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In this series we're talking about the names and descriptive
phrases identifying Jesus. Thus far we've talked about Jesus
as God,
Lord,
Savior,
Christ,
Creator,
the Word,
the Son of
God, the life,
the Light,
the Lamb
of God, the Firstborn,
and the propitiation
for our sins.
In this article, we talk about Jesus as an Author.
Two Greek Words
Two Greek words, archegos and aitios, are
translated "author."
Archegos is an adjective denoting "one who takes
a lead in, or provides the first occasion of, anything"
(Vine's). Besides "author," it's also translated "prince."
Aitios is an adjective denoting "that which causes
something" (Vine's). In the New American Standard it's translated
"source" rather than "author."
Jesus: Author and Perfecter of our Faith
In Hebrews 12:2, the Greek word archegos is translated
"author."
- Jesus is the "author" of our faith.
Jesus made the necessary provisions whereby we can follow
Him, and walk by faith. Therefore, He is the author (leader)
of our salvation.
- The righteousness of God is "through faith
in Jesus Christ for all those who believe" (Rom. 3:22).
- God is the "justifier of the one who has
faith in Jesus" (Rom. 3:26).
- We are justified "through faith in Christ Jesus"
(Gal. 2:16).
- As Christians, Christ lives in us; and the life
which we live in the flesh we live by faith in the Son
of God (Gal. 2:20).
As the author and perfecter of our faith, we follow Jesus'
example.
- "For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ
also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you
to follow in His steps" (1 Pet. 2:24).
By following Christ's example, the end of life's journey
is heaven, where we'll be with God for eternity.
Like an old Hymn says:
And when my task on earth is done,
When, by Thy grace, the victory's won,
E'en death's cold wave I will not flee,
Since God thru Jordan leadeth me.
Jesus: Author of Life
In Acts 3:15, the Greek word archegos is translated
"Prince" or "Author."
- Jesus is the "Prince" of life.
- He is the "Author" of life.
Archegos denotes one who takes the lead, providing
the first occasion of, as the beginner or originator (Vine's
and Robertson).
As we discussed in the last article, Jesus is the firstborn
from the dead, and firstborn among many brethren. Therefore,
He is the Author of eternal life. He was the first to rise
from the dead, having conquered death, so that we could
follow in His steps as brethren, and live forever with Him.
So, Jesus is the life.
- "I am the way, and the truth, and the life;
no one comes to the Father but through Me" (Jn. 14:6).
- "In Him was life, and the life was the Light
of men" (Jn. 1:4).
Since Jesus teaches us how to obtain life in His word,
He is the Word of Life.
- "What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what
we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and
touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life"
(1 Jn. 1:1).
So then, if we hear Jesus' word and believe, we have eternal
life -- He is the author of life.
- "'Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word,
and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life,
and does not come into judgment, but has passed out
of death into life'" (Jn. 5:24).
Jesus: Author of Salvation
In Hebrews 2:10 archegos is translated "author."
And in Hebrews 5:9 aitios is translated "author"
or "source."
- Jesus is the "author" of our salvation.
- He is the "source" of eternal salvation.
Combining archegos and aitios, we can say
that Jesus is our source of salvation, and our leader in
respect to the salvation He provides.
The requirement for tapping into this source of salvation
is obedience to Jesus.
- "And having been made perfect, He became to all
those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation"
(Heb. 5:9).
Conclusion
Jesus is the author of our faith, author of eternal life,
and the source of salvation.
If we obey Jesus, we have access to the source of salvation.
But if we disobey Jesus, we don't have access to salvation,
and we're eternally lost.
To be continued.
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