As we stand at the threshold of a new year, there is no better moment to pause and reflect on the profound purpose of Jesus Christ. Before we journey deeper into God’s Word, we must first anchor ourselves in a clear understanding of who Jesus is, why He came, and why His significance reaches into eternity itself. Without this foundation, our study risks missing the very heart of the Gospel. But with it, we open ourselves to truths that shape not only our present, but our eternal destiny. To guide us, we will turn to the final book of the Bible, Revelation, penned by the Apostle John, where the ultimate meaning and mission of Christ are revealed.
(Revelation 22:12-15)1NIV New International Version Translations – “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”
The entire Bible tells God’s story through historical accounts, teachings, and prophetic visions, but the Epilogue of Revelation marks a distinct transition. It shifts from narrative and prophecy to direct closing statements, instructions, and final invitations from Jesus Himself. This section summarizes the Gospel’s core message and calls every reader to respond personally. From this point onward, Jesus speaks directly to us about His imminent return, the upcoming judgment, and the promise of rewards. The remainder of Revelation includes blessings, warnings, invitations, and a final prayer. It conveys both a promise and a warning, emphasizing the certainty and immediacy of Christ’s return. This is also where we receive our call to action.
In Revelation 22:13, Jesus speaks to us directly, asserting His identity as the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. His statement, “I am coming soon,” calls us to be ready and anticipate His return. This readiness stems from the fact that Jesus will bring rewards and judge everyone based on their actions, underscoring the importance of personal responsibility and the truth of divine justice.
The verses surrounding Revelation 22:13 include invitations to accept the gift of eternal life, warnings against changing the prophecy, and a final blessing. Jesus urges believers to remain faithful and persevere. The Apostle John receives his final revelation from an angel, where we are given a last invitation to eternal life and reminded to stay steadfast in our faith. Revelation 22:13 is a powerful declaration of Jesus’ eternal nature and supreme authority. It assures His believers that He encompasses all of existence—past, present, and future—and invites them to trust in His unchanging character as the fulfillment of God’s promises.
We often fail to view the Bible as having two bookends. Genesis opens our eyes to the existence of a Creator, and Revelation, the closing of God’s Word, points to Jesus as the Gospel, the gateway to finding God and eternal life. “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:14). Here we find the fulfillment of God’s promises, the restoration of Eden, and the eternal state for those redeemed through their belief in the Gospel. Revelation 22:14 encourages believers to live in faithfulness and obedience, holding to the hope of eternal life and fellowship with God. It is both a promise and an invitation to participate in God’s restored creation. However, Jesus closes with a reality that must be taken seriously.
(Revelation 22:15) – “Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”
Not all are welcomed into the New Jerusalem (the city of God). “Outside” refers to those who are excluded from the eternal city. This represents separation from God’s presence and blessings for eternity. Who will be excluded?
- Dogs: In biblical times, “dogs” was a term often used to describe those who were ritually impure or morally corrupt.
- Those who practice magic arts: Refers to sorcerers or those involved in occult practices.
- The sexually immoral: Those who engage in sexual behavior outside the boundaries set by biblical teaching.
- Murderers, idolaters: Those who commit acts of violence or worship false gods.
- Everyone who loves and practices falsehood: Those who are deceitful or live in dishonesty.
Why did John pick these categories? They represent lifestyles incompatible with the holiness of the New Jerusalem (heaven). God’s eternity is reserved for those who are spiritually cleansed and faithful, as described in the previous verse (Revelation 22:14). In other words, purity and faithfulness are required. At the same time, we are warned that persistent rebellion and unrepentant sin lead to exclusion from God’s promises. Revelation 22:15 provides a sobering contrast to the blessings of verse 14, emphasizing that only those who are spiritually renewed and faithful will enter New Jerusalem. At the same time, those who persist in sin and falsehood will remain outside.
Conclusion
As we begin 2026, let us remember that the heart of the Gospel is not merely a set of teachings, but the living person of Jesus Christ—His identity, His mission, and His eternal significance. Understanding who Jesus truly is transforms our perspective, anchors our faith, and shapes our destiny. The message of the Gospel calls us to respond: to embrace the invitation to eternal life, to live in faithfulness and obedience, and to recognize the urgency of Christ’s return. Only by grasping the fullness of who Jesus is—the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End—can we experience the hope, purpose, and promise that God offers.
Let us commit to deepening our relationship with Christ through prayer, study, and fellowship. Let us strive to live out the Gospel in our daily lives—showing love, compassion, and integrity in all we do. And let us boldly share the hope and truth of Jesus with those around us, so that others may also experience the life-changing power of the Gospel. May this truth inspire us to pursue a deeper relationship with Christ and to share His message with a world in desperate need of redemption.
Contemplations
- What does it mean for Jesus to be the Alpha and Omega in your life?
- Ideas to Explore: Consider how Jesus’ eternal nature—being both the beginning and the end—offers hope, purpose, and assurance. Reflect on how this truth can anchor your faith in times of uncertainty and guide your decisions each day.
- How does understanding the identity of Jesus shape your response to the gospel?
- Idea to Explore: Think about how knowing who Jesus truly is (His divinity, mission, and promises) moves you beyond religious routine to a genuine relationship. Explore how this understanding challenges you to live with integrity, compassion, and obedience.
- Why is it urgent to embrace and share the message of the gospel today?
- Idea to Explore: Reflect on the promise and warning found in the gospel—the invitation to eternal life and the reality of Christ’s return. Consider how this urgency motivates you to deepen your faith and share the hope of Jesus with others who need redemption.
- 1NIV New International Version Translations