The Basis for Spiritual Security

Last week we saw how the author of Hebrews skillfully used the Old Testament to explain the Christian life, especially by pointing to Israel’s experience in the wilderness. By comparing Israel’s rebellion at Kadesh-barnea with the warning in Hebrews 6:4–6, we learned that it is possible to experience God in powerful ways and yet fail to move forward in faith and obedience. Israel saw God’s power but refused His promise, and as a result they wandered in the wilderness. In the same way, the writer of Hebrews warns believers today not to settle for spiritual beginnings, but to continue growing in maturity, faith, and obedience to God.

Hebrews 6:13–20 is one of the strongest passages in Scripture concerning the believer's assurance and security. The writer is speaking to Christians who are discouraged, reminding them not to focus on their changing circumstances, but to place their trust in God’s unchanging character and promises.

Hebrews 6:13–20

Introduction

We live in an uncertain world. Economies fluctuate, relationships fail, health declines, and circumstances change overnight. Many people are looking for something secure on which to build their lives.

Listen to what Jesus said in Matthew 7:24–27

““Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.””

The writer of Hebrews reminds believers that our spiritual security is not based on our feelings, performance, or circumstances. It is based on God's unchanging promise and Christ's finished work.

Big Idea: Believers can have confidence because their security rests in the unchanging God and the unfailing Savior.

I. Our Security Rests on God's Unchangeable Promise

(Hebrews 6:13-15)

"For when God made a promise to Abraham, since He had no one greater by whom to swear, He swore by Himself."

God promised Abraham descendants, blessing, and a future. Abraham waited 25 years, but God kept His word.

Sara was 65 and Abraham was 75 when God made this promise to Abraham. Sara was 90 years old and Abraham was 100 years old when Issac was born.

The foundation of our security is not our ability to hold on to God, but God's faithfulness to keep His promises.

Illustration

A child walking in a crowded airport will hold his father's hand, but his real security is not his grip on his father. It is his father's grip on him. Even if the child's hand weakens, the father's hand remains strong.

Likewise, our security is grounded in God's hold on us.

God loves usso much that He made it possible to have a personal relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.

Application

God's promises never expire. Look at Abraham and Sara.

God's timing may be slow, but His faithfulness is sure.

What He has promised, He will accomplish.

II. Our Security Is Guaranteed by God's Unchangeable Character

(Hebrews 6:16-18)

"It is impossible for God to lie." Hebrews 6:18

Here is two other verses that talk about the honesty of God.

Titus 1:2 (ESV)

2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began

1 Samuel 15:29 (ESV)

29 And also the Glory of Israel will not lie or have regret, for he is not a man, that he should have regret.”

The writer points to two unchangeable things:

God's promise.

God's oath.

God added an oath not because His word needed strengthening, but because our faith often needs encouragement.

Michael A. Eaton, says in his commentary to preachers

“Promises invite faith and obedience, while oaths provide the ultimate guarantee that what was promised will be fulfilled.” (1)

The security of the believer rests on the character of God Himself.

Illustration

When a bank guarantees a certified check, the value is not in the paper but in the institution standing behind it.

God's promises are backed by the infinite resources of His perfect character.

Application

Because God cannot lie:

His salvation is trustworthy.

His grace is sufficient.

His future promises are certain.

When doubts arise, remember that God's character never changes.

III. Our Security Is Anchored in a Living Hope

(Hebrews 6:18-19)

"We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul."

Hope in Scripture is not wishful thinking.

The world says, "I hope things work out."

Biblical hope says, "I know God will keep His word."

Illustration

During violent storms, ships survive because of a strong anchor that reaches below the waves and holds fast to solid ground.

The believer's anchor reaches beyond the storms of life into the very presence of God.

Cancer may come. Financial trouble may come. Persecution may come.

But the anchor holds.

Application

Hope steadies us during trials.

Hope strengthens us during suffering.

Hope keeps us from drifting spiritually.

The Christian's confidence is not in the strength of the storm but in the strength of the anchor.

IV. Our Security Is Secured by Our Great High Priest

(Hebrews 6:20)

"Where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf." Vs. 20

The anchor of our hope is not tied to a doctrine alone—it is tied to a Person.

Jesus entered the heavenly sanctuary for us.

The word "forerunner" means someone who goes ahead to prepare the way for others to follow.

Jesus has gone before us into God's presence and guarantees that those who belong to Him will arrive safely there.

John 14:2 (ESV)

2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?

Illustration

I'm told In mountain climbing, an experienced guide climbs ahead and secures the ropes for those following behind.

Jesus has already entered heaven and secured the way for His people.

Because He is there, we can be confident we will arrive there.

Application

Jesus intercedes for us continually.

Jesus represents us before the Father.

Jesus guarantees our eternal future.

Our security rests not in our performance but in Christ's priestly ministry.

Conclusion

The basis for spiritual security is not:

Our feelings.

Our circumstances.

Our works.

Our strength.

Our security rests on:

God's unchangeable promise.

God's unchangeable character.

Our sure and steadfast hope.

Our victorious High Priest, Jesus Christ.

The anchor holds because God cannot fail.

Invitation

Perhaps today you have been trusting in church membership, baptism, good works, or religious activity. None of those things can save you.

The only secure foundation is Jesus Christ.

If you have never trusted Christ as Savior, come today and place your faith in Him.

Christian, if fear, doubt, or discouragement has shaken your heart, remember where your anchor is fastened. It is not attached to this world—it is anchored in heaven where Jesus Christ reigns.

The storms may rage, but the anchor still holds. Amen.

(1) Michael A. Eaton, The Branch Exposition of the Bible: A Preacher’s Commentary of the New Testament (Carlisle, Cumbria: Langham Global Library, 2020), 972–973.

Wednesday evening

What are the two unchangeable aspects that the writer of Hebrews highlights regarding God's promises?

How does the concept of God's unchanging character contribute to our understanding of spiritual security?

How can the illustration of a child holding onto their father's hand help us understand our relationship with God?

In what practical ways can we remind ourselves of God’s promises during difficult times?

What role does Jesus play as our Great High Priest in the context of our spiritual security?