Christ the Pantocrator
Christ Pantocrator, or Christ the Pantocrator is a Greek title given to our Lord. When the Hebrew Bible was translated into the Greek language, the Old Testament title "El Shaddai" was translated as Pantocrator. Both mean the "almighty" or "All-powerful" (El Shaddai means "the strong breasted one.")
The reason we like the word Pantocrator is that it actually says more than the English words "all-powerful" or "omnipotent." Pantocrator suggests that not only is God capable of doing anything, He is actively involved in the process. He holds it together. It is a dynamic, loving, powerful, and constant activity, within His very nature.
This is far different than some people view God. They see Him as a Creator making the world and then setting up certain laws, only to take a back seat and watch the world and humans unravel before His very eyes. God is like a gifted watchmaker who does His very best to create a wonderful, but faulty timepiece who winds it up for it to run on its own volition and eventual stopping.
This is not the God of the Old Testament that we know as "El Shaddai" nor is it the God who actively came to save us in His Son Jesus Christ. Our God is all-powerful and all- knowing and always active in bringing His pre-ordained purposes to fruition. The Pantocrator does everything and is doing everything. Colossians 1:15-17 says it best: He (Christ) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
The icon of Christ Pantocrator depicts Christ in a full frontal image holding a book in His left hand (the Gospels or the Book of Life). His right hand is raised in blessing or teaching. In some versions the Greek letters IC and XC are present, representing the Christogram "Jesus Christ." Some say his fingers form those letters.
One eye is said to be stern looking, representing the judgment of man. The other is kind, representing the mercy and love of God. The Book becomes a symbol of hope and life, if we accept God's salvation, or a record of hopelessness and death if we refuse.
The icon is one of the earliest images of Christ developed in the early Christian Church.
The word Pantocrator is used nine times in the book of Revelation. It is first used in Rev. 1:8 when Jesus is quoted by John: I am the Alpha and Omega, says the Lord God, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty (Pantocrator). This is the mighty God of creation; the God of the burning bush. It is the God who says, "I am who I am." He is always here, always active, always everything to us in every situation.
This same God, revealed in Christ the Lord, is also the one that reigns in heaven now. Rev. 19:6 says, Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty (Pantocrator) reigns. Yes, He will come again in glory to reign forever, but He reigns today and is active in our lives and the world. Christ the Pantocrator!