Be Anchored in the Truth

Be Anchored in the Truth

Hebrews 2:1
“We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”

Hebrews was written to encourage the Jewish believers who were being accused by the religious leaders of blasphemy because they said that Messiah has come, and they no longer were under the law of Moses.  They were being pursued by the Roman authorities as well, because they professed their allegiance to Jesus as King of kings (that would be treason).  They were in danger of betrayal from their own families who feared being arrested, or put out of the synagogues for being associated with “treason” or this “new false religion.”

We can understand how their discouragement would lead to questioning whether or not this Jesus was the Messiah, and if returning to Judaism was the right thing to do. Was being forgiven of sin once for all true?  Was Jesus really the long awaited Messiah King? Is this Jesus all that he’s claimed to be? Is all this trouble worth it?

The apostle opens his letter by stating Jesus’ superiority to the angels saying; “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.” (Hebrews 1:1-2)  

Now if God has already spoken in such a way about His Son, then believers need to be careful lest they drift away from the truth.  This leads us to our passage, which is a word picture depicting a ship loosed from its anchor and drifting from the safety of the harbor.

Stand Firm in The Truth

We too must consider the truth about Jesus Christ in the light of God’s written Word, and the testimonies of those who were eye witnesses.  Every generation has to stand its ground fighting the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12) against the darkness that opposes the gospel truth. Luke writes his first book to confirm the certainty of what his own friend has heard about Jesus; “Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”(Luke 1:1-4)   

We too face all kinds of opposition to the truth that is found in Christ alone (Colossians 2:1-4).  From denying the existence of Christ, to fabricating a picture of Christianity of their own liking; the influence of spiritual darkness seeks to have believers throw away their confidence in the only redeemer sent to save those who are lost.

So, give careful attention to the Scriptures, know what the inspired writers have to say about Christ, be well versed in the redemptive facts of the gospel. Stand firm and withstand the enemy’s assaults against the truth, wearing the whole armor of God as Paul told the Church at Ephesus to do.  Keep in mind that “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).  The Church is still the city on the hill which cannot be hid by the night.

So, take to heart what God has spoken to you through the Scriptures and by the testimonies of others.  Let your light shine in the darkness around you. Be anchored to the truth, do not throw away your confidence, Be secure in the hands of Jesus the Messiah King, and Be Encouraged. -JSP