For today’s post we will tackle the question the Skeptic Annotated Bible asked: Who is the first and the last?
Here are the answers which the skeptic believes indicate a Bible contradiction:
God
““Listen to Me, O Jacob, even Israel whom I called; I am He, I am the first, I am also the last.” (Isaiah 48:12)
Jesus
“When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last” (Revelation 1:17)
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”” (Revelation 22:13)
(All Scriptural quotation comes from the New American Standard Bible)
Here’s a closer look at whether or not there is a contradiction:
- When dealing with skeptics’ claim of Bible contradictions it seems one can never be reminded enough of what exactly is a contradiction. A contradiction occurs when two or more claims conflict with one another so that they cannot simultaneously be true in the same sense and at the same time. To put it another way, a Bible contradiction exists when there are claims within the Bible that are mutually exclusive in the same sense and at the same time.
- One should be skeptical of whether this is a Bible contradiction given the Skeptic Annotated Bible’s track record of inaccurately handling the Bible. See the many examples of their error which we have responded to in this post: Collection of Posts Responding to Bible Contradictions. Of course that does not take away the need to respond to this claim of a contradiction, which is what the remainder of this post will do. But this observation should caution us to slow down and look more closely at the passages cited by the Skeptic Annotated Bible to see if they interpreted the passages properly to support their conclusion that it is a Bible contradiction.
- The skeptic tries to pit Isaiah 48:12 as affirming the claim “God is the first and the last” against Revelation 1:17 and Revelation 22:13 as affirming “Jesus is the first and the last.”
- “First and the last” is actually one of the Titles for God.
- You see for instance in Isaiah 41:4 stating ““Who has performed and accomplished it, Calling forth the generations from the beginning? ‘I, the Lord, am the first, and with the last. I am He.’”” “Lord” here in Hebrew is Yahweh, referring to God.
- Fellow blogger Craig pointed out that Revelation 1:8 also shows the title of First and Last refers to God: ““I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”” The title “Alpha and the Omega” refers to the first and last letter in the Greek alphabet. Essentially it has the idea of the title of First and Last.
- Craig also pointed out Revelation 21:6 is similar to Revelation 1:8 in establishing the divine title of “Alpha and the Omega“/”First and Last.“
- One must always ask if the skeptics interpret the verses properly. In this instance all three verses were properly interpreted. Isaiah 48:12 in the context of the chapter is talking about God. Both Revelation 1:17 and Revelation 22:13 quotes Jesus saying about Himself that He “is the first and the last.”
- Yet there is no contradiction in light of the Bible’s doctrine of the Trinity.
- It is important that we get our definition of the Trinity right. The doctrine of the Trinity is the doctrine that “within the One Being that is God there exists eternally three co-equal and co-eternal Persons, namely the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.“
- Equally important is defining the doctrine of Incarnation. The Incarnation is when the Second Person of the Trinity, the Son, became fully a man while still being fully God. Thus, in Jesus He is both God and man; He has both a divine nature and a human nature.
- The teaching of the Trinity and Christ being God is biblical. See our Seventeen Sessions on the Trinity! Audios and Notes.
- Since Jesus is God one therefore is not surprised that a title of God is applied to Jesus and at times this title is also stated as God’s title. There is no contradiction here. Seems the skeptic needs to learn of How to Handle Bible Contradictions.
- We shouldn’t miss that worldviews are at play even with the skeptic’s objection to Christianity. The worldview of the author of the Skeptic Annotated Bible actually doesn’t even allow for such a thing as the law of non-contradiction to be meaningful and intelligible. In other words for him to try to disprove the Bible by pointing out that there’s a Bible contradiction doesn’t even make sense within his own worldview. Check out our post “Skeptic Annotated Bible Author’s Self-Defeating Worldview.”
[…] Who is the first and the last? […]
[…] Bible Contradiction? Who is the first and the last? […]
Yee Gads. I think the sceptic is living in a perpetual state of confusion. As Jesus said “You neither understand the scripture or the power of God.”
Thanks for your diligence in producing these. Very helpful.
Great job! Jesus is God, the Alpha and the Omega, beginning and the end. May we worship our Triune God, One Being Three Persons in holiness and reverence.
Amen! The titles of Christ excites me especially when it has OT roots that used for YHWH. I imagine you might feel the same? Studying the divinity of Christ is so doxological and moves me to worship Him!!!
For sure! The first time we studied the Divine Name in Hebrew I had Dr Meyer explain it to me multiple times! Never gets old!
You are right, Jim, any claim that is mutually exclusive, these skeptics, who did not study the Bible, will simply mark it as a contradiction. Their hearts are hardened.
Agreed they are so hardened! They are foolish. Or Tanga. Hope that’s not a bad word I said (I don’t know).
Your frustration is understandable, Jim. You are bombarded with these number of contradictions that can easily be refuted and yet can easily be spread and accepted by those who are not or yet to embrace the Gospel. It reminds me of the doctrine of reprobation. But who knows, they will be saved in the end by GOD’s sovereign will.
JESUS is GOD the SON, is GOD, and one of the three persons in the HOLY TRINITY. We have to remember 2 Corinthians 12 as we press on serving the Triune GOD.
Apologies upfront if you plan on addressing this: Rev 22:13 ‘contradicts’ two more passages, both within the book of Revelation—and I’m sure you are very well aware of this. In 1:8 the Lord God (the Father) speaks as “the Alpha and the Omega” just like Jesus in 22:13. And in 21:6 The One Who sits on the throne, i.e. God the Father, uses the same title in the same manner—as a Divine predicate (“I am the Alpha and the Omega”).
I bring this up because, interestingly, my 1984 NIV Study Bible red letter edition (Jesus’ words in red text), erroneously has Jesus speaking in 1:8!
Wow I wasn’t going to add more info originally but wow you have a good eye; do you mind if I incorporate your insight into my original post with credit (and link to you blog) to you??
Sure thing!
I’d spent a good deal of time on a ‘Hebrew Roots’ type blog with various viewpoints among contributors, most (including the blog author) denying the Trinity. I set out to show how Scripture certainly implies it in many ways. And these examples remain front of mind.
I learned a lot from my interactions there.
…and no need to post a link to my blog…
Thanks for debunking this alleged “contradiction.” This is good information to remember when talking to people who deny the deity of Jesus Christ.
The claim that this is a contradiction in the Bible, within what Steve Wells call Christian fundamentalism (orthodoxy), is ridiculous. I know Wells professes he was once Catholic, a Christian and later atheist but I think critical thinking and accurate reading of Scripture that led to each position might not have been his strong point. This is kind of high school juvenile level quality of scholarship; actually this is not acceptable work For high schoolers even from my tutoring days of high school and college students. How are your steps today? I have been really low for Saturday and Friday last week but picked it up to 10 K goal since Sunday
RE: Wells professes he was once Catholic
It all makes sense now. Most Catholics have zero or very slim Bible knowledge.
RE: steps
Ach. The prepping and painting project really threw me for a loop. Averaging 7.7K steps/day in August. Really dogging it today. Only 1K steps so far. Keep up the good stepping! You’re inspiring me to get back into the groove.
I can’t reblog anymore, but I can still share!
Congratulations skeptics you have just proven the Divinity of Jesus
When they make allegations of “contradictions” like that it means they are either ignorant of the most basic Christian theology and shouldn’t be posing as knowledgeable critics, or they are knowingly malicious and should be ignored.
This indicates the complete lack of understanding the skeptic has of the Christian faith to begin with.
Tried to hit the like button again and both Google Chrome and WordPress seem to be getting in the way.
“liked” very much. 🙂
Wow sorry to hear Google and WordPress acting up, though I think your comments make up for it. I think this example in this post is one demonstration of the skeptic’s basic understanding of Christian essential doctrines and beliefs. I hope this post will help people looking for answers. How are you doing my dear brother? Please know you still have a fan in me with your artwork and comics!
Thanks Jim. I seem to be normal (for me, anyway) but here lately the doc’s calling for a lot of tests. It seems that my liver has some nodules which are blocking my gall bladder functions. Still got some tests before we know anything for sure. My wife is also having tests run because her doctor found a tumor they need to check out. Hope all is well with you and your family, Jim. Looking forward to seeing more of your posts.
We use this Bible verses( and others ) when we speak with people if the JW faith . This is a great post and it’s clear that the skeptic has no idea who Jesus is. I have stories from the past where skeptics trying so hard to make Scripture non valid have come to saving faith.
Thank you pastor Jim .
You’re welcome thank you for sharing. Like you I enjoy witnessing to JWs. You know its interesting reading and responding to the Skeptic Annotated Bible has led me to see more verses supporting the Trinity and Divinity of Christ; I guess that’s a good thing that comes out from this huh? Romans 8:28 in a way…which I love that verse. Let me know how your evangelism go!
I leaned so much about truth by studying the false . Due to our evangelism we had to become aquatinted with cults . God is amazing !
I let you know and thank you for your prayers !
Have a blessed afternoon
Love this exposition. If you want to put them in conniption fits, you might also show how the seven “I am” statements by Jesus were recognized by the religious scholars of the time as putting Jesus on the same level as God, the Father (since they took up stones to kill him in John 10:31).
Amen
[…] « Bible Contradiction? Who is the first and the last? […]
[…] SlimJim […]
The atheist reading level is really low
Thank you for sharing this post SlimJim ☺️
[…] 9.) Bible Contradiction? Who is the first and the last? […]
[…] Answering Who is the first and the last? reinforce to me that the Divinity of Christ is Biblical. If Jesus is God don’t forget this most important application: We are to worship Him for He is God and worthy of our Worship! Have you worshipped Him above all else? Praise and worship Him now! […]
That is a very good demonstration of how to refute Bible contradictions particularly to those new to the Bible, hermeneutics and apologetics. You gave good precise information… Appreciate your writing this one. A must read answer!
Howdy would you mind if I share your blog post with others I’m working with? The reason I ask is because your layout answering these contadictions are different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique.
Deconstructing a bad interpretation is hard work. But the work is worthwhile. The truth will triumph.
[…] Who is the first and the last? […]
Great to see people responding on here biblically. When someone moves closer to what Scripture teaches it’s always good news.
The post speaks volume! 🔥🔥
There are no aetheists. Only those who like to say they are, until their moment of truth arrives.
Losing faith over a caption on a skeptic site is madness..seek help. The Bible is the key of life❤🔥
There is almost nothing more logically inconsistent than atheists interpreting the Bible
Why nobody who is a skeptic and be deep gazing your answers above is beyond me. Lol