“…Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (NASV)
The word “author” means that Christ is the originator of our faith in that He begins it.
The Greek word translated “perfecter” means literally “completer” or “finisher” and speaks of bringing something to its conclusion.
Putting the two words together, we see that Jesus, as God, both creates and sustains our faith.
We know that saving faith is a gift from God, not something we come up with on our own (Ephesians 2:8-9), and that gift comes from Christ, its creator.
He is also the sustainer of our faith, meaning that true saving faith cannot be lost, taken away or given away. This is a source of great comfort to believers, especially in times of doubt and spiritual struggles. Christ has created our faith and He will watch over it, care for it, and sustain it.
Good