Alpha, Omega, and Everything in Between

The Revelation of Jesus Christ was written in the first century by the apostle John during a time when Christians were on the brink of facing tremendous persecution. By the time John received this Revelation, some believers had already endured horrific deaths. John, too, had endured severe persecution and torture before being exiled to the island of Patmos, a Roman penal colony near Asia Minor. John’s “crime” was simply practicing Christianity.

While in Patmos, John was filled with the Holy Spirit and received prophetic visions from Christ, who instructed him to record these revelations on a scroll and send them to seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). These visions would later form the Book of Revelation.

At the end of the first century, under the Roman Emperor Domitian, a far more systematic and brutal persecution began. Christians were demanded to worship Caesar as their lord, but they refused, remaining steadfast in their faith.

How did these early Christians face such trials? And how, remarkably, did their numbers grow so much amidst such adversity?

The revelation given to John empowered these believers to endure unimaginable suffering. What was written in the Book of Revelation gave them the strength to face their persecution with courage, hope, and even joy. Written around AD 95–96, Revelation was critical for those facing the intensity of early Christian persecution. Today, while many Christians experience less physical persecution, the spiritual battle against deception, division, and distraction remains. The forces of good and evil continue to clash, seeking for the hearts and minds of people. Both sides desire to have us.

Yet, the Book of Revelation assures us that Jesus stands victorious over all trials. He invites us to trust Him, reminding us of His presence and offering the hope of an eternal future where all things will be made new.

From Alpha to Omega

The Book of Revelation opens with a profound declaration: Jesus Christ is the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end. But what does this mean? These terms, drawn from the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, signify that Jesus encompasses all of creation. He is both the source and the culmination of all existence. To see Jesus as the Alpha and Omega is to find in Him the strength to face anything.

The Alpha: Jesus as the Beginning

When Jesus declares Himself as the Alpha, He reveals that He is the uncreated Creator, the source and origin of all things. The Book of Revelation illustrates His preeminence—He exists before all, sustains all, and is the very foundation of life itself. Embracing this truth reshapes our perspective. We are not accidents or random products of chance; we are intentionally crafted by a Creator, filled with purpose and immeasurable worth.

But what does it mean for Jesus to be our Alpha?

It means we have a good Creator who defines us and gives us a solid foundation. We are not mere chemical accidents. This truth lifts two heavy burdens from us: the need to find strength solely within ourselves and the pressure to invent our own moral truths. These burdens, often mistaken for freedom, can actually lead to enslavement. When we believe we are products of chance, we reserve the right to create our own rules, rely entirely on ourselves during trials, and define our own morality. While this perspective may seem liberating, it carries a hidden cost: it removes the ability to objectively challenge other truths, moralities, or boundaries. In such a framework, everything becomes subjective, and anything goes.

Without a Creator, there is no definitive truth. If randomness is the foundation of our lives, our moral compass becomes unstable—shaped by fleeting emotions, cultural trends, or personal desires. Jesus as the Alpha offers us something greater: a firm foundation, a clear moral anchor, and the freedom to live with true purpose and clarity.

The Omega: Jesus as the End

As the Omega, Jesus is not merely the conclusion of history but its ultimate fulfillment. As the Creator of all things, it follows that all of creation is moving toward Him. The Book of Revelation reveals that history is heading toward a defining moment when everything will be restored under His sovereign rule. It’s a profound and deeply moving truth, almost too immense to fully comprehend.

When we seek God, it’s natural to begin with our own needs and desires, focusing on what we want in the moment. But this approach falls short. Unless we start by seeking to know Him and giving Him glory, we cannot truly understand God—or ourselves. It is only through His eyes that we come to recognize our worth and the depth of His love for us. Created in His holy image, we can only begin to understand who we are by learning more about who He is.

Dr. Timothy Keller insightfully explains that we approach God in one of two ways: either as a means to fulfill our personal ambitions or as the ultimate goal, with everything else serving as the means to that end. These two approaches lead to entirely different experiences. The way we perceive God shapes the “omega points” of our lives—the non-negotiables we believe are essential for our lives to have meaning and purpose. Where we place these ultimate priorities determines how we experience God and the life He offers.

The Middle: Jesus in Our Everyday Lives

Jesus is not only the Alpha and Omega but also the Lord of everything in between. Every moment of our lives carries eternal significance, as it is anchored in His eternal nature. When we center our lives on Him, even our struggles become part of a larger, redemptive story.

Living in Light of Eternity

When John, overcome by the vision of Jesus, fell as though dead, Jesus placed His hand on him and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever!” (Revelation 1:17-18).

As the Alpha and Omega, Jesus is the Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer of all things. Making Him both our beginning and ultimate goal leads to true freedom. He is not merely a means to fulfill our desires—He is the journey itself.

In the face of life’s uncertainties and challenges, the Book of Revelation calls us to fix our eyes on Jesus—the One who was, who is, and who is to come. He invites us to trust Him, to behold His glory, and to discover our ultimate purpose in Him.

Will you place your trust in Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, and let Him transform your life?