(1) Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (2) 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Surely, there never was a more persuasive wherefore, neither a more powerful motive to what the Holy Ghost hath here recommended, by his servant the Apostle to the Church, than in following up the history given before of the faithful Patriarchs in the preceding Chapter, with holding forth the glorious Person of Christ in this; and making Jesus what He really is, the whole of all arguments, and the sum and substance of every persuasion to a faithful life. Precious Lord Jesus., I would say, be it my portion so to look to thee, so to behold thee, so to hang upon thee with my whole heart, and soul, and affections, as the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, and not only the Author and Finisher of faith, but the Author and Finisher of salvation; yea, salvation itself, in all its blessedness, for time, and for eternity!
And, Reader, I pray you to pause with me over these words, and consider their beauty. A cloud of witnesses we are said to be encompassed with. And let it be remembered, that they are God's witnesses, which are the most honorable of all witnesses. They witness to God the Father's faithfulness, in his everlasting love to the Church. They witness to the Person, Godhead, Offices, characters, relations, redemption-work, and finished salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ. And they witness to the Person, Godhead, and Ministry, in the regenerating, soul-quickening, soul-sustaining, and soul-comforting influences of God the Holy Ghost. Surrounded, therefore, with the testimony of others, and enabled by grace to give in our own, those grand and momentous truths; the Lord is looked unto to strengthen them in their Christian warfare, and to lay aside the besetting sin of unbelief, which cleaves to all men by nature, until grace gives them new minds, and new hearts, to receive God's testimony of himself', and to run with patience the race that is before us; eyeing Jesus in every step of the way. And, oh! the blessedness of thus seeing the Son by faith, and believing on him! John 6:40. Seeing him, as One with the Father, over all, God blessed forever. Seeing him as the Christ of God, the Sent of God, the Sealed of God, full of grace and truth. And, in this blessed view of beholding Jesus, when he, who is the Author and Finisher of faith, gives faith, to believe the record God hath given of his dear Son. The regenerated child of God beholds him, and accepts him on his bended-knees, in holy joy and rapture, as Jehovah's One and only one appointment and ordinance of salvation, on whom the soul may rest secure, for all the peace and happiness of the life that now is, and that which is to come. Reader! just pause to ask your own heart, are you so looking to Jesus? Is He, in your view, both the Author and Finisher of faith? Many there are, who seem very willing to make him the Author, but feel somewhat reluctant to accept him as the Finisher. And what is this but pharisaical pride? I humbly conceive, such men, if under divine teaching, might soon learn the danger of this error. Let them ask themselves this one simple question, How did I first look to Jesus? Was it not as a poor, helpless, friendless, needy, self-condemned sinner? And have I anything of my own now, to recommend me any otherwise? Let this question be fairly applied to the heart, under divine teaching, and sure I am there will not be a child of God upon earth, if truly taught of God, but what will be then as ready to make Jesus as much the Finisher as the Author both of his faith and salvation.