Jesus, the Source and Sustainer of Our Faith

"The soul is the life of the body, faith is the life of the soul, and Christ is the life of faith."  - John Flavel, English Puritan Presbyterian minister (1620-1691)

"Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2, KJV). The substance of this particular statement is both powerful and life-changing. As such, it is definitely worth the time of the believer to take a pause and examine this theme.    

Using the KJV bible, Jesus, as the "author" or originator of our faith, started the journey of faith through the example of His teachings, His perfect life, death on the cross, and resurrection. 

The Greek word archégos (ἀρχηγός), means: leader, author, pioneer, or prince. Therefore, as the chief leader, he not only initiates the journey (of faith) but leads it. He is the One who first calls us to faith, providing the initial capacity to believe.

Jesus, as the "finisher" of our faith, tells us that He not only starts the journey of faith, but completes, or ends it, as well. The Greek translation of the noun "finisher," is teleiótés (τελειότης), which means: perfection, completeness, maturity. 

The context of the word becomes even more clear when you see that the Greek word teleiótés is derived from the verb tense teleioó (τελειόω), which means: to complete, to perfect, to accomplish, to bring to an end. 

He also assures that the work started within them will be brought to completion or finished. His power provides security, and not our own ability, thus securing our salvation and spiritual maturity.

To provide further insight into the theme, I've included some key scriptures for reference and further study along with corresponding discussion points:

I. Jesus, the Author of Our Faith - Key Scriptures: John 1:4; John 14:6; Romans 10:17; Hebrews 12:2.

• In what ways did Jesus' life serve as an example of faith?
• How do we receive the message of Jesus Christ?
• Why is Jesus considered the sole path to God and salvation?

II. Jesus, the Finisher of Our Faith - Key Scriptures: John 15:5; Romans 8:34; Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 4:12-13.

• How does knowing that Jesus is your heavenly advocate provide you with security?
• How can we stay rooted in Christ? (John 15:5)
• What can we learn about perseverance by studying Jesus's endurance?

Taking careful consideration of the ideas we've just discussed, it is patently clear that:

• Jesus must be at the start of all our efforts. We can't initiate faith on our own. It is a gift originating with God and made possible through Jesus.
• He makes us complete. Because He is the "finisher," we can be certain that He is the author and "perfector" (one who completes something) of our faith regardless of the obstacles we encounter.
• We must rely on His power, and not our own. By focusing on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, we find the power to persevere, confident that He will finish what He started in us.

Prayer: "Dear Lord, grant me the strength to keep focused and centered on You, so that Your love and grace can guide my every thought and action. Amen."

Yours in Christ,

Emily