The title "First-Begotten" ascribed to Jesus Christ holds profound theological significance, underscoring His preeminence and unique relationship with God the Father. This term is deeply rooted in Scripture and reflects the exalted status of Christ in the divine order.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of Christ as the "First-Begotten" is prominently featured in the New Testament. In Hebrews 1:6 , it is written, "And again, when He brings His firstborn into the world, He says: 'Let all God’s angels worship Him.'" This passage highlights the superiority of Christ over the angels, affirming His divine nature and authority. The term "firstborn" here is not to be understood in a chronological sense but rather as a title of honor and supremacy.

Colossians 1:15-18 further elucidates this concept: "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence." Here, the apostle Paul emphasizes Christ's role in creation and His authority over all things, both in the physical and spiritual realms.

Theological Implications

The designation of Christ as the "First-Begotten" underscores His eternal existence and His role in the divine plan of salvation. It affirms His position as the preeminent Son of God, who is both fully divine and fully human. This title also reflects His unique role in the resurrection, as He is the "firstborn from among the dead," signifying His victory over death and His role as the pioneer of eternal life for believers.

In Revelation 1:5 , Christ is referred to as "the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth." This passage highlights His authority and His role as the sovereign ruler, further establishing His preeminence in all things.

Christ's Excellency and Glory

The glory of Christ as the "First-Begotten" is manifested in His divine nature, His redemptive work, and His eternal reign. As the "image of the invisible God," He reveals the character and essence of God to humanity. His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate expressions of His glory and excellency.

The worship and adoration of Christ by the heavenly hosts, as depicted in Hebrews 1:6, further attest to His divine status and the reverence due to Him. The acknowledgment of His preeminence by all creation is a testament to His unparalleled glory and majesty.

In summary, the title "First-Begotten" encapsulates the excellency and glory of Christ, affirming His divine nature, His role in creation and redemption, and His eternal sovereignty. Through this title, believers are invited to recognize and worship Christ as the supreme and exalted Son of God.Hebrews 1:6
And again, when he brings in the first-begotten into the world, he said, And let all the angels of God worship him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Son and the Angels.
... of His position is proportionate to the excellency of the ... the Apostle passes to the
incarnate Christ, returning to ... He brings[11] many sons of God unto glory. ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter ii the son and.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xiv. 24, "But the Boat was Now ...
... overwhelmed Him," might now through the glory of His ... fear have conceived these opinions
concerning Christ, looking at ... For by this action the excellency of His ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxv on the words.htm

Concerning Justification.
... which fits us for attaining unto glory, such as ... by the power, spirit, and grace of
Christ, were also ... holy scriptures, whose perfection and excellency they seem ...
/.../proposition vii concerning justification.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... to us, as in a figure, the eternal excellency of the ... God's image but as a mere creature:
But Christ though a ... doings in the world, the beauty and glory of the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... He wished to erect a temple to Christ and to number Him ... and shown her many things
which were for the glory of the Lord and of the excellency of divine ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... old age"that is, it is the excellency of these ... be swallowed up a thousand times told
with this glory. The Psalmist saith of Christ that "he was fairer than ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ...
... us new creatures, that so we may be sure to escape the wrath to come, and after
this life enjoy eternal life and glory through the Lord Jesus Christ, to whom ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/some gospel truths opened according.htm

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