“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.”
— Revelation 22:13
Introduction
Few declarations in Scripture are as sweeping, authoritative, and final as Christ’s words in Revelation 22:13. In one sentence, Jesus Christ reveals His eternal nature, His divine authority, and His absolute rule over time, history, creation, redemption, and judgment. This statement is not poetic symbolism alone; it is a theological proclamation that defines who Christ is and why every soul must reckon with Him.
Alpha and Omega: The Language of Eternity
Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. By using these terms, Christ declares that He encompasses all reality from its origin to its conclusion. Nothing precedes Him, and nothing follows Him.
This is reinforced by the parallel phrases:
- “The beginning and the end”
- “The first and the last”
Each phrase repeats the same truth with increasing clarity: Christ is not merely present at the start and end of history—He defines them.
Scripture confirms this truth:
- “In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was God” (John 1:1)
- “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3)
Christ stands outside of time while actively governing within it.
A Divine Title Belonging to God Alone
In the Old Testament, the title “the first and the last” belongs exclusively to the LORD (YHWH):
- “Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel… I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God” (Isaiah 44:6)
When Jesus applies this same title to Himself, He is unmistakably identifying Himself as God. Revelation leaves no room for confusion. The One speaking in Revelation 22:13 is the same One who says:
- “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things” (Revelation 22:16)
The Alpha and Omega is not a created being, not an angel, and not a lesser deity. He is the eternal God manifested in the flesh.
Christ as the Beginning of Creation
Jesus Christ is the source of all that exists:
- “By him were all things created… whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers” (Colossians 1:16)
Creation began by His word, through His power, and for His purpose. He is not part of creation; creation is subject to Him. Every law of nature, every kingdom of man, and every moment of time rests under His authority.
This truth confronts modern rebellion against God. To deny Christ as Creator is to deny the foundation of reality itself.
Christ as the End of All Things
Just as Christ stands at the beginning, He also stands at the end. History is not random or cyclical; it is moving toward a divine conclusion determined by Christ Himself.
Scripture declares:
- “He hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained” (Acts 17:31)
- “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God” (1 Corinthians 15:24)
Revelation presents Christ as the final Judge, the King of kings, and the One before whom every knee will bow. The Alpha and Omega will close the age of rebellion and establish everlasting righteousness.
The First and the Last in Redemption
Christ is also the beginning and end of salvation:
- He is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8)
- He is the One who declares, “It is finished” (John 19:30)
Salvation begins with Him and ends with Him. No one comes to God apart from Christ, and no one enters eternity without facing Him. He is both Savior and Judge.
This truth divides humanity. Those who trust Him rejoice in His eternal reign. Those who reject Him face the reality of His final authority.
Prophetic Significance in the Last Days
Revelation 22:13 appears near the close of Scripture, just before Christ’s final invitation and final warning. This placement is intentional. As history reaches its end, Christ reminds the world that He alone defines reality.
In an age of deception, shifting truth, and moral confusion, Christ declares that He remains unchanged:
- “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8)
The Alpha and Omega will have the final word. No government, no ideology, and no false religion will outlast Him.
Conclusion
Revelation 22:13 is not merely a statement of identity—it is a call to submission, faith, and readiness. Jesus Christ is eternal God, sovereign Creator, righteous Judge, and faithful Redeemer. He stands at the beginning of all things and will stand at their end.
To know Christ as Alpha and Omega is to anchor one’s life in eternal truth. To reject Him is to stand against the One who defines eternity itself. History will end exactly as He has declared—under His authority, for His glory, and according to His word.