Topical Encyclopedia The title "First-Born" as applied to Jesus Christ holds profound theological significance, reflecting His preeminence, authority, and unique relationship with God the Father. This concept is deeply rooted in both Old and New Testament scriptures, where it conveys Christ's supremacy over all creation and His role in the divine plan of redemption.Biblical Foundation The term "First-Born" (Greek: πρωτότοκος, prōtotokos) appears in several key passages that highlight the exalted status of Christ. In Colossians 1:15, the Apostle Paul writes, "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation." Here, "firstborn" signifies Christ's preeminence and authority over all created things, not that He is a created being. This is further clarified in Colossians 1:16-17, which states, "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." The title also appears in Hebrews 1:6, which declares, "And again, when God brings His firstborn into the world, He says: 'Let all God’s angels worship Him.'" This passage underscores the divine honor and worship due to Christ, affirming His superiority over the angelic hosts. Theological Implications 1. Preeminence and Authority: The designation of Christ as the "First-Born" emphasizes His supreme authority and preeminence in all things. As the firstborn, He holds the position of highest honor and authority, akin to the rights and privileges of a firstborn son in ancient Near Eastern culture. This is not a statement about temporal birth order but about rank and status. 2. Unique Sonship: Christ's title as the "First-Born" also highlights His unique sonship. In Romans 8:29, Paul writes, "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers." This indicates that while believers are adopted into God's family, Christ remains the unique and eternal Son, sharing a special relationship with the Father. 3. Resurrection and New Creation: The concept of the "First-Born" is closely linked to Christ's resurrection. In Revelation 1:5, He is called "the firstborn from the dead," signifying His victory over death and His role as the inaugurator of the new creation. As the first to rise from the dead in a glorified body, Christ guarantees the future resurrection of believers. 4. Inheritance and Blessing: In biblical tradition, the firstborn son often received a double portion of the inheritance and a special blessing. As the "First-Born," Christ is the heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2) and the source of all spiritual blessings for His people. Through Him, believers become co-heirs, sharing in the inheritance of eternal life and glory. Christ in the Old Testament The concept of the firstborn is foreshadowed in the Old Testament, where it often signifies special status and blessing. For instance, Israel is referred to as God's "firstborn son" in Exodus 4:22, indicating a chosen and privileged position among the nations. This typology finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who embodies the true and perfect "First-Born" of God. In Psalm 89:27, God declares of the Davidic king, "I will appoint him to be My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth." This messianic promise points to Christ, the ultimate Davidic King, who reigns supreme over all earthly and heavenly realms. Conclusion The title "First-Born" ascribed to Christ encapsulates His divine preeminence, unique sonship, and redemptive work. It affirms His authority over creation, His role as the resurrected Lord, and His position as the heir of all things. Through this title, believers are invited to recognize and worship Christ in His full excellency and glory. Torrey's Topical Textbook Colossians 1:15,18Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library On Genesis. The Priesthood of Christ Of Theodoretus, Bishop of Cyrus, to Dioscorus, Archbishop of ... The Joint Heirs and their Divine Portion Psalm III. Dedication. "But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C. The Son and the Angels. Christ's First and Last Subject The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest. Resources What is the Letter to Diognetus? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God create the world / earth? | GotQuestions.org Excellency: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Exaltation The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Sinless Perfection The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Transfiguration The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Triumph The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Words The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Works The Excellency and Glory of Christ in the Calling of the Gentiles The Excellency and Glory of Christ in the Fulness of his Grace and Truth The Excellency and Glory of Christ in the Restoration of the Jews The Excellency and Glory of Christ is Incomparable The Excellency and Glory of Christ is Unchangeable The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Creator The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As God The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Head of the Church The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Incarnate The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Judge The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As King The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Lord of Lords The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Mediator The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As One With the Father The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Priest The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Prophet The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Shepherd The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Blessed of God The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the First-Begotten The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the First-Born The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Foundation of the Church The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Image of God The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Life The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Son of God The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the True Light The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Truth The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Way The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Celebrated by the Redeemed The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Followed his Resurrection The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Followed his Sufferings The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Imparted to Saints The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Revealed in the Gospel The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Saints Shall Behold, in Heaven The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Saints Shall Rejoice at the Revelation of The Excellency and Glory of the Church are Abundant The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Augmented by Increase of Its Members The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being Established The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being the Body of Christ The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being the Bride of Christ The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being the Seat of God's Worship The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being the Temple of God The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Eminent Position The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Graces of Character The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Members Being Righteous The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Perfection of Beauty The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Sanctification The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Strength and Defence The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Derived from Christ The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Derived from God The Excellency and Glory of the Church: God Delights In The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Result from the Favour of God The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Saints Delight In The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Sin Obscures Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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