The writer is still dealing with the danger of falling away (see v 12) – don’t get lazy, or lukewarm. But now the focus is on the reassuring certainty of God’s promise. We are to imitate those who have gone before – to keep on like Abraham did (vs 13–15). 

He trusted God’s promise even though he had to wait 25 years for Isaac to be born (Genesis 12:4; 21:5), and another 60 years for grandchildren (Genesis 25:26). His patience was rewarded as he saw God’s promise begin to unfold (v 15). We are heirs of that promise (v 17; Genesis 22:18). On top of the promise, God made an oath (v 17; see Genesis 22:16). And God cannot lie (v 18), so we know that the two things – his promise and the oath – will never change. Why did God do this? So that all who hope in him might be certain that this is a forever promise (v 17) and greatly encouraged (v 18). 

Our hope is in our Saviour Jesus, who is the anchor of our lives. ‘Firm and secure’, it is lodged with him in the ‘inner sanctuary’ in God’s presence (vs 19,20). No matter how long we have to endure stormy seas, our future hope in Christ is anchored by God, with God. This is our certain hope.

‘For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ.’¹ Thank God for his plan, which comes to fulfilment in Jesus. 

While the details may be obscure because of the cultural gap, the gist of this passage is that God’s word to Abraham could be totally trusted. Living in a cynical age, where words are suspect, we may not find the addition of an oath especially convincing. In an age when words were deemed to have real power, this would have carried more weight. The two unchangeable things are God’s promise and his oath. God is totally trustworthy and will accomplish his purposes. Just as Abraham believed and became a model of faithful endurance, so can this first-century community – and so can we. 

God’s promise is to give hope: here, that means the eternal rest of Hebrews 3. In a changing and often confusing world, this hope provides stability, not because everything in the present will work out exactly as we wish but because the future is guaranteed by God. The metaphor is complex. The anchor speaks of the ship held firm in the storm, the inner sanctuary of the most holy place where only the high priest could go once a year. Now, however, Jesus, high priest and forerunner, has gone in to the heavenly equivalent, as becomes clear later, and we will follow, a powerful argument for the first-century community and a great encouragement in any age. The way to God is open. The inner sanctuary, the place where God’s presence was most profoundly felt, is open to all. As Jesus died, the curtain was torn open.² Where he has gone, we shall follow (v 20). 

Whatever doubts we may have, we can find assurance here. Jesus has done all that is necessary. While we put our trust in him, we are held eternally in his love. In one sense, this is the reverse of the warning of yesterday’s reading.

If you have doubts and concerns, take some time to review them in the light of God’s faithful promise. If not, praise him for his faithfulness.

¹ 2 Cor 1:20  ² Matt 27:51