The author of Hebrews over and over again argues that Jesus is better. He is better than the angels, Moses, the priesthood, the old covenant, and the sacrifices. In Hebrews he builds this theme that Jesus is supreme above all. He is better than the former practices and philosophies of Jewish religion.
“So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs” (Hebrews 1:4).
“Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house as greater honor than the house itself” (Hebrews 3:3).
“Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood” (Hebrews 7:23–24).
The argument made was specific to a Jewish audience. The conviction that Jesus is better was directed with intentionality and specific for the original audience, but the takeaway is timeless: Jesus is better than — fill in the blank. Whatever else we might trust in, Jesus is better.
In chapter 6 there is commonly quoted phrase “anchor of our soul”:
“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).
What is this Anchor of our soul? It is a faith in God's promises. It is a hope that this better Jesus can provide a better situation as a better priest. He is capable and able to fulfill the sacrifice we need for our redemption because he “enters behind the curtain” in a victorious way. The former priesthood and offerings failed but our better priest stands victorious always offering on our behalf the blood that atones.
“Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25).
Jesus is our forerunner into God’s presence securing access for us. He has gone ahead of us but has done so only with the intent that he might secure a home for those who hold fast to this hope. He provides the strength for the grip of this anchor. What a great metaphor for our hope: An anchor; an image of stability. Ships rely on anchors to hold them fast against storms and currents. In the same way, our hope in Christ is secured with the faithfulness that God will keep his promises to us:
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
Everything and everyone else may fail us, but Jesus’ victory is secure. This anchor will not move. Our hope is tethered to His indestructible life and ongoing intercession for us. Interestingly this passage makes no emphasis on our ability to keep a firm grip. The emphasis is rather that the anchor is reliable and will hold us. It is solid in its firm position. This anchor tethered to our soul is supported by Gods unchanging nature and will not drift or give despite the strength of the wind and waves. Even if our hands grow weak, the anchor remains firm because it rests in God’s strength and not our own.
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23).
I have confidence that our anchor can hold both its position and ours. Abraham's faith is used as a comparison for our hope in Hebrews 6. Abraham hoped in God's promise and his faith resulted in his salvation. He was not saved through his strength but through his hope in God's promises.
“And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised” (Hebrews 6:15).
Believers are urged to imitate Abraham’s patience and faith, holding fast to God’s promises until they are fulfilled. As we imitate Abraham, we must remember that he received his righteousness by faith alone and not by any works of his own. Abraham's righteousness did not result from his strong grip on the anchor but on the strength of the anchor despite his grip. Abraham did not live to see God's promises fulfilled completely but his hope in God's promises remained steadfast. Though the storms of life rage and the peril seem certain we can rest assured that our hope will be satisfied. Our anchor will not fail us, and we will not drift away. The anchor of our soul is Christ Himself—our hope, our priest, our forerunner. He alone will hold us fast when our grip fails. How blessed are those who hold this hope knowing Jesus is better and he is not letting go until we arrive safely at home.
