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Read Introduction to Revelation

 

‘”I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,’ says the Lord, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty‘”

 

God now signs the Book of Revelation. No other book of the Bible has the imprimatur of God. This is God’s autograph. Jesus signs in as God Almighty.

I am the Alpha

The “Alpha” is the first letter of the Greek alphabet. The New Testament uses Alpha as the first in a series with the idea of significance or importance. Secular literature designated Alpha and Omega as the entire universe. This title could mean that Jesus holds dominion over the entire universe. He is the “A” and “Z” of everything. Revelation uses Alpha and Omega of both the Father (21:6; cf. 22:13) and the Son (1:17; cf. 2:8).

Alpha then is a title of Christ (1:8,11; 21:6; 22:13). It is both a designation of God (1:8; 21:6) and of Christ (22:13) with the same parallel (first and last). This affirms the deity of Christ. What the Holy Spirit applies to the Father, He applies to the Son. These terms refer to the eternal God. It comprehends His dynamic activity in all creation.

“For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen” (Romans 11:36).

and the Omega,

Omega is the last letter of the Greek alphabet. God is the end of all things. God is both the beginning (Alpha) and the end of all things. God is both the source and the goal of all creation. Nothing transcends Him. He is absolute God. Omega figuratively means “last.” God is both the beginning and the end of all things. God’s glory is the goal of all creation.

The title Alpha and Omega refers to the all-comprehensiveness of Christ (Revelation 1:8,11; 21:6; 22:13). He is all-inclusive in His sphere of authority and status. Only John uses this name for God (1:8; 21:6). He also applies this term to Jesus (22:13; cf. 1:17; 2:8). Jesus calls Himself “Alpha and Omega” four times in the Book of Revelation.

the Beginning and the End, says the Lord,

The use of Alpha and Omega with the “first and last” defines its meaning. God is the beginning and the end of all things. “First and last” occurs in Isaiah 41:4; and 44:6.

This statement is similar to “Alpha and Omega.” Jesus is the start and finish (1:17; 21:6).

“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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

Jesus originates and consummates our faith.

Principle:

Jesus Christ is the goal of all creation.

Application:

The purpose of creation is that we recognize God’s glory in the world. That is the purpose of our individual lives. We should make God known to the world for what He is. His glory is majestic; we should make it majestic to those we know.

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