Jesus as the “Author & Finisher” of Our Faith (Hebrews 12:2)

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“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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

The Bible often calls us to fix our eyes on Jesus, who is described in the verse above as the “author and finisher” of our faith. This reveals that Jesus Christ is both the originator and perfecter of our faith, underscoring His central role in God’s redemptive plan. Let us delve deeper into what it means for Jesus to be the “author” and “finisher” of our faith and explore how this understanding shapes our walk with God.

Jesus as the Author of Our Faith

The term “author” in this context can also be translated as “pioneer” or “originator.” It signifies Jesus’ foundational role in initiating our faith journey. The Old Testament provides glimpses of Jesus as the coming Messiah. Jesus Himself affirmed this, saying, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17).

For example, the sacrificial lamb in Exodus 12 foreshadows Jesus as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Also, every element of the Tabernacle points to Christ. The bread of the Presence symbolizes Jesus as the Bread of Life (John 6:35), while the mercy seat signifies His role as our mediator (Hebrews 9:11-12). Moreover, Moses’ role as a mediator of the Old Covenant prefigures Jesus’ inauguration of the New Covenant through His blood, fulfilling Jeremiah 31:33: “I will put My law within them, and I will write it on their hearts.”

Jesus’ incarnation—His stepping into human history—is the cornerstone of our faith (John 1:14). By taking on human form, Jesus fulfilled God’s redemptive plan, bridging the gap between sinful humanity and a holy God. His life on earth set the stage for a faith that is rooted in both divine revelation and personal relationship.

While on Earth, Jesus’ teachings recorded in the Gospels laid the foundation for what we believe and how we live. For instance, through the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), He provided moral and spiritual principles that guide us in righteous living. Furthermore, the epistles, particularly those of Paul, build upon Jesus’ teachings, applying them to the life of the church.

Jesus’ works—His miracles, healings, and acts of compassion—affirm His divine authority and inspire faith. In John 10:25, Jesus states, “The works that I do in My Father’s name bear witness about Me.” By healing the sick, calming storms, and even raising the dead, Jesus revealed His power over creation and His ability to meet humanity’s deepest needs. These acts were not mere displays of power but signs pointing to His identity as the Messiah.

Jesus as the Finisher of Our Faith

Just as Jesus initiated our faith, He also brings it to completion. The word “finisher” emphasizes His role in perfecting and fulfilling faith through His death, resurrection, and ascension. That means that every seed of revelation sowed in the Old Testament, we can trace its harvest in the New Testament.

Jesus’ declaration, “It is finished” (John 19:30), marked the completion of His redemptive mission. By enduring the cross, He reconciled humanity to God, as Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19: “God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” His willingness to endure shame and suffering demonstrates a love so profound that it inspires us to persevere in faith.

Jesus’ resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of His power over sin and death. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” This victory secures eternal life for believers and assures us that our faith is not in vain.

The ascension of Jesus to the right hand of the Father signifies His exaltation and ongoing intercession for believers. Hebrews 7:25 highlights this role: “Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him since He always lives to make intercession for them.” This truth gives us confidence to approach God, knowing that Jesus is our advocate.

Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

The call to “look unto Jesus” in Hebrews 12:2 is not a passive instruction but an active, ongoing effort to focus on Him as the source and goal of our faith through practical ways like:  Spending time in God’s Word is essential for understanding who Jesus is and what He has done for us. As Psalm 119:105 states, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” By meditating on Scripture, we grow in our knowledge of Jesus and His role as the author and finisher of our faith.

Prayer is our lifeline to God, a means of seeking His guidance and strength. Jesus Himself modeled a life of prayer, often retreating to solitary places to commune with the Father (Luke 5:16). As we follow His example, we deepen our relationship with Him and draw on His power to face life’s challenges.

Faith is not meant to be lived out in isolation. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” By surrounding ourselves with fellow believers, we find encouragement to remain steadfast in our faith.

In conclusion, Jesus truly is the author and finisher of our faith. From His incarnation and teachings to His death, resurrection, and ascension, He has paved the way for us to enter into a relationship with God and grow in faith. As we fix our eyes on Him, we are transformed into His likeness, empowered to run the race set before us with endurance. Philippians 1:6 assures us: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Let us, therefore, keep our focus on Jesus, trusting Him to perfect our faith until we see Him face to face.

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