By David Faust
What will happen 100 years from now? Those of us who were alive in the 1960s and 70s struggled to imagine what life would be like in the year 2000. How quickly the first quarter of the 21st century already has passed!
The Lord is “the Alpha and the Omega” (Revelation 21:6, 22:13). He knows everything from A to Z. He is the First and the Last, the beginner and the ender of human history, the starting gun and the finish line, the eternal God “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8).
In the past he has kept his covenants through all generations. In the present he guides and comforts us through the Scriptures and the presence of his indwelling Spirit. He is forever faithful. The future is not a mystery to him.
Seen and Unseen
The Alpha and the Omega sees it all, including “things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible” (Colossians 1:16). A vast supernatural reality, unseen by human eyes, exists beyond the reach of natural science, and the book of Revelation unveils important insights about this invisible realm.
We’re engaged in spiritual warfare “against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). We see some of it; God sees the full scope of it. We struggle to grasp “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ” (Ephesians 3:18), but the loving heavenly Father is preparing for us “immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20).
Future Certainties
Biblical prophecy goes far beyond scientific calculation or human guesswork. Micah 5:2 precisely predicted the Messiah’s birthplace in Bethlehem. Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 foretold specific details about Jesus’ crucifixion. In Revelation 19 and 20, the Alpha and the Omega unveils unambiguous truths about what the future holds.
Celebration—“the wedding supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9). At weddings, covenant promises are exchanged. Families and friends come together to celebrate with feasting and joy. Whatever hardships we endure on this side of heaven, there is celebration ahead for God’s faithful followers.
Victory—Christ’s triumphant return (Revelation 19:11-16). The Son of God’s first venture to earth required him to embrace the limitations of humanity, the fragility of infancy, and the vulnerability of the cross. But Revelation 19 pictures him returning on a white horse, accompanied by the armies of heaven, leaving no doubt he is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Judgment—the great white throne (Revelation 20:11-15). How could anyone read this chapter of the Bible and take God lightly? Before the Alpha and the Omega, our lives are open books. John saw “the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened” so all could be “judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books” (v. 12).
Revelation 20:15 solemnly states, “Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.” Thankfully, the Bible doesn’t end with that verse. It ends by saying, “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen” (Revelation 22:21). The Alpha and the Omega, who sees all and knows all, has the last word. And in Christ, it’s a word of grace.
Personal Challenge:
How do the Bible’s promises of Christ’s return, future judgment, and eternal blessings impact your daily life?
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