Hebrews 6:17–19 (NIV) Theme: God’s Promise and Oath as the Believer’s Anchor
In the Christian journey, faith can sometimes be shaken by trials, doubts, or uncertainty. But Scripture offers a firm foundation two unchangeable things that serve as a steadfast anchor for our souls. These are not abstract ideas but divine realities backed by God’s own nature and character.
The writer of Hebrews points us to these two things in
Hebrews 6:17–19 (NIV):
17 “Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain…”
To understand this passage, we must go back to the story of Abraham. God gave him an extraordinary promise: that he would be the father of many nations and that through his offspring all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:1–3, 15:5–6).
However, in Genesis 22:15–18, after Abraham’s faithful obedience in offering Isaac, God confirmed His promise with an oath:
Genesis 22:16–17 (NIV):
“I swear by myself,” declares the LORD, “that because you have done this… I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars…”
In ancient times, oaths were solemn and binding.
Hebrews 6:16 explains,
“Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument.”
God, having no one greater, swore by Himself. This is not because His Word was insufficient, but to accommodate human weakness and offer absolute assurance (see also
Numbers 23:19,
“God is not a man, that he should lie…”).
According to Hebrews 6:18, these two unchangeable things are:
The promise made to Abraham finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Paul confirms this in:
Galatians 3:16 (NIV): “The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed… meaning one person, who is Christ.”
Also, the priesthood of Christ is backed by God’s oath, not just lineage (as with the Levitical priests):
Hebrews 7:21 (NIV):
“…but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him: ‘The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: You are a priest forever.’”
Because of this, Jesus becomes the guarantor of a better covenant one based on grace, not the Law.
Hebrews 6:19 (NIV):
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain…”
Hope in Christ is not wishful thinking it is a confident expectation rooted in God’s unchanging Word and oath.
The “inner sanctuary” refers to the Most Holy Place the very presence of God, which only the High Priest could enter under the Old Covenant.
But now, Jesus has entered on our behalf (Hebrews 6:20), giving us direct access to God (Hebrews 4:16).
Because God has confirmed His promise by both His Word and His Oath, we can:
Without Jesus, there is no true hope. All of God’s promises are “Yes and Amen” in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20).
If you haven’t received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, now is the time. Turn to Him. Believe in His promise. He has already sworn by Himself that He will never leave or forsake those who come to Him.
The two unchangeable things God’s Promise and God’s Oath stand as eternal witnesses that we can trust Him. Our salvation is not based on emotion or chance, but on the unchanging character of God and the finished work of Jesus Christ.
Be Blessed
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