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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)
Have you ever wondered what it means to say that Jesus is the author and the finisher of our faith?
Well, let’s think about this statement. Ephesians 2:8 says that we are saved through faith. In other words, our belief in what Jesus has done for us and receiving Him as our Lord and Saviour is what makes us right with God and causes His promises and blessings to be ours.
Do we earn right standing with God? Do we earn blessings from God? No, we only need to have faith in what Jesus did.
Now, what does it mean to have faith? Is it something you have to build up? Are there certain verses you need to say, prayers you need to pray, or a level of emotion you need to have to bring in God’s miraculous power? No, this type of thinking is works-minded. It’s a sign that you’ve begun to believe
that you have to author your own miracles through your faith.
The difference is subtle, but if Jesus is the author and the finisher of your faith, then it’s a simple matter of believing that God’s grace brings you the miracle. Grace is unearned, so it’s a matter of receiving the gift, not working up a level of faith to make something happen.
Don’t get caught up in seeing faith as something you have to work up. Just trust in the fact that Jesus already earned everything you will ever need, and begin to access what is already yours.