the author and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2). What does this phrase mean? And how does it pertain to our lives today? The word that is translated “author” denotes one who is a leader or a predecessor. Every time this word is used in the New Testament it refers to Jesus. It is translated elsewhere as “Prince” (Acts 3:15; 5:31). Jesus is our leader. He has been given “all authority” (Matthew 28:18) and we must follow Him (Matthew 28:19-20; 16:24). As “the author of [our] salvation” (Hebrews 2:10), He is leading us to an eternal home in heaven. He has preceded us there, becoming “a forerunner for us,” providing us with “a hope both sure and steadfast” (Hebrews 6:19-20). The word translated “perfecter” means that Jesus provides us with an infallible example as He completely carried out the Father’s will. Jesus said, “I always do the things that are pleasing to [the Father]” (John 8:29). In His time on earth, He left us “an example…to follow” as He “committed no sin” (1 Peter 2:21-22). Through Jesus’ death on the cross, we are able to be “perfected” (Hebrews 10:14) or “made perfect” (Hebrews 12:23) if we will obey Him. The Hebrew writer said earlier, “And having been made perfect, [Jesus] became to all those who obey Him the source or eternal salvation” (Hebrews 5:9). Jesus is “the author and perfecter of faith.” Let us follow Him in all that we do, strive to imitate His perfect example, and trust that He will save us in the end. –Andy Sochor
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