Alpha and Omega, First and Last, Beginning and End

God: Thus says the LORD, the King and redeemer of Israel, the LORD of Hosts: I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God but Me. Who is like Me? Let him say so!  (Isa. 44:6)

Jesus: Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe, with a golden sash round His chest. The hair of His head was like the sun shining at its brightest. When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, the living One. l was dead, and behold, now I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and Hades."  (Rev. 1:12-18)

God: I am He; I am the first, and I am the last. Surely My own hand founded the earth, and My right hand spread out the heavens; when I summon them, they stand up together. Come, all of you and listen: Which of the idols has foretold these things? The LORD'S chosen ally will carry out His desire against Babylon  (Isa. 48:12-14)

Jesus: These are the words of the First and the Last, who died and returned to life. (Rev. 2:8) 

God: One seated on the throne said, "I am the Alpha and the Omega says the Lord God, who is and was and is to come, the Almighty." (Rev. 1:8)

Jesus: "Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."  "I Jesus, have sent My angel to give you this testimony for the churches. Yes, I am coming soon." Come, Lord Jesus!  Amen.  (Rev. 22:12-13,16,20)

God: the One seated on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new." Then He said, "Write this down, for these words are faithful and true." And He told me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give freely from the spring of the water of life. The one who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son."  (Rev. 21:5-7)

Alpha and Omega, First and Last, Beginning and End all have basically the same definitions. As the following passages will show, God and Jesus both claim these identities. These titles stand as powerful testimony that Jesus and God are one—eternal, and worthy of all worship forever.

These titles reveal the eternal nature and absolute sovereignty of God. God stands outside of time, having no beginning and no end. In the Old Testament, these divine titles belong to God alone. Yet in the New Testament Jesus openly claims these same titles for Himself. What is said of God in Isaiah is said of Jesus in Revelation.