Faith is an integral part of Christianity, providing believers with a foundation to trust in God’s promises and experience his grace. Within the Christian faith, Jesus holds a unique role as the author and finisher of our faith.
Faith, in its essence, is a deep trust and belief in something or someone beyond our understanding. In Christianity, faith plays a pivotal role, as it allows believers to have a personal relationship with God and receive eternal salvation[1] through Jesus Christ.
The concept of “Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith” encapsulates his central role in initiating and completing the work of faith within us.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus is described as the “author and finisher” of Christian faith, a concept supported by Hebrews 12:1-2. He plays a crucial role in beginning and perfecting believers’ faith, leading them from the start to maturity in their spiritual journey.
- Highlighted through the challenges faced by early Jewish Christians, the text emphasizes the necessity of steadfast faith amid persecution. Jesus’ life and his endurance through suffering offer a model for believers on how to maintain faith during trials.
- The Holy Spirit is portrayed as key in fortifying believers’ faith, offering wisdom and courage. Faith grows through engagement with Jesus’ teachings and the Holy Spirit’s guidance, culminating in a relationship with God, made possible by Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection.
Contents
Jesus Is The Author And Finisher Of Our Faith: Biblical References
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
— Hebrews 12: 1–2 (ESV)
In various translations of Hebrews 12:2, Jesus is described as the author and finisher of our faith. The Greek word used in Hebrews 12 for “author” is archegos, which can also mean “captain, “chief leader,” or “pioneer.” This word, by definition, denotes someone who leads others in a particular direction. In this sense, Jesus is thus not only the one who began our faith but also leads us forward in it.
Christ, in his human nature, set a perfect example for us to follow by enduring trials and tribulations with unwavering faith.
It is also important to note that at the time the Book of Hebrews was written, Jewish Christians were undergoing severe persecution because of their connection with Jesus.
This was causing some to turn away and abandon their faith altogether, so the author of Hebrews writes them a letter that tells them to remain steadfast in their faith, as only in Jesus Christ can we find true salvation. Hebrews 12:6 (KJV) reads: “For whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.”
Furthermore, other biblical passages in the New Testament support this concept of Jesus as the author and finisher of our faith. Colossians 2:10 says, “And you are complete in him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Here again, we see that Christ is central to our lives as believers; he completes us by providing everything we need to live a life pleasing to God.
Philippians 1:6 also reinforces this idea: “Being confident of this very thing, that he who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Here we see that not only did Christ begin our journey into faith, but he will continue working within us for God’s glory until its completion.
Understanding Jesus’ Role In Authoring And Finishing Our Faith
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who, for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
— Hebrews 12:2 (BSB)
As Christians, we believe that Jesus is the foundation of our faith. He is the one who initiates and perfects it. Without him, there would be no Christianity. Jesus’ role in authoring and finishing our faith can be seen through his life, death, and resurrection.
Jesus provided the ultimate example of faith through his life on earth for us to follow. He showed us how to live a life pleasing to God by loving others, serving those in need, and obeying God’s commands. Hebrews 12:3 (ESV) encourages us to remain grounded in our faith by following Jesus: “Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”
Jesus also demonstrated his love for us by dying on the cross for our sins. By doing so, he made it possible for us to have a relationship with God and experience eternal life. Through his resurrection from the dead, Jesus conquered sin and death once and for all.
Jesus’ role as the author and finisher of our faith serves as a reminder that we cannot rely on our own strength or efforts to achieve salvation. No matter how hard we try or how good we are, we cannot earn our way into heaven. It is only through faith in Jesus Christ that we can be saved.
By surrendering to Jesus as the author and finisher of our faith, we can experience true peace and rest in him. We don’t have to worry about trying to earn God’s favor or living up to some impossible standard because Jesus has already done everything necessary for us to be saved.
The Significance Of Jesus As The Ultimate Source And Perfecter of Our Faith
You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
— Hebrews 12:23–24
Jesus As The Author Of Our Faith
Our faith in God should begin with Jesus. As the mediator of a new covenant, he is the ultimate source of our faith, as it is through him that we have access to the gospel.
In John 14:6, Jesus himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This means that without Jesus, there would be no way for us to have a relationship with God or receive salvation.
Through Christ, we are able to understand God’s love for us and his plan for our lives. The gospel reveals who God is and how he desires to interact with his creation. As we learn more about Jesus and his teachings, our faith in him grows stronger.
The Holy Spirit Strengthens Our Faith
As believers in Christ, we are not left alone to navigate this journey of faith. The Holy Spirit works within us to strengthen our faith and guide us toward righteousness.
The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith by providing wisdom, discernment, and courage when faced with difficult situations or decisions. Through prayer and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, we can deepen our relationship with God and grow in our understanding of his will for our lives.
When we follow Jesus’ example and teachings, we become more like him. He is the perfect role model for us to follow in our pursuit of righteousness. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for us to be made new and live a life that honors God, our heavenly Father.
The Completion Of Our Faith
Ultimately, our faith in God is made complete through Jesus Christ. Without him, we would not have access to God or the hope of eternal life. It is through his sacrifice on the cross that we have received forgiveness for our sins and have been reconciled with God.
As we continue to walk in faith with Jesus as our guide, we can trust that he will lead us toward a deeper understanding of who God is and what he desires for our lives. Our faith in him will continue to grow stronger as we seek him through prayer, reading the Bible, and following his example.
Closing Thoughts
Understanding Jesus’ role as the author and finisher of our faith gives us hope and assurance that we are not alone in this journey. As believers, we must hold firm to our faith, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and trusting him to guide us through life’s challenges.
Let us remember that Jesus is not only the author and finisher of our faith but also the foundation upon which it stands. May we continue to build our lives upon Him so that when storms come, we will stand strong in our faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does It Mean That Jesus Is The Author And Finisher Of Our Faith?
“Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith” means that Jesus is both the initiator and the completer of Christian faith. This concept signifies that faith begins with Jesus and is perfected or completed by Him, guiding believers through the entirety of their spiritual journey.
Who Is The Finisher Of Our Faith In The Bible?
The finisher of our faith in the Bible is Jesus Christ. According to Hebrews 12:2, Jesus is referred to as the “author and finisher” of our faith, highlighting His integral role in both starting and completing the work of faith within believers.
Is God The Author Of Our Faith?
God, specifically Jesus Christ, is considered the author of our faith within Christian belief. Jesus, being one with God, initiates our faith and leads us in our spiritual development, making Him the foundational author of faith.
What Is The Meaning Of Hebrew 12:2?
The meaning of Hebrews 12:2 is that Jesus Christ is the source and perfecter of Christian faith. This verse identifies Jesus as the one who initiates our faith and brings it to completion. He endured the cross and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God, setting an example of faithfulness for believers to follow.