So, in light of Hebrews 6:19-20, what is this hope that we “take hold of” in verse 18 (see previous article), and which serves “as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” in verse 19 (see below)?
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
Hebrews 6:19-20 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/heb.6.19-20.NIV
As a clue to the nature of this hope, it enters into the Holy of Holies (perhaps the spiritual equivalent of the corresponding room in the first-century temple in Jerusalem, I suppose), where Jesus entered. I think that this hope is the confidence that God’s purpose – including for us to spend eternity with Him, giving Him glory – is not going to change. We also have certainty that the nature of God won’t change, and that key characteristics of His nature mean that being with Him is the greatest thing we can experience.
In that light, given that Jesus Christ entered God’s presence, and that He is our great high priest, both of those realities add to our assurance that eternal life with God, through Jesus and what He [Jesus] did, is certain as long as we continue to hold to the faith that God’s purpose will continue through this life and for eternity after that.
In tangible terms, while I’m sure that the original audience of this letter was receiving daily examples of God’s faithfulness, they were likely also enduring persecution, hardship, and – maybe worst of all – waiting, before all of God’s promises to them were fulfilled. However, they had examples not only from Abraham, but also from God’s purpose being lived out and demonstrated through what Jesus had done. They also had Jesus actively mediating for them as a perfect high priest.
So, let’s appreciate the fact that we have the same reasons for hope available to us, if not more: examples of God’s fulfilled promises to those who waited patiently while trusting Him. Thinking back to Abraham and Isaac (when Abraham was about to sacrifice his son, trusting God to make things work out OK), we have a related example, where God provided Jesus as a sacrifice for us (and Jesus willingly followed through), in place of what we deserved to pay. And, we have Jesus actively serving as high priest on our behalf to God the Father Himself.
Like those in the first century to whom this letter was originally written, let us hold on to the certain hope of God’s promises, trusting Him and His purpose (and that His purpose will not change). Remember, God not only gave promises to Abraham (including a promise related to “all nations” that – I believe – we now enjoy in Jesus), but He also used an oath to hold Himself accountable. That might seem like “overkill”, but we know that our faith can get shaky at times, so God gave us something “super-extra-ultra-secure” to hold on to.
From Sunday School lesson prepared for February 22, 2026
References:
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – Hebrews, by Jim Girdwood and Peter Verkruyse. © 1997 College Press Publishing Co.
