"I Am The Alpha And The Omega"

by S.K. Seath | Category: General | Apr 1969

This expression is found three times in Scripture. Each occurrence is in the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ (1.8: 21.6: 22.13). Whether the Speaker is the same in each instance is a point on which there may be varying opinions. But this is of small importance. Since the words could only apply to Deity they must be equally true of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I like to relate them to God the Son. He, alone, became flesh and because of this His deity has been challenged. Since God would have all men honour the Son even as they honour the Father we fulfil His purpose by including' the Son with those to whom these titles relate.

Alpha stands at the head of the Greek alphabet, so the Son is Head of all things. He is the first; before the worlds were created He existed in the form of God. Through Him God made the worlds or ages (Hebrews 1.2). He is the first in rank, "Declared to be the Son of God" (Romans 1.4), which implies and was understood to mean equality with God (John 5.18: 10.33). God acknowledged Him as the Alpha that in all things He might have the preeminence (Colossians 1.18). God acknowledged Him as God, "Thy throne, 0 God, is for ever and ever", (Hebrews 1.8).

"I am the Alpha" is true of the Son of God in all things. Demons, angels, elements, animals and vegetation acknowledge Him as the supreme Authority, and obey His word. Mankind alone is in rebellion, a rebellion which has brought chaos and ruin to the rebels. Yet men say, "If there is a God, why ...?" The psalmist by the Spirit of God reverses the question, "What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that Thou visitest him?" (Psalm 8.4). And Paul answers, " ... but God, being rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, quickened us together with Christ" (Ephesians 2.4,5). "For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved by His life" (Romans 5.10). "I am the Alpha and the Omega ... the first and the last ... and I was (became, R.V.M.) dead" (Revelation 1.8,17,18). Why? To reconcile His enemies and to obtain the keys of death and hell. He alone can release from death, both physical and spiritual.

Once I was dead, "alienated from the life of God" (Ephesians 4.18), but He has released me from that death giving me His own life that He may live through me. What does He ask in return? That I acknowledge Him as the Alpha and the Omega in my life, no, not my life but His. Perfect submission!

S.K. Seath | Apr 1969
General