“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.”
- 6-4 BC – 30 or 33 AD
- From Judea (present-day Israel/Palestine)
- Religious leader and evangelist
- Founder of Christianity, who had a major impact on religions and cultures around the world
Quote
“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.”
Explanation
This quote from Jesus emphasizes His imminent return and the final judgment where every person will be rewarded according to their actions. The phrase “I come quickly” suggests the certainty and urgency of His return, urging believers to live in readiness for His second coming. The promise that “my reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be” indicates that Jesus will judge each individual based on their deeds, reflecting the idea that actions and faithfulness to God matter in the end. This statement highlights the importance of living righteously and in accordance with God’s will, as our works will have eternal consequences.
The titles “Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last” refer to Jesus’ divine nature, signifying that He is eternal—existing before all things and remaining after all things. By using these titles, Jesus asserts His authority as the eternal, all-encompassing Creator and the final judge of all creation. This declaration reinforces His sovereignty and the certainty of His ultimate plan for the world.
Historically, this quote is found in the Book of Revelation, where Jesus speaks to the Apostle John, offering both assurance and a call to action. The early Christian community, facing persecution and uncertainty, is reminded of the hope in Jesus’ return, where justice will be served, and all wrongs will be righted. The statement also serves as a reminder of the eternal nature of Christ, encouraging believers to maintain their faith and perseverance.
In modern contexts, this quote serves as both a comfort and a challenge. It reassures believers that, despite present struggles or injustices, a time is coming when Jesus will return to bring justice and reward those who have lived faithfully. For example, someone facing hardship or opposition for their faith can take hope in knowing that their perseverance will be rewarded by Christ. Additionally, it calls individuals to examine their lives and consider the eternal impact of their actions, urging them to live with purpose and integrity, knowing that their works will be judged by the One who is eternal and just.
