Three times in the Revelation we find the metaphorical title Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:8; 21:6; 22:13). A notable fact is that a title, which is the title of God, is given without hesitation to Jesus Christ. According to John, the prerogatives of God are the prerogatives of Jesus.

The title, Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, is given to God in the Old Testament, Isaiah hears God say, "I, the Lord, the first and with the last, I am he." "I am the first and I am the last" (Isa. 41:4; 44:6; 48:12). This should help us to see that Jesus Christ is referred to in the same manner as God.

Another notable fact concerning this title Alpha and Omega, is that Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and Omega is the last. The phrase, "from Alpha to Omega," denoted completeness and comprehensiveness. So, this is a pictorial way of saying that there is nothing lacking in Jesus. He is total and complete. He has all power, all wisdom, all knowledge, all holiness, and all goodness. This phrase is also a symbol of perfect continuity. Here we can gain at least one great truth about Jesus Christ. Jesus' life, his action, and His power are continuous. Here is the symbol of the eternity of the Son. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

These words of Jesus, as recorded by John, signify both the priority and superiority of the Redeemer. Christ is the first and the last respecting the universe of God, and that includes the entire creation. He created all things by the word of His power - "without Him was not anything made" (Col. 1:16). He is the first and last in regard to the scheme of redemption. Even the angels were mere spectators. The ray of hope for the simmer can be found lowing only from the Sun of Righteousness. In this there are no co-sharers. Christ is the Alpha and Omega. His will must be obeyed. Our Lord is the First and the Last regarding His kingdom, the church. His body, purchased by His blood, His sacred army. Jesus is the Beginning and End concerning the Christian's spiritual life. Christ is the Alpha in our calling, justification, conversion, holiness, joy, comfort and hope. He is the Omega regarding our faith, obedience, love, devotedness, and praise. He is the "author and finisher of our faith" (Heb. 12:2). Last of all, Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega regarding the beauty and the glory of heaven. He gives admission into the holy city. He gives the crown. It is from Jesus that we have received life, and it is to Jesus that we must give life back. From Him we come, to Him we must go.

There can be no higher metaphor or title of Jesus than Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, for the title is the title of God himself. This is the language of adoration. May we with John, and like Thomas when confronted with Jesus, say, "My Lord, and my God!" (John 20:28).

Truth Magazine XXIII: 31, p. 505
August 9, 1979