Today, we will dive deep into the phrase “as it was in the beginning so shall it be in the end.” This phrase holds a significant place in our understanding of God’s timelessness and His consistent presence throughout history. From the creation of the world to the promise of eternity, we see how God’s plan remains unchanging. As we ponder this notion, we can derive comfort and inspiration knowing that what was true in the beginning remains steadfast today. Let us take a heartfelt journey through Scripture to explore this concept further, allowing God’s Word to illuminate our path.
as it was in the beginning so shall it be in the end
The Nature of God
As we explore “as it was in the beginning so shall it be in the end,” we’re reminded that God’s nature is unchanging. From the dawn of creation, through the ages, and into eternity, God remains the same. His love, mercy, and justice are constants that we can depend on. Just like He was merciful in the beginning with Adam and Eve, He extends the same mercy to us today. Our understanding of God evolves, but His character is unwavering. This should give us great confidence as we face life’s twists and turns, knowing we are anchored in a God who does not shift like the shadows.
Malachi 3:6
“For I, the LORD, do not change. Therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” – Malachi 3:6
Hebrews 13:8
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8
James 1:17
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” – James 1:17
Psalms 102:25-27
“Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end.” – Psalms 102:25-27
Isaiah 40:8
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” – Isaiah 40:8
Creation and Its Purpose
When we think about “as it was in the beginning so shall it be in the end,” we cannot overlook the story of creation. The heavens and the earth were crafted by God’s hands, displaying His divine purpose. Creation wasn’t just a mere event; it reflects His creativity and intention. We learn that everything He created was ‘good,’ and even after the fall, His purpose for creation remains intact. As we look back at Genesis, we see that the essence of God’s creative spirit continues to shape our lives today, reminding us of our purpose and our calling as stewards of the earth.
Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” – Genesis 1:1
Genesis 1:26
“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.'” – Genesis 1:26
Genesis 2:15
“Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and keep it.” – Genesis 2:15
Psalms 19:1
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” – Psalms 19:1
Romans 1:20
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” – Romans 1:20
Salvation’s Timelessness
Reflecting on “as it was in the beginning so shall it be in the end” brings us to the incredible story of salvation. From the sacrificial system in the Old Testament to Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, God’s plan for redemption has remained the same. The promise of salvation through faith has traversed time, offering hope to all who believe. It’s a gift that we can accept today, just as people did in the beginning. The unchanging grace we receive through Christ is a testament to God’s love that never ends—an assurance that we can carry in our hearts forever.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
Romans 5:8
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
Acts 4:12
“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12
1 Peter 1:3
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” – 1 Peter 1:3
The Anointing and Its Continuity
Delving into “as it was in the beginning so shall it be in the end” leads us to consider the anointing of the Holy Spirit. In the early church, believers were empowered to spread the message of Christ. Just as they were filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, we too can experience that same divine empowerment today. The anointing does not wane; it continues to move among us. We are called to carry forth that mission, driven by the same Spirit that ignited the initial spark of faith in the hearts of the first believers. This ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit reassures us that God is actively working in our lives today.
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8
1 John 2:27
“But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie, just as it has taught you, abide in him.” – 1 John 2:27
Romans 8:11
“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” – Romans 8:11
John 14:17
“He is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” – John 14:17
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
Prophecy and Fulfillment
When we reflect on “as it was in the beginning so shall it be in the end,” we cannot ignore the role of prophecy in the Bible. Prophecies given during the early days have been fulfilled and continue to unfold in our lives today. The Word of God assures us that what He has spoken will come to pass. As we look through the lens of history, we see divine truths coming to light, affirming that God’s plans are perfect and timely. It encourages us, for we know that what was promised at the beginning will not fade but will reach its full glory by the end of time.
Isaiah 46:10
“Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.’” – Isaiah 46:10
Matthew 5:17
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” – Matthew 5:17
1 Peter 1:10-11
“Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow.” – 1 Peter 1:10-11
Revelation 22:13
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” – Revelation 22:13
Luke 24:44
“Then he said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.'” – Luke 24:44
The Call to Discipleship
“As it was in the beginning so shall it be in the end” also speaks to the ongoing call to discipleship. Just as the first disciples were summoned to follow Jesus, we too are invited to walk in His footsteps. This relationship isn’t merely a one-time decision but a lifelong journey. We embrace the same teachings, love, and commitment exhibited from the beginning of the Gospels. By dedicating ourselves to discipleship, we not only grow in our faith but also help others discover the joy of knowing Christ. The great commission to spread the Gospel remains a pressing call now, just as it did with the original twelve.
Matthew 28:19-20
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20
Luke 9:23
“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'” – Luke 9:23
Mark 1:17
“And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.'” – Mark 1:17
John 15:16
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” – John 15:16
Matthew 16:24
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'” – Matthew 16:24
The Final Judgment
The phrase “as it was in the beginning so shall it be in the end” powerfully leads us to consider the impending final judgment. Just as creation had a beginning, there will be an end where God will righteously judge all humanity. The idea of accountability encourages us to live with purpose and integrity as we navigate our lives. Knowing that our actions matter serves as a motivator to seek justice, mercy, and love. This assurance portrays not only the gravity of our choices but also God’s commitment to restoring all things, showing that He is in control from start to finish.
Revelation 20:12
“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.” – Revelation 20:12
Matthew 25:31-33
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.” – Matthew 25:31-33
2 Corinthians 5:10
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” – 2 Corinthians 5:10
Romans 14:10-12
“For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.'” – Romans 14:10-12
Revelation 21:1-4
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” – Revelation 21:1-4
The Hope of Eternity
As we contemplate “as it was in the beginning so shall it be in the end,” we cannot miss the hopeful promise of eternity. Just as God established creation, He also measures out our eternal destiny. The same hope that guided Abraham and the apostles encourages us today. Our beliefs about the afterlife stir us, reminding us of the light at the end of our earthly journeys. This assurance shapes how we live, motivating us to share this hope with others. Our faith is centered not only on the present but on the eternity that awaits us because God’s plan is eternal and ever-deepening.
John 14:2-3
“In my Father’s house are many rooms. If that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” – John 14:2-3
Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:4
Philippians 3:20
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 3:20
2 Timothy 4:8
“Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” – 2 Timothy 4:8
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
Final Thoughts
As we have traveled through these Scriptures, it’s evident that “as it was in the beginning so shall it be in the end” connects every aspect of our faith. We see how God’s nature is unchanging, His plans are continuous, and His promises remain firm. From creation to salvation, through our call to discipleship, and into the depths of eternity, God’s Word reassures us of His steadfastness and love. In each season of life, we can resonate with the truth that what began in Genesis will find its beautiful fulfillment in Revelation. May we hold on tightly to this promise as we navigate our journeys, reminding ourselves daily of the hope that awaits us.
Let us carry these truths in our hearts, knowing that God is with us, guiding us from the beginning to the end.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4