week 4: alpha and omega

Hey everyone! I've been thinking this week about all of Christ's different names: Savior, Redeemer, Messiah, Jehovah, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, and so many others.

This week in class, we were talking about how some of Christ's names seem to contradict each other—Master and Servant, Lamb and Shepherd, Father and Son—and yet he encompasses all of them. He is our King and Master, and yet He has given us the most infinite and perfect gift of the Atonement. He is the Lamb who was slain for the sins of the world, and the Shepherd who calls us to come unto Him. He is the Only Begotten Son of God, and He is the Father of our rebirth.

I don't know how often you guys read the Bible Dictionary, but under "Christ" is one of the most beautiful descriptions of the Savior I have ever read:

"He is the greatest Being to be born on this earth—the perfect example—and all religious things should be done in His name. He is Lord of lords, King of kings, the Creator, the Savior, the God of the whole earth, the Captain of our salvation, the Bright and Morning Star. He is in all things, above all things, through all things, and round about all things; He is Alpha and Omega, the first and the last; His name is above every name and is the only name under heaven by which we can be saved.

"He will come again in power and glory to dwell on the earth and will stand as Judge of all mankind at the last day."

This is so wonderful, all I can add to it is my testimony. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, that He Atoned for our sins, our sorrows, our pains, and our weaknesses. Because of this, He knows, more perfectly than anyone, how to succor us. He is the ultimate source of hope, forgiveness, and peace, and I love Him with my whole heart.

If you want to learn more, lds.org is the official website for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For more about Jesus Christ, go here or here. For the Bible Dictionary description, go here, and for another BD entry on the Names of Christ, go here. Thanks for visiting!

Some insights catalyzed by Prof. Tyler Griffin's 01/30/18 lecture, REL A 250, Brigham Young University.
Artwork: "Lost No More" by Greg Olsen