I am late posting the Column today because of technical difficulties here at the motel in North Carolina.

Our Text …

“7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. 8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”

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Here at the end of verse 8 Jesus calls Himself “Almighty” … in Greek that’s spelled pan (pas) + kratos. It means “all power!” Back in John’s Day the Roman emperors spoke of themselves with the word auto + kratos (“an absolute ruler”). John may be attributing to Jesus this exalted Title that is rightfully our Lord’s in spite of the prevailing “politically correct” attitude!

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Dr. John Morris says there are several (more) great “I AM” Statements of Jesus in Revelation!

Here in verse 8 is the first!

Alpha and Omega … repeated after 1:8 here … 1:11 (nearly again in 1:17), 21:6, and 22:13!

Revelation 1:18 … I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen.

Revelation 2:23 … And all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

Revelation 22:16 … I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

Wow!

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I was surprised (and amazed) to learn this.

The word “GRACE” is only found 2 times in the whole Book of Revelation, at least in King James Version!

Revelation 1:4 … John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you …

Revelation 22:21 … The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Bookends, inclusio!

The Book of Judgment both begins and ends with Grace!

Hallelujah!

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That’s about all I forgot to say!

But you can watch …

Dr. Mike Bagwell

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