How can we "take hold of the hope" as described in Hebrews 6:18? The Unchangeable Promise we’re Grabbing Onto “God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to Him for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us.” (Hebrews 6:18) God’s oath and God’s character are the “two unchangeable things.” Because He cannot lie, His promise is as certain as His existence. Our hope is not wishful thinking; it is a fixed reality prepared by God. What It Means to “Take Hold” The Greek word translates as “to seize, grasp firmly, lay hold of with resolve.” Actively appropriate: treat God’s promise as already yours (Hebrews 11:1). Refuse competing confidences: turn away from self-reliance and earthly securities (Jeremiah 17:5-8). Hold tight through trial: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). Practical Ways to Grasp This Hope • Immerse in Scripture—The Word is the channel by which hope is fed (Romans 15:4). • Meditate on Christ’s finished work—He entered “behind the veil” as our forerunner (Hebrews 6:19-20). • Speak truth aloud—Confession strengthens conviction (Romans 10:9-10). • Pray expectantly—Anchor prayers in promises, not circumstances (Philippians 4:6-7). • Fellowship with believers—Mutual encouragement fans hope’s flame (Hebrews 3:13). • Remember past faithfulness—Personal testimonies reinforce present confidence (Psalm 77:11). The Anchor Inside the Veil “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf.” (Hebrews 6:19-20) Hope is anchored in the heavenly Most Holy Place, not in circumstances. Because Jesus lives forever, the anchor cannot drift or break (Hebrews 7:25). Our grip rests on His grip; He holds us even when our strength feels small (John 10:28-29). Lessons from Abraham’s Example • Abraham “patiently endured” and “obtained the promise” (Hebrews 6:15). • He faced facts yet did not waver in unbelief (Romans 4:19-21). • His story proves waiting seasons are faith-building seasons, not wasted time. Living Daily in the Power of This Hope • Start each morning rehearsing a promise of God. • Trade anxious thoughts for gratitude rooted in future certainty. • Serve others—hope expresses itself through love (Galatians 5:6). • Keep eternity in view; trials shrink when measured against forever (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). • End the day thanking Him that the anchor still holds—because He still holds you. Seize the rope, feel the pull from behind the veil, and walk today with shoulders set and eyes up—your hope is already secured in Christ. |
    |