Unlocking a Sacred Secret =- "The First and the Last"

"The First and the Last"

Nevertheless, our awe need not give way to morbid fear.  Jesus reassured John, as the apostle next relates: "And he laid his right hand upon me and said:  'Do not be fearful.  I am the First and the Last, and the living one.' " (Revelation 1:17b, 18a)   In Isaiah 44:6, Jehovah rightly describes his own position as the one and only almighty God, saying: "I am the first and I am the last, and besides me there is no God."  When Jesus presents himself by the title "the first and the last," he is not claiming equality with Jehovah, the Grand Creator.  He is using a title properly bestowed on him by God.  In Isaiah, Jehovah was making a statement about His unique position as the true God.  He is God eternal and besides him there is indeed no God.  (1 Timothy 1:17)  In Revelation, Jesus is talking about his bestowed title, calling attention to his unique resurrection.

Jesus was indeed "the First" human to be resurrected to immortal spirit life.  (Colossians 1:18)  Moreover, he is  "the  Last" to be so resurrected by Jehovah personally.  Thus, he becomes "the living one . . .living forever and ever."  He enjoys immortality.  In this, he is like his immortal Father, who is called "the living God."  (Revelation 7:2; Psalm  4:22) For all others of humanity, Jesus himself is "the resurrection and the life."  (John 11:25) In harmony with this, he says to John: "I became dead, but, look! i am living forever and ever, and I have the keys of death and of Hades."  (Revelation 1:18b)  Jehovah has given him the authority to resurrect the dead.  That is why Jesus  can say that he has the keys to unlock the gates for those bound by death and Hades. (gravedom) -Compare Matthew 16:18.

Jesus here repeats his command to record the vision telling John:  "Write down the things you saw, and the things that are and the things that will take place after these3."  (Revelation 1:19)  What exciting things will John yet make known for our instruction? 

Next time: Unlocking a Sacred Secret - The Stars and he Lampstands

From the Book of Revelation