THREE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

by esther phinias | 23 July 2019 08:46 pm07

In various places in Scripture, the Lord introduces Himself as the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, and the First and the Last. These are not mere titles — they reveal God’s eternal nature, sovereignty, and unchanging purpose.

Revelation 22:12-13 (ESV)

Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.

Let’s explore these three attributes that describe the nature and majesty of our God.

1️⃣ ALPHA AND OMEGA

“Alpha and Omega” refers to the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. It’s like saying “A to Z.” This title points to God as the complete and final Word. In John 1:1-3 (ESV) we read:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Christ is the full revelation of God. As Alpha and Omega, He is both the author and the finisher of all creation and redemption (see Hebrews 12:2 ESV: “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…”).

When Jesus identifies Himself as Alpha and Omega, He is declaring that He is sovereign over all knowledge, all truth, and all revelation. No truth exists apart from Him; no word of man or angel can stand above His Word. His Word is final (see Isaiah 55:11 ESV: “so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose…”).

God revealed Himself using the Greek alphabet because, at the time, Greek was the common language of the known world — the very language of the New Testament Scriptures. This emphasizes that God speaks in ways we can understand, yet His truth transcends every culture and language.

2️⃣ THE BEGINNING AND THE END

By calling Himself the Beginning and the End, God reveals His relationship to time and eternity. He is the source of all things and the goal toward which all creation moves.

Unlike created things that have a starting point and a finishing point, God Himself is eternal. As Psalm 90:2 (ESV) declares:

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

When we try to define the “beginning” or the “end” — like trying to locate where the east or west starts — we find ourselves lost, because those concepts stretch infinitely. In the same way, God is beyond our ability to measure. Wherever we might think we’ve reached the limit of knowing Him, we have only just begun (see Romans 11:33 ESV: “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!”).

Moreover, God’s plan is certain. History is not random or out of control. As Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV) says:

I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’

3️⃣ THE FIRST AND THE LAST

When God says He is the First and the Last, He is revealing His supremacy over creation. He existed before anything was made, and He will remain when all things come to their appointed end.

Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV) speaks of Christ in this way:

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

God, as the First and the Last, reminds us that everything begins with Him and everything must return to Him. Human life, the rise and fall of nations, the entire universe — all exist under His authority and for His glory.

Because God is the First and the Last, He knows every detail of your life. Nothing escapes His sight. Matthew 10:30 (ESV) assures us:

But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.

The One who knows you this intimately has not forgotten you. The promises of the Alpha and Omega stand firm. If He has said it, He will do it. His Word will never fail (see Numbers 23:19 ESV: “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?”)

A CALL TO RESPOND

This God — the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last — invites you to come to Him. His invitation is still open today.

Revelation 22:17 (ESV) says:

The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

Have you responded to that call? If not, what are you waiting for? Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2 ESV: “Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”).

There will be no second chances after death. No one will out-argue God on Judgment Day (see Romans 14:11-12 ESV: “for it is written, ‘As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.’ So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.”).

Final Word

The God who is Alpha and Omega is calling you now. Trust in His Word. His promises are sure, His mercy is great, and His plan is perfect.

May the Lord bless you and draw you nearer to Himself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2019/07/23/three-attributes-of-god/

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