Revelation proclaims Jesus by many names. These names describe who Christ is so we can begin to grasp his greatness, as well as God's plan. A few titles given Jesus in the Bible's final book are the faithful witness (1:5), the root of David (5:5, 9), the Amen (3:14), the Lion of the tribe of Judah (5:5, 9), the Lamb (5:8-9), and the Alpha and the Omega (1:8; 22:13). In this post, we will take a closer look at Jesus' title, the Alpha and the Omega.
The Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet, and the Omega is the last letter. “The Alpha and the Omega” as a title is an expression meaning that Christ is the first and the last (Rev. 1:17; 2:8; 22:13), the beginning and the end (Rev. 22:13). In the beginning, it was through Christ that creation took place, and it is through Christ that God brings his plans to consummation (telos)—ultimate completion. From A to Z, all is begun, held together, and summed up in Jesus. John, the revelator, refers to Christ as the Alpha and the Omega in the introduction and conclusion of Revelation. This image of the Lord is something that the author of the book wants us to comprehend.
From A to Z, all is begun, held together, and summed up in Jesus.
Let's look at Christ's role at the beginning of creation. John tells us in his gospel, “All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.” The apostle Paul explains, “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him." In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth, Christ was present and active. He is the eternal Alpha.
Let’s look at Jesus’ role in the consummation of all things. Paul tells us, “And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.” (Eph. 1:10, NLT). In Revelation, at his Second Coming, Christ is declared “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (Rev. 19:16). In a glimpse of Christ’s future rule over all creation, the twenty-four elders in heaven worship saying, "We give you thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who are and who were, because You have taken Your great power and begun to reign" (Rev. 11:17). God will sum up all things in Christ as the Omega.
Our “Alpha and Omega” is the beginning and the end, holding all eternity in His hands.
Our “Alpha and Omega” is the beginning and the end, holding all eternity in his hands. Presently, he gives everything and everyone life—supporting the very fabric of our being. We learn in the book of Hebrews that Christ “sustains all things by His powerful word” (Heb. 1:3). In Colossians, we understand that in the Lord, "all things hold together" (Col.1:17). The psalmist declares that he is the "upholder" of our life (Ps. 54:4). And Paul depicts Christ as the One in whom "we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). Friend, the Lord provides the breath that you breathe. He upholds your life. Even though things can get scary, crazy at times, he is sustaining you—so, breathe deep.
Let's not let present circumstances dictate our reality. Take a moment to stop and shift your focus upward. Worship the Alpha and the Omega, our Savior, through whom God's eternal plan is fulfilled.
Study the book of Revelation: Come Lord Jesus: A Woman's Walk—Spirit, Body & Soul—Through the Book of Revelation.
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