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arises in blasphemy. To be a kingdom or priests is Israel's destiny. To none other is such
a promise made. To fulfil that promise the Lord Jesus as the King Priest returns, and
Rev. 1: 7 records that coming.
Rev. 1: is as much future as Rev. 19: The traditional interpretation that makes the
first three chapters past and present, and the future section to start from Chapter 4: is
wrong.
The Apostle concludes this solemn verse with a double confirmation, "Yea, Amen."
He uses the same expressions in 22: 20:--
"Yes, I am coming speedily. Amen! Come Thou, O Lord Jesus."
This is the revelation of the Lord Jesus. Till this takes place earth will be a wilderness
to faith, and a fruitful soil for sin. Till this takes place the God of this age will rule as the
prince of the authority of the air. While the hope of the One Body is not expressed in any
of the passages referred to, yet they, in sympathy with a groaning creation, a
down-trodden and blinded Israel, and a doomed Gentile world, can also add heartily and
prayerfully, "Yea, Amen. Even so, Come, Lord Jesus."
#12.
Rev. 1: 8, 9.
pp. 161 - 165
"I am the Alpha and the Omega, saith the Lord God, Who is,
and Who was, and Who is coming, the Almighty" (R.V. and Numeric N.T.).
If the reader will refer to the structure given on page 107 Volume IV & V, he will see
that the title Alpha and Omega is balanced by the title taken by Christ, "I am the first and
the last." Further, the words, "Who is, and Who was, and Who is coming" are echoed in
the title "I am He that liveth, and was dead; and behold I am alive for evermore." The
title, "Almighty" finds its answer in the claim, "I have the keys of hades and of death."
This perfect unity and reflection of purpose and attribute has already been before us in
verses 4 and 5.
The title Alpha and Omega in Rev. 1: 8 is not specifically given to Christ, although
the fact that it immediately follows verse 7 would lead one to think it refers to Him as the
coming One. Rev. 22: 12-16, however, leaves us in no doubt, and as this chapter
structurally corresponds with chapter 1:, it would seem to settle the matter for us.
"And behold, I come quickly . . . . . I am Alpha and Omega . . . . . I Jesus have sent
Mine Angel."
The expression Alpha and Omega is explained by the words, "beginning and ending,
first and last," and we shall have opportunity of considering this title when we come to
verse 17. The title that is new to use is the last one, "The Almighty." The title occurs ten