The Alpha and Omega

Preaching Outline: "The Alpha and Omega: Christ's Eternal Authority in a Conflicted World" Text: Revelation 1:1–8

Introduction: Setting the Stage

Every two years or so our family vacations at the OBX of N.C. One of the sites I make a point to visit each year is to Hatteras Light House in the small town of Avon on Hatteras Island. Each year I look at it as it stands watchful over The Point of Cape Hatteras since 1803. The spiral black and white color design stands majestic and wise harkening to a different time when ships depended on the light to guide them to safe passages to shore. Light houses across the world mark both the beginning and ending of a journey. It marks the start of safety and the end of the voyage.

What is my message? Because of who Jesus is, He has the power to bring prophecy to completion and fulfill God’s divine promises to the faithful.

Context of Revelation: A message of hope written to persecuted Christians under Roman rule. The vision points to Jesus as the eternal authority over all things, both in the past and the future.

Introduction to the theme: Authority is central both to this text and to the human experience—who holds it, where it comes from, and how it impacts the world.

I. Jesus as the Alpha and Omega: The Eternal and Sovereign Lord

Key Verse: Revelation 1:8

"Alpha and Omega" as a declaration of divinity

What does it mean for Jesus to declare himself the Alpha and Omega?

Alpha (Α) and Omega (Ω) symbolize totality, sovereignty, and completeness. Jesus identifies Himself as eternal, uncreated, and sovereign over time and history.

This declaration echoes John 1:1 (“In the beginning was the Word”) and Colossians 1:15–20 (“All things were created through Him and for Him”).

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Key Verse: Revelation 1:8

"Jesus declares, 'I am the Alpha and Omega.' His eternal sovereignty reminds us that He holds the beginning, the end, and every moment in between. Trust the Author of history. #AlphaAndOmega #SovereignLord"

Ramifications for believers:

What does the authority of Jesus mean for Christians?

Jesus’ authority is not derived from human constructs but from His divine nature. His sovereignty is eternal and unchallenged by time or history.

Assurance: Jesus’ authority means His promises are trustworthy and eternal.

Who is Jesus?

How do we know Jesus is who he says he is?

Eye witness accounts of Matthew and John. Experience of the disciples who walked away from their historical faith to not only recognize Jesus as a great rabbi but but to worship him as God incarnate and were willing to die for this belief. Ancient writings outside of Christianity detail how the followers of Jesus were making a big splash in history.

John declares without confusion who Jesus is. Jesus’ identity as God is not a later invention but foundational to the early Church. John emphasizes this truth in Revelation and his Gospel (“I and the Father are one,” John 10:30).

Atheists often argue that Jesus never directly claimed divinity, but Revelation 1:8 is a profound theological statement affirming His divine nature and eternal authority.

Illustration: Imagine an author who not only writes the beginning and end of the story but also sustains every moment in between. Jesus, as the Alpha and Omega, holds the entire narrative of history in His hands. Example The Truman Show with Jim Carey

When we understand who Jesus is and cannot live in denial then we become the crucified and live under the lordship of Jesus Christ.

II. The Historical Conflict of Authority: Christ vs. Caesar

Key Verse: Revelation 1:5–6

What is authority?

How does belief and acknowledgement in Christ’s authority create conflict with the historical authorities over the church?

In modern contexts, authority originates from law, ethics, or societal principles, granting individuals power to enforce rules.

The Latin root of "authority" is auctor, meaning “one who creates, promotes, or causes growth.” In ancient times, authority was often seen as divinely granted.

Conflict in the Roman World:

Roman emperors claimed divine status, using the title “Alpha and Omega” as a euphemism for their supreme authority. Their authority was rooted in political and religious propaganda.

Jesus’ declaration as the Alpha and Omega directly challenged this. While Rome could not claim eternal origins or transcendence, Jesus did.

Jesus’ contrasting authority:

Jesus is “the faithful witness,” “the firstborn from the dead,” and “ruler of the kings of the earth” (v. 5).

His authority is eternal, life-giving, and rooted in divine origin, unlike the fleeting power of earthly rulers.

Ramifications for the Church in History:

The early Church, living under the Roman Imperial cult, faced persecution for refusing to acknowledge Caesar’s divine authority. Their allegiance to Jesus as the true Alpha and Omega led to acts of courage and martyrdom.

Example: Early martyrs like Polycarp, who refused to call Caesar “lord” and declared, “Jesus is Lord,” even unto death.

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Key Verse: Revelation 1:5–6

"Early Christians defied Caesar, proclaiming, 'Jesus is Lord.' His eternal authority outlasts all earthly powers. Will you pledge allegiance to the King of kings? #ChristOverCaesar #UnshakableAuthority"

We are a people of hope.

III. The Modern Conflict of Authority: Competing Kingdoms

Key Verse: Revelation 1:7

What are the levels of authority in our world?

Authority exists in various strata: personal, institutional, and governmental. For example, the President holds the highest authority in the United States, derived from law and societal principles.

However, modern authority is often tied to human constructs like ethics, influence, and the rule of law, rather than divine providence.

The clash of modern idols:

Secularism: Elevating human reason as the ultimate authority.

In our world today we are bombarded with human wisdom that sounds more and more like chaos in the hopes that Christians abandon biblical moorings as the masses bring pressure to give in to the popular fads. You want to get the secular world stirred up begin teaching and preaching the name of Christ and him crucified. Acts 5:28 “saying, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.””

Materialism: Worship of wealth and possessions.

We are enticed with greed, hoarding, and gluttony. Put your trust the bank accounts and positions you can achieve and gain as much as possible so that you may trust in what you bring to the table. You are the only one you can count on.

Jesus said it best you cannot serve God and wealth. You cannot serve two masters. Matthew 6:24

Nationalism: Placing ultimate loyalty in the state rather than in Christ. Christians have become as polarized as politics in the light that many progressive and conservative Christians have traded true orthodox Christian teaching for nationalism and we work to justify any way we can. Whether “God loves all people or God loves those who love the law”. Pharisees and Zealots and neither group was viewed with favor by Jesus. Jesus preached to those who held to the letter of the law with no concern for the well-being of those at risk Hosea 6:6 “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”

Jesus’ enduring authority today:

Which kingdom we choose to live for matters. Why? Because Jesus is coming back.

Revelation 1:7 declares that “he is coming with the clouds” and that “every eye will see him.” This reminds us that Christ’s authority will ultimately be revealed and acknowledged universally.

The Church is called to live in light of this reality, proclaiming Jesus as Lord in a world filled with competing claims of authority.

Practical Applications for Believers:

Recognize and resist modern “Caesars” (e.g., cultural ideologies that contradict biblical truth).

Live as faithful witnesses, trusting in Jesus’ eternal authority over temporal powers.

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Key Verse: Revelation 1:7

"In a world chasing power, wealth, and influence, Jesus’ authority remains unchallenged. Resist modern 'Caesars' and declare, 'Jesus is Lord!' #KingdomAuthority #FaithfulWitness"

We are a people of endurance.

IV. The Hope of the Alpha and Omega

Key Verse: Revelation 1:7–8

Jesus’ return ensures justice and restoration:

The Upside Down Kingdom of God will arrive.

Revelation 1:7 promises that Jesus will come again, bringing final vindication and fulfillment to His people.

His eternal nature as Alpha and Omega assures that His promises will never fail.

Ramifications for the Church’s Mission:

The Church must live with an eternal perspective, trusting that Jesus’ authority encompasses all of time and history.

Our mission is to call others to recognize Jesus’ authority before His ultimate return.

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Key Verse: Revelation 1:7–8

"Jesus is coming again. His eternal promises will bring justice, restoration, and hope. Live boldly for the Alpha and Omega who never fails! #HopeInChrist #EternalKing"

We are a victorious people.

Conclusion: A Call to Trust and Obedience

Reiterate: Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the ultimate authority who transcends history and brings God’s promises to completion. Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the ultimate authority who transcends history. Who is our guiding light in both the beginning and the end of life’s journey. He ensures we will reach the safe harbor of His eternal Kingdom.

Challenge: Where is your trust? Is it in the fleeting powers of this world or in the eternal authority of Christ?

Encourage hope and perseverance: Jesus’ victory is assured, and His authority is unshakable.

Closing Illustration: Imagine a parade where you can only see what’s directly in front of you, but the Alpha and Omega sees the entire parade from beginning to end. Trust in Him to lead you, knowing He holds both the start and the finish.

Final Prayer: A prayer of submission to Christ’s authority and commitment to live boldly as His witnesses.