Baptism Devotional: What Does It Mean To Be Anchored?
Day 1: What Does It Mean To Be Anchored?
Hebrews 6:19-20
“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”
The apostle Paul said that “we have this hope as an anchor of the soul.” When Jesus is our anchor, we become unshakable. Baptism is not just a ritual or a ceremony. It’s actually a change of identity. When we are baptized, we take on the identity of Jesus. Our souls find an anchor in him. So what does this mean?
It means we have the mind of Christ.
When Jesus is our anchor, we become empowered by his Spirit to do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).
It means we have a hope that does not disappoint.
When we are anchored, we can be certain that death will not hold us, that we too, like Jesus, will be raised to new life (Romans 5:5).
It means we have new access.
When Jesus died, the veil covering the most holy place in the the Temple ripped, which means that we can now go boldly to God’s throne of grace--we can enter the presence of God unashamed and unafraid. Because of Jesus, we can ask our heavenly Father anything in Jesus’ name, and he will do it. (John 14:14)
It means we can rest.
The Bible says we are seated with Christ at the right hand of the Father. We have favor with God through Jesus. We can stop trying to perform and earn the love of God because we already have it. We get to dwell in his presence every day, enjoying continual relationship with him, as sons and daughters of the Most High God.
When we are baptized in Christ, we can put our fears, insecurities, and failures behind us. We become anchored in Christ, the Son of God, the firstborn from the dead, and the Savior of our souls.
Questions for Reflection:
What are you currently basing your identity in?
What are you missing in your current identity, and what is Christ promising you instead?
How have you seen, or how would you like to see baptism transform your identity?