Introduction
In Revelation 1:8, we find the expression “which is, and which was, and which is to come“. But who really identifies with this title? Many believe that this passage refers to Jesus, while others understand that it points to Almighty God. To clarify this question, we need to analyze the context of the chapter and compare it with other biblical passages. In this article, we will explore the meanings of this title, observe who receives it at different points in Revelation, and understand how this fits into divine revelation.
He “who is, and who was, and who is to come“
In Revelation chapter 1, verse 8, we find an expression that someone identifies with. The text says the following:
Revelation 1:7-8 – “Behold , he cometh with the 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. 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.“
In this verse, this person identifies with 5 titles, which are: the “Alpha and Omega“, the “beginning and the end“, the “Sir“, That one “which is, and which was, and which is to come“, the “Almighty“.
Could it be Jesus?
Regarding the title “which is, and which was, and which is to come“, some people understand that it is Jesus who is speaking in this verse. Some people identify this title as being of Jesus because of the expression “and what is to come“, because, as we know, Jesus one day “will come” again to this earth. The previous verse is also talking about Jesus, which causes such people to come to this conclusion. But was it really Jesus who spoke the words of verse 8?
Understand that such a person identifies himself as being the “Almighty“. The Bible only attributes this title to the Father of Jesus. However, some people disregard this fact and argue that this verse is proof that Jesus is Almighty God. These people also argue that other passages of the Bible apply the other titles to Jesus, which, for them, proves that it is He who speaks in the verse. In fact, the Bible applies these titles to Christ. He is given the titles of “Alpha and Omega“, “beginning and end” and “Sir“, but this does not mean that He is the one speaking in this verse, for the Son shares many titles with the Father, although some are exclusive to the Father. Regarding this, we cannot be confused.
To correctly interpret this expression, we need to carefully read the verses of Revelation 1:4-5, which John recorded just a few verses before the passage in question.
Revelation 1:4-5 – “John to the seven churches in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood.“
The Seven Spirits and Jesus Christ
As we see above, three different entities granted the grace: the one “which is, and which was, and which is to come“, you “seven spirits” and “Jesus Christ“. It is evident that the expression “which is, and which was, and which is to come” refers to someone other than Jesus Christ. The context itself reveals that someone receives this title, and that person is not Jesus, but someone other than Him. This makes it clear that the speaker in verse 8 is not Jesus, but Almighty God.
Another point that makes this theme very clear, in addition to the context presented, is the study of chapters 4 and 5 of Revelation. In these chapters, we find the Father of Jesus, Almighty God, seated on the throne, and on it, receiving worship from the heavenly beings. In Revelation 4:8, we find the four living creatures proclaiming the following words to the Father:
Revelation 4:8 – “And the four beasts had each of them six wings, and were full of eyes round about and within: and they rest not day nor night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.“
The same expression is found in this passage, and here again it is applied to Almighty God. As we read in chapter 5, Jesus appears on the scene and goes into the presence of Almighty God. It is not Christ who receives this title “that was, and that is, and that is to come“, but the Father! And here is another observation about the words “and what is to come“. Such words cannot justify us in concluding that the text refers to Jesus, because even the Father will come together with Jesus on that great day! He will come together with Jesus and all the other angels (see Revelation 6 and Matthew 27).
Conclusion: Revelation 1:8
Therefore, we conclude that verse 7 is speaking about Jesus. Verse 8 is spoken by the Father, but many end up reading the text in isolation and come to the wrong conclusion about the titles presented there. It is important to always consider the context so as not to reach the wrong conclusions.
May God bless us!
