Why is it important for Christians to understand Christ as the beginning and the end?

Recognizing Christ as both the beginning and the end is vital for Christians because it reinforces the belief in His sovereign control over all creation and history. Revelation 1:8 affirms that He is Alpha and Omega, indicating that all of existence is under His authority from its inception to its conclusion. This understanding brings comfort and assurance to believers, as they can trust that their lives and destinies are firmly held by Him. It also motivates Christians to live with purpose, knowing that their actions matter in light of eternity, as they will ultimately stand before Him for accountability.