Revelation 1:8, 1:11, 21:6, 22:13 – Alpha and Omega
Alpha and Omega
Who is Alpha and Omega in Revelation 1:8, 1:11, 21:6, 22:13
This is a figure of speech. Its meaning is debated because the identity of God is not always clear.
Revelation 1:8
Rev 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Alpha and Omega, in this passage, are clearly in reference to God, the Almighty.
Note: There are three things to consider in (Revelation 1:8): (See also: Revelation 1:8 – Alpha & Omega…The Almighty )
1. The name Jesus is not mentioned, It does not say “saith the Lord Jesus.”
2. The word “Lord” in the New Testament can apply to a man or God – (Ref. Are There Two Lords? Prove It! (Jude 1:4) ); and
3. We have established that all passages containing “which is, and which was, and which is to come,” are all in reference to God, and not Jesus (Ref: Revelation 1:4, 1:8 & 4:8, Which Was, Which Is, Which Is To Come )
Revelation 1:11
Rev 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
Note: This is one of those debated passages, as we are not directly given the identity of who is speaking in this passage, thus it is speculative. It depends on your position as to the true meaning of “Alpha and Omega, the first and the last,” which again is speculative. Since both could potentially hold the same meaning and arguably hold different meanings. It is argued that Jesus and God, at times, can hold the same titles, as explained above with the word “Lord.” (It can be argued that Jesus is the firstborn from the dead, the first and last atonement man will ever need, the Christ, etc… just as God is the first and only God that will ever exist, from the beginning of time to the end, etc.).
In Rev 1:12 we then read John turns to see who the voice came from. This is where the speculation comes into question because in Rev 1:8 we know the Almighty is God but in Rev 1:18 it reads “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore,..” which we know is not applicable to an Almighty God, but God raised Jesus from the dead (Acts 4:10, 13:30, Rom 7:4, 10:9, 1Cor 15:15, Gal 1:1, Col 2:12, 1Peter 1:21).
Furthermore, Rev 1:11 does not conflict if we understand the voice coming from God, it still remains in harmony with all remaining passages. Although it can be argued, often because of the man-made (or added) Red lettering, it has not been proven false or in error.
Note: A biblical analysis works to resolve controversial issues maintaining both “correctness” and overall “harmony” of all the scriptures, not applying scriptures in such a way that they would contradict or potentially conflict with each other, instead of harmonizing with each other.
Similarly, if two writers present testimony that is contradictory, doubt is cast on the integrity of one or both records.
Many have charged that the New Testament contains contradictions. Contrary, is defined by Webster as “a proposition so related to another that, though both may be false, they cannot both be true.” Thus, the statement, “Joe and Bill are in this room” contradicts the statement, “Only Joe is in this room.” It does not, however, contradict the statement, “Joe is in this room.” Omission does not necessarily constitute a contradiction.
Revelation 21:6
The New Heaven and the New Earth
Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away, and there was no more sea.
Rev 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
Rev 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Rev 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
Rev 21:6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
Rev 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
Revelation 22:13
Note:
In accordance with the Codex Alexandrinus and the Codex Vaticanus manuscripts,
the phrase I am the Alpha and Omega is omitted, thus this passage is not at issue.
Several published versions are listed below.
Worldwide English (New Testament) (WE)
13 I am the First and the Last. I am the Beginning and the End.
The Book Of Yahweh (The Holy Scriptures)
13 I am the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
Note: However, even if Alpha and Omega were included, we would still come to the same conclusion. In Rev 22:1, 3 we can see there are two entities (or personages) being mentioned (and only one is called God, the other the Lamb) yet it is clear that the central figure in control is God. Rev 22:3 tells us that “his servants shall serve him” (1Cor 15:27-28) and Rev 22:4 says “we shall see his face (God); and his (God) name shall be in their foreheads (Rev 3:12, 14:1). But the confusion starts from Rev 22:13-14 which is argued as to who is speaking; it is either God or Jesus. This is further complicated because a few passages later we have Jesus clearly indicated as speaking Rev 22:16-17.
However, we must again remember that the advent of modern paragraphs and numbering did not exist then. God’s statements ended in Rev 22:13 and Rev 22:14 reflect promise to those who obeyed God’s commandments
Revelation 22:14 (KJV)
14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
Jesus’ comments (Rev 22:16 ) are separate following that of God. Again this is more factual than not and although it can be argued it has not been proven incorrect. It also best harmonizes with scripture and God’s plan of salvation (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 9:24, Acts 17:30-31).
It is clear that a careful reading of the immediate context and surrounding passages must all be considered. Alpha & Omega are clearly associated with God. We therefore cannot just speculatively declare Jesus to any title that may belong to God (the Almighty, etc.) when it is not in the original writings as such.