms of what they say and not what they do – Matt. 23:1-3. Faith must be in the Word of God and not in the vehicle of its transmission.
With regards to those who seem to be getting away with wicked and evil acts being perpetuated in the name of Christianity, the second anchor, which is Patience must be deployed. The psalmist earlier advised against fretting when it seems evil people are thriving. He says the delay in divine reaction to such is to ensure that their destruction is eternal – Psa. 92:7. The disciple Peter says, the delay in the divine reaction is not because the Almighty God tolerates such, but it is to give opportunity for repentance to such people (2Pet. 3:9) as he does not desire that the sinner should die – Eze. 33:11.
Focus more on your journey in faith and where evil seems to be thriving, do not get enticed – Prov. 1:10. It is your soul that is in reference here. Anchor it on Faith and Patience and very soon you will receive the deserved reward in Jesus name. Amen.
I must express appreciation to the writer just for rescuing me from such a setting. As a result of checking throughout the search engines and getting ideas which were not helpful, I figured my entire life was over. Being alive without the presence of strategies to the issues you have resolved through the write-up is a critical case, as well as ones that might have negatively affected my career if I had not discovered your site. The understanding and kindness in taking care of every part was helpful. I am not sure what I would have done if I had not come upon such a thing like this. I can at this moment relish my future. Thanks very much for this professional and amazing guide. I will not think twice to endorse the website to any person who should receive guidance about this situation.
I must show my appreciation for your kindness in support of those who absolutely need help with in this theme. Your real dedication to getting the solution across had been certainly practical and have specifically permitted some individuals much like me to realize their endeavors. Your own helpful recommendations entails a great deal a person like me and much more to my mates. Thanks a lot; from each one of us.