Exploring the Context of Christ as the 'First and the Last'

In the context of Christian theology, particularly within the Bible, the title 'First and the Last' (Psihikos kai Teleios) is attributed to Jesus Christ. This appellation holds significant importance, especially in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 1:17-18) and in the Gospel of John (John 1:18, 5:37).

The Significance of 'First and the Last'

The assertion of Christ being 'the First and the Last' is a profound declaration, as it implies permanence and sovereignty. In Rev 1:17-18, Jesus reveals Himself to John the Apostle, expressing a deep personal address and establishing an authoritative presence. The phrase 'I am the First and the Last' conveys a sense of eternal existence and primacy, emphasizing that Christ not only was before all things but continues to preside over them.

Scriptural Evidence: Revelation 1:17-18

Revelation 1:17-18

Beloved, I am the First and the Last. [18] I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

These verses reveal a powerful and transforming image. Jesus, as the One who was dead and then resurrected, symbolizes the victory over mortality and sin. He is the ultimate victor and the harbinger of eternal life. The 'keys of Hades and of Death' further emphasize His divinity and authority as the one who governs the interplay between life and death. This imagery is not limited to just Revelation but is also echoed in biblical teachings about the resurrection and the ultimate triumph over death.

Understanding Jesus as Logos in John 1:18

The term 'Logos' refers to the central concept in the Gospel of John, representing the Word of God, who is ultimately Jesus Christ. According to John 1:18, 'No one has ever seen God. It is God the only begotten who has made Him known.' This verse does not suggest that Jesus is God in the same sense as the Father but rather that He is the visible embodiment of God's attributes and the means by which God is known. His visible form, His audible voice, and His actions reveal His role and mission.

Similarly, in John 5:37, Jesus proclaims, 'If you believe not that I am He, why believe ye me? He is the visible representation of the invisible God, the one who reveals the divine attributes to humanity. Thus, Jesus being described as 'the First and the Last' should not be mistaken as a claim for divinity but as a reference to His unique and eternal role.

Implications and Theological Implications

Understanding Christ as the 'First and the Last' in such a context does not diminish His divinity. Instead, it highlights His role as the ultimate answer to human longing for eternal life. While in John 13, Jesus acknowledges having received all things from the Father and having come from God to go back to God, this does not negate His divinity. What it does highlight is the nature of His relationship with God, a relationship of divine sonship and of servant to God’s will.

Thus, the title 'First and the Last' emphasizes Christ's enduring presence and ultimate authority over life and death, a declaration that speaks to the heart of Christian faith and the profound theological truths that undergird it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the title 'First and the Last' in the context of Revelation and John's Gospel, points to Christ's eternal and decisive role in the affairs of the universe. It speaks to the Christian understanding of Christ’s unique status as both God and man, His ministry of redemption, and His promise of eternal life. Understanding these contexts enriches our theological perspective and deepens our faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ.