In the Bible, “which was, which is” refers to the eternal nature of God, emphasizing His presence throughout history and existence. Specifically, it highlights God’s unchanging character and sovereignty over time, as seen in Revelation 1:8, where He is described as the Alpha and Omega.
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4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne,
5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.
6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Bible Meaning: Which Was, Which Is
The phrase “which was, which is” encapsulates the profound truth of God’s eternal existence and unchanging nature as described in the Bible. This concept is prominently featured in Revelation 1:8, where God proclaims, “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” indicating that He is the beginning and the end of all things. This reflects both God’s timelessness—existing before creation and continuing beyond the end of time—and His sovereignty over history. In this light, the past, present, and future are not sequentially distinct for God; rather, they exist as one eternal moment within His divine understanding and plan. Therefore, believers find comfort and assurance in the notion that the God they worship is consistent and faithful, promising that His divine purposes transcend the temporal chaos of human experience.
Moreover, this frame of reference encourages believers to view their lives in light of God’s eternal narrative. Hebrews 13:8 declares, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever,” reinforcing the idea that God’s character and promises remain steadfast despite the fluctuations of the world. This permanence speaks to God’s faithfulness through generations, affirming His historical engagement with humanity while assuring believers of His continued presence in their lives. Thus, the message of “which was, which is” invites individuals to trust in God’s overarching plan within the tapestry of time, recognizing Him as the Alpha and Omega—not just as a distant deity but as an ever-present help and guide through all of life’s seasons.
The phrase “which was, which is” in a biblical context often refers to the eternal nature of God, particularly in the Greek term “ὁ ὢν” (ho ōn), which translates to “the one who is.” This term is derived from the verb “εἰμί” (eimi), meaning “to be.” The etymology of “ὁ ὢν” can be traced back to the present participle of “εἰμί,” which emphasizes existence and continuity. Scholars such as John Owen and Richard Bauckham have explored the implications of this phrase in relation to God’s unchanging and eternal nature, highlighting its significance in understanding the divine character.
In the context of biblical theology, the phrase encapsulates the idea of God’s timelessness and sovereignty. The use of “which was, which is” serves to affirm that God exists beyond the constraints of time, encompassing both past and present. This concept is further elaborated by theologians like N.T. Wright, who argue that the eternal nature of God is foundational to Christian belief, providing assurance of His unchanging presence and authority throughout history. The phrase thus serves as a powerful reminder of the divine’s constancy amidst the temporal changes of the world.
The Eternal Nature of God
The phrase “which was, which is” emphasizes the eternal and unchanging nature of God. It signifies that God exists beyond the constraints of time, encompassing the past, present, and future. This understanding reassures believers that God’s character, promises, and purposes remain constant, providing a foundation of hope and stability in an ever-changing world.
The Continuity of God’s Revelation
This phrase also highlights the continuity of God’s revelation throughout history. It suggests that God’s presence and actions have been consistent from the beginning of time, through the present, and into the future. This continuity invites believers to recognize the unfolding narrative of God’s relationship with humanity, encouraging them to see their place within that divine story.
The Assurance of God’s Sovereignty
Furthermore, “which was, which is” reflects the sovereignty of God over all creation. It serves as a reminder that God is in control of history and the events of the world. This assurance can provide comfort to believers, affirming that despite the chaos and uncertainty of life, God remains sovereign and actively involved in the unfolding of His divine plan.
How to Embrace God’s Presence for Spiritual Growth
Embracing God’s presence is a transformative journey that can deeply enrich your spiritual growth. Start by carving out intentional time for prayer and meditation, allowing yourself to quiet the noise of the world and tune into His voice. As you read Scripture, seek not just knowledge but a personal connection with God—ask Him to reveal His heart to you through the words on the page. Surround yourself with a community of believers who encourage and challenge you in your faith, as fellowship can amplify your experience of God’s presence. Remember, it’s in the stillness and the everyday moments that you can find Him; whether it’s in nature, during acts of kindness, or in the quiet of your home, be open to recognizing His hand at work. As you cultivate this awareness, you’ll find that your relationship with God deepens, leading to a more vibrant and fulfilling spiritual life.
Bible References to “Which Was, Which Is”:
Revelation 4:8-11: 8 And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”
9 And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever,
10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
Hebrews 13:8-9: 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.
Isaiah 44:6-8: 6 Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel
and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts:
“I am the first and I am the last;
besides me there is no god.
7 Who is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and set it before me, since I appointed an ancient people. Let them declare what is to come, and what will happen.
8 Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses! Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any.”
Exodus 3:13-15: 13 Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?”
14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”
15 God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.
John 1:1-5: 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.
5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Psalm 90:1-4: 1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
3 You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!”
4 For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.
Isaiah 41:4-10: 4 Who has performed and done this,
calling the generations from the beginning?
I, the Lord, the first,
and with the last; I am he.
5 The coastlands have seen and are afraid;
the ends of the earth tremble;
they have drawn near and come.
6 Everyone helps his neighbor
and says to his brother, “Be strong!”
7 The craftsman strengthens the goldsmith, and he who smooths with the hammer him who strikes the anvil, saying of the soldering, “It is good”; and they strengthen it with nails so that it cannot be moved.
8 But you, Israel, my servant,
Jacob, whom I have chosen,
the offspring of Abraham, my friend;
9 you whom I took from the ends of the earth,
and called from its farthest corners,
saying to you, “You are my servant,
I have chosen you and not cast you off”;
10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Revelation 11:15-17: 15 Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.”
16 And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God,
17 saying, “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign.
Revelation 16:4-7: 4 The third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood.
5 “And I heard the angel in charge of the waters say, ‘Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments.’”
6 “For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!”
7 And I heard the altar saying, “Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!”
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.