Topical Encyclopedia
In the Christian faith, Jesus Christ is recognized as both the "author" and "finisher" of faith, a concept rooted in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Hebrews. This dual role of Christ underscores His integral part in the inception, sustenance, and completion of the believer's faith journey.
Biblical FoundationThe primary scriptural reference for this concept is found in
Hebrews 12:2, which states: "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" . This verse highlights Jesus as the originator and completer of faith, emphasizing His role in both initiating and bringing to maturity the faith of believers.
Christ as the Author of FaithAs the "author" of faith, Christ is seen as the initiator or pioneer. This suggests that faith begins with Him and is made possible through His life, death, and resurrection. In
John 14:6, Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" . This statement affirms that faith in God is accessible only through Christ, who provides the pathway to a relationship with the Father.
Christ as the Finisher of FaithThe term "finisher" or "perfecter" indicates that Christ brings faith to its intended goal or completion.
Philippians 1:6 offers reassurance of this process: "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" . This verse reflects the belief that Christ is actively involved in the believer's spiritual growth and maturation, ensuring that the faith He initiates is brought to fulfillment.
The Role of Faith in the Believer's LifeFaith, as authored and finished by Christ, is central to the Christian life. It is through faith that believers are justified, as stated in
Romans 5:1: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" . This justification is not based on human effort but on the redemptive work of Christ, which believers accept through faith.
Furthermore, faith is not static but dynamic, growing and maturing as believers continue to trust in Christ. The apostle Paul, in
Galatians 2:20, expresses this ongoing relationship: "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" . This verse illustrates the transformative power of faith, as believers live out their lives in reliance on Christ.
Christ's Example of FaithChrist Himself exemplified perfect faith during His earthly ministry. His obedience to the Father, even unto death, serves as the ultimate model for believers. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, "Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done" (
Luke 22:42). His submission to the Father's will, despite the impending suffering, demonstrates the depth of His faith and trust.
Encouragement for BelieversBelievers are encouraged to look to Jesus as both the source and sustainer of their faith.
Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "faith chapter," provides numerous examples of Old Testament figures who lived by faith. However, it is in Christ that these examples find their ultimate fulfillment. As believers fix their eyes on Jesus, they are empowered to persevere in their own faith journeys, confident that He who began a good work will indeed bring it to completion.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Hebrews 12:2Looking to 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
March 26. "Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith" (Heb. xii. ...
... xii. 2). "Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2). ... Is it faith
itself? We must have the faith of God, and Christ in us will be the ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /march 26 jesus the author.htm
Whether in Christ There was Faith?
... according to Acts 1:1: "Jesus began to do and to teach." But of Christ it is said
(Heb.12:2) that He is "the author and finisher of our faith." Therefore there ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether in christ there was.htm
August 19. "Have Faith in God" (Mark xi. 22).
... But Christ is the Author and Finisher of our faith, and He bids us have the faith
of God, and as we have it through the imparting of the Spirit of Christ, we ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /august 19 have faith in.htm
Whether Christ Should have Worked Miracles?
... Objection 3: Further, Christ came that He might save men by faith; according to
Heb.12:2: "Looking on Jesus, the author and finisher of faith." But miracles ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ should have worked.htm
Whether this Knowledge was Distinguished by Divers Habits?
... Objection 2: Further, our faith is derived from Christ's knowledge; hence it is
written (Heb.12:2): "Looking on Jesus the author and finisher of faith." But ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether this knowledge was distinguished.htm
September 25. "The Faith of the Son of God" (Gal. Ii. 20).
... It is the faith of Christ, springing in our heart and ... that I now live I live by the
faith of the ... for me." Thus looking off unto Jesus, "the Author and Finisher ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /september 25 the faith of.htm
How Shall the Soul Make Use of Christ, as the Life, which is under ...
... 1. That Christ is "the author and finisher of faith," Hebrews 12:2; and so, as
he did rebuke unbelief at the first, he can rebuke it again. ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xxiv how shall the.htm
Whether Christ Should have Been Tempted in the Desert?
... Reply to Objection 1: Christ is set as an example to all through faith, according
to Heb.12:2: "Looking on Jesus, the author and finisher of faith." Now faith ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ should have been 5.htm
Faith in the Sacred Scriptures.
... to explain the words, "Jesus, the Author and Finisher of ... therefore be thoroughly
understood that saving faith refers only to the sinner, and that Christ in the ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxvii faith in the sacred.htm
How Christ is Made Use of for Justification as a Way.
... Nor can they object the difficulty or impossibility of believing; for that is Christ's
work also, he "is the author and finisher of faith," Hebrews 12:1. Can ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter iv how christ is.htm
Resources
Why do so many people struggle with a lack of faith? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I overcome the fact that I am struggling with faith? | GotQuestions.orgWhere does faith come from? | GotQuestions.orgFaith: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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