“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 Lord Jesus Christ is “the author and finisher of our faith.” The faith of God’s elect begins with Christ giving us faith in Him by His sovereign will (Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 1:1). This faith that is the gift of God, which is a definite and sure faith, looks back to the Giver, Author and Finisher of faith, Christ Himself. He is the only object of saving faith.
This faith of God’s elect is also called “precious faith” (2 Peter 1:1) because it is given to us as a purchased gift of the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-20). This special and saving faith is given sovereignly and exclusively to the church of Christ alone. His sheep hear His voice, His call, and they fall in love with Him and follow Him fully to the end of their journey in this life (John 10:27-30; Heb. 11:13).
Let us never diminish the importance of this precious and saving gift of God’s grace, faith in Christ (Rom. 4:16)
-Tom Harding, pastor of Zebulon Baptist Church, Pikeville, Kentucky USA.
