KenH
Well-Known Member
The Scriptures speak of "a good hope through grace," (2 Thessalonians 2:16), and call such hope "an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil," (Hebrews 6:19). What a blessed grace must this hope be which is not only sure and steadfast, but enters into the very presence of Christ, and the throne room of God! Still further, the word of God speaks of it as the twin sister to both faith and love, (1 Corinthians 13:13); and declares in our text that it "maketh not ashamed" because it springs out of the love of God shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Spirit.
Now, we learn what "a good hope through grace" is, by being tossed up and down on the waves of despondency, and almost at times sinking into despair over our sin. Evidences so darkened, the heart so shut up, the mind so bewildered, sin so present, the Lord so absent, a nature so carnal, sensual, idolatrous, and adulterous - no wonder that amid so many evils felt or feared, the soul should at times sink into despondency!
Yet at such seasons the blessedness of "a good hope through grace" is found! When this anchor of hope is cast to steady us, and it duly enters within the veil, taking hold of the blood and righteousness of the great High Priest, how strongly and securely it holds the ship. No more can we be utterly overwhelmed in the billows of despair, or dashed by a surging tide of sin upon the rocks of this world's distraction.
- J.C. Philpot, Through Baca's Vale, October 10