Introduction
In Revelation 1:8, we find the expression “who is, and who was, and who is to come“. But who truly 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 five titles: the “Alpha and Omega“, the “beginning and the end“, the “Lord“, “which is, and which was, and which is to come“, and 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. They identify this title as belonging to Jesus because of the expression “and what is to come“, since, as we know, Jesus will one day “come” again to this earth. The previous verse also speaks about Jesus, which leads these individuals to this conclusion. But was it really Jesus who spoke the words of verse 8?
It is important to note that the person in verse 8 identifies Himself as the “Almighty“. The Bible only attributes this title to the Father of Jesus. However, some people disregard this fact and argue that this verse proves Jesus is Almighty God. These individuals also point to other passages in the Bible that apply the other titles to Jesus, which, for them, proves that it is He who speaks in this verse. Indeed, the Bible applies these titles to Christ-He is called the “Alpha and Omega“, the “beginning and end“, and “Lord“-but this does not necessarily mean that He is the one speaking in this verse. The Son shares many titles with the Father, although some titles are exclusive to the Father. We must be careful not to be confused by this.
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“, the “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 this title is given to someone other than Jesus, making it clear that the speaker in verse 8 is not Jesus but Almighty God.
Another point that clarifies this theme, 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, 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 once again it is applied to Almighty God. As we read in chapter 5, Jesus enters the scene and goes into the presence of Almighty God. It is not Christ who receives the title “which was, and which is, and which is to come“, but the Father! Furthermore, the words “and what is to come” should not lead us to conclude that the text refers to Jesus. This is because even the Father will come together with Jesus on that great day! He will come alongside 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, however, is spoken by the Father. Many people end up reading the text in isolation and reach the wrong conclusion about the titles presented there. It is important to always consider the context to avoid drawing incorrect conclusions.
May God bless us!
