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In these words we have the nature of a Christian's hope described. 1. By a metaphorical; 2. By a typical similitude.
1. Observe the metaphor made use of, to set forth the nature and office of hope, it is compared fo an anchor; which hope we have as an anchor of the soul. Doth the anchor hold fast the ship, and keep it steady, both in storms and tempests, and in the midst of the most tumultuous waves? In like manner, the hope of eternal glory quiets, stays, and strengthens the Christian's spirit, when tossed upon the waves of this troublesome world.
Learn hence, 1. That believers are exposed to many storms and tempests here in this world; their afflictions, persecutions, temptations, fears, &c. are compared fitly to storms, because of their fierceness and violence, and because of their tendency to ruin and destruction.
Learn, 2. That these storms would prove ruinous to the souls of believers, did not hope, the anchor of the soul, take fast hold on the promises of the gospel, which keeps the Christian firm and invincible against all opposition; which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.
Observe, 2. Hope is described by a typical similitude, it entereth into that within the veil. The veil here alluded to, if that which parted the holy of holies from the body of the temple, a type of heaven. The heavens are as a veil to the sense and reason of man, there their sight and their thoughts are bounded, they can neither discern nor judge of any thing that is above or within that veil: But faith and hope pierceth through it; no created thing can keep them at a distance from God himself.
As the anchor stays not in the waves of the sea, but pierces through them all till it comes to the solid bottom; so the Christian's hope fixes on nothing under heaven; but pierces through all, till it entereth into that within the veil: that is, till it fixes on God as the author, on Christ as the purchaser, on the Spirit as the insurer, on the covenant as the conveyer of all grace, mercy and peace. Here hope fixes itself, to hold the soul firm and steadfast in all the storms that may befall it.
Learn hence, 1. That the hope and faith of believers are invisible unto the world; they enter within the veil, where the world's eye can never follow them.
Learn, 2. that hope firmly fixed on God in Christ, by the promise, will hold the soul steady, and keep the Christian tight, in all the storms that may befall it. It is and anchor both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.