What does the Bible say about Jesus as the author and finisher of faith?

In Hebrews 12:2, we are called to look unto Jesus, who is described as the author and finisher of faith. This means that He is not only the originator of our faith but also its perfecter. It is not our faith that we rely on, but His faith. The distinction is significant; it emphasizes that faith itself is a gift from God, stemming from His purpose and sovereign choice. Jesus, by His own will and foreknowledge, initiated our salvation and it is through His work on the cross that our faith is completed. Thus, our hope rests entirely on His finished work rather than any merit of our own.