Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV) “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
We have the priceless privilege of looking to Jesus as our leader (the Greek word translated “author” here is the same one translated “captain” in Hebrew). He is also our finisher, the One who perfects us.
Jesus is described as the author and perfecter, or finisher, of our faith. The Greek word translated “perfecter” It means literally “completer” or “finisher” and speaks of bringing something to its conclusion. Putting the two words together, we see that Jesus, as God, both creates and sustains our faith.
Christ is the creator and the sustainer of our faith, meaning that true saving faith cannot be lost, taken away or given away. Christ has created our faith and He will watch over it, care for it, and sustain it.
Philippians 1:6 (ESV) “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 1:13–14 (ESV) “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”
1 Peter 1:7-9 (LB) “These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests gold and purifies it—and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold; so if your faith remains strong after being tried in the test tube of fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honour on the day of his return. 8 You love him even though you have never seen him; though not seeing him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with the inexpressible joy that comes from heaven itself. 9 And your further reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.”
Jesus is ”the author and perfecter of our faith”. The faith we possess is His gift to us, and He perfects it in us. One meaning of the word “Perfecter” is this: He is the One who brings us safely through to the end. Therefore, let us look off unto Jesus, to Jesus only, always and for ever. He will never change, He will never fail, and He will never let us go.
Hebrews 13:5b-6 (LB) For God has said, “I will never, never fail you nor forsake you.” 6 That is why we can say without any doubt or fear, “The Lord is my Helper, and I am not afraid of anything that mere man can do to me.”
