Why "The Author of Life"

Today, I want to explain the title of my blog. Why is it called The Author of Life? It is because I want to look at some of the mysteries and stories written by our Author. I want us to become more familiar with Him and to understand His ways with more clarity. I want to spread the joy and wonder of our God, bringing a little light to people and giving glory to God. He is the Author of Life.

The title is taken from the apostle Peter as he stood before a crowd of amazed Israelites, witnessing to them. A miracle had happened. A lame man walked and leapt for joy. Peter spoke as a witness of Jesus Christ, showing them that the miracle had happened by the power of God — and not by his own power. These verses are striking and rebuking. When you look closely to discern their meaning, it cuts deep.

“The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.” (Acts 3:13-14 ESV)

Peter starts by giving full affirmation that Jesus was sent by God, the God of their fathers. Jews often were caught up in the old law, refusing Jesus’s teachings because they believed that He did not come from their God. Here, Peter makes it blatantly clear. He’s talking about the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. There is no mistake about it. Jesus came from their God.

He then calls Jesus the Holy and Righteous One. Jesus was blameless, sinless, and completely righteous. He was set apart and holy. But the Jews denied this of him, even when Pilate tried to release him. They deliberately tried to shove away the Holy and Righteous One, who was pure of all sin.

The next sentence hits hard. “...[you] asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and you killed the Author of life...” It’s dark. It’s painful. It shouldn’t make sense. A man who ended and destroyed lives was allowed to live. The Man who made and cherished every life was sent to die. The Creator of life died. The story had never been darker. The injustice had never been deeper. The most awe-striking part is...that wasn’t the end.

“[Y]ou killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead.” By submitting Himself it, the Author of life defeated death. Death was swallowed up by death. Everlasting life was brought near to mankind. Was there any hope for the Israelites though? Could there be any grace or mercy for the people who had killed the Author of life? Yes. There is.

Peter ends his witness to the people by telling them where hope may be found. He tells them that all of this was foretold by the prophets. This was the plan all along. This does not make them sinless, but there is hope. “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord...” (vs. 19-20a) “God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.” (vs. 26)

The Author of life is the hope. Jesus died so that we could live. Each one of our sins, no matter how great or small, will be blotted out if we repent and turn to God. Through this, we will find peace and the everlasting love of our Saviour.