 |  |
and the Crown rather than initial salvation is in view in Hebrews, but also provides one
more linguistic link between Philippians and Hebrews. "Stedfast" (of Heb. 6: 19) is
translated "firm" in Heb. 3: 6, "If we hold fast the confidence and . . . . . hope firm unto
the end". The two words appear to be used to express the properties of the anchor in
itself and in its usage. In itself it is "sure"; in its usage it is "reliable"; "hope maketh not
ashamed".
If the inspired statement ended here, the hope of the tired and afflicted believer would
be of little avail. For of what use is the strongest anchor if it can find no solid anchorage?
Therefore the Apostle continues:
"and which entereth into that within the veil" (Heb. 6: 19).
At a meeting for children once we were speaking of "hope" and had this verse before
us. The children were asked to express their opinion as to what word of four letters was
the most important in the verse. Some said "hope", some "soul"; others "sure"; yet
others, "veil". Our own choice was the somewhat strange word "that"--
"Which entereth into THAT within the veil."
When we read chapter 9: we shall have occasion to consider the typical teaching of
the Tabernacle at some length; here we only need to remember the Ark and the Mercy
Seat which were hidden from view by the Veil. There in the Ark were the unbroken
tables of the law, the rod of Aaron that budded, and the golden pot of manna. These
spoke of:
RIGHTEOUSNESS--The unbroken tables of stone.
UNCHANGING PRIESTHOOD--The rod that budded.
WILDERNESS PROVISION--The manna.
Resting upon the Ark was the Mercy Seat which spoke of sins forgiven, of atonement,
of reconciliation. "There I will meet with thee and commune with thee" the Lord had
said to Moses, and says to us, "Here is the sure anchor ground of the tempest-tossed
believer". If hope enters into THAT, nothing can ever happen in this life that will prove
too severe a test. The anchor and the anchorage are sure and stedfast. The "strong
consolation" which is ministered to those who run for the hope set before them gathers
strength as the fullness of God's supply is opened up. The hope they have is an anchor
for the soul. This hope is both sure in itself and stedfast in its use. Moreover it enters
into that within the veil, the bedrock of redeeming love.
Yet one more item is added to make the consolation complete. We have already seen
that the "oath" sworn to Abraham is echoed by the "oath" sworn to Christ as Priest after
the order of Melchisedec. The Apostle therefore appropriately concludes by saying:
"Whither the Forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an High Priest for ever
(the age) after the order of Melchisedec" (Heb. 6: 20).
As a forerunner, Christ is seen in John 14: 2, "I go to prepare a place for you".
Dr. Macknight says: