Jesus as the Author of Faith vs. Jesus as the Perfecter of Faith

 

Jesus as the Author of Faith vs. Jesus as the Perfecter of Faith

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

2 Timothy 4:7–8: “I have fought the good fight; I have finished the course; I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, with which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will recompense me in that day...” 

Category	Jesus as the Author of Faith	Jesus as the Perfecter of Faith
Theme	Christ initiates faith in us	Christ completes and perfects faith in us
Meaning	Jesus is the origin and source of our faith; without Him, faith cannot begin.	Jesus brings our faith to maturity and completion, leading us to glory.
Key Point	The beginning of faith comes from Christ’s work on the cross and His Spirit’s operation in us.	The finishing of faith is Christ’s continual supply, endurance, and ultimate perfection in believers.
Reason	Faith is not from human effort but is authored by Christ (Heb. 12:2a).	Faith needs to be perfected because believers are still being transformed until Christ’s return (Phil. 1:6).
Method	- By hearing the word of Christ (Rom. 10:17). - By receiving Christ as life (Gal. 2:20). - By new birth through the Spirit (John 3:5–6).	- By Christ’s intercession as High Priest (Heb. 7:25). - By His example of endurance (Heb. 12:2–3). - By His Spirit’s inward perfecting work (2 Cor. 3:18).
Example	- Abraham believed God’s promise; faith was authored in him (Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:20–21). - The disciples followed Jesus at His call (Matt. 4:19–20).	- Paul testifies that Christ will finish the good work (Phil. 1:6). - The race imagery: finishing depends on Christ’s enabling (2 Tim. 4:7–8).
Application	- Depend on Christ as the source of faith daily. - Do not rely on self-effort but on His initiation.	- Trust Christ to bring faith to maturity. - Persevere, knowing He will complete what He began.
Related Scriptures (Expanded)	- Hebrews 12:2a: “Looking away unto Jesus, the author... of our faith.” - Romans 10:17: “So faith comes out of hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” - Galatians 2:20: “I am crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” - John 3:5–6: “Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”	- Hebrews 12:2b–3: “...and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such contradiction by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary, fainting in your souls.” - Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this very thing, that He who began in you a good work will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.” - 2 Corinthians 3:18: “But we all with unveiled face, beholding and reflecting like a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord Spirit.”

  

Conclusion: 

l   Jesus as Author shows that all faith originates in Him.

l   Jesus as Perfecter shows that the same faith will be brought to full completion in Him. Together, He is both the beginning and the end of the believer’s faith journey.

 

*Please refer to the June 2025 Summer Training, General Topic: Experiencing, Enjoying, and Manifesting Christ (Part 3), Chapter 8: Looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith