V. 19.— Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil. The hope set before us is the blessing of Abraham, which has come upon the Gentiles (as well as Jews) through Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith, Galatians 3:14, and thus be sealed to the day of redemption. This hope is compared to an anchor, and the figure is most appropriate and beautiful. The anchor, which holds the ship, and prevents her from drifting with the wind and tide, is out of sight, fixed in the ground by its form and weight. Thus it is with the believer; the Lord Jesus Christ, who has entered within the vail, is his hope, 1 Timothy 1:1, and this keeps him steadfast and immovable, preventing his being led away by the lying vanities of this present evil world. When about to remove from her anchorage, the ship is drawn forward to the anchor, which is then weighed, and comes into sight. In this world we hope for what we see not, and with patience wait for it; but, when we receive the adoption, to wit, the redemption of the body, our hope will be swallowed up in enjoyment; then we shall see what, while on earth, we only hoped for. Besides preserving a ship from drifting, the anchor is used to remove her from one part of a river or harbour to another; and thus, while the hope of the believer keeps him steadfast, it at the same time serves to draw him nearer to the object of his hope, till he shall no longer see through a glass darkly, but face to face; and shall no longer hope for eternal glory, but enter on the full possession of it.