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 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 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 the title properly bestowed upon him by God. In Isaiah, Jehovah was making a statement about is unique position as the true God. He is God eternal, and besides him there is no other God. (1Timothy 1:17) In Revelation, Jesus is talking about his bestowed title, calling attention to his unique resurrection.
Next time: Chapter Six/Unlocking a Sacred Secret - "The First and the Last" - Conclusion
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