The title "First-Begotten of the Dead" is a profound designation for Jesus Christ, emphasizing His preeminence and authority over death and the resurrection. This title is primarily derived from Revelation 1:5, which states, "and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood" . This passage highlights Christ's victory over death and His role as the first to rise in a glorified, eternal body, paving the way for all believers.

The term "first-begotten" or "firstborn" (Greek: πρωτότοκος, prōtotokos) signifies priority and supremacy. In the context of resurrection, it indicates that Christ is the first to be raised from the dead in a manner that is permanent and transformative, never to die again. This distinguishes His resurrection from others, such as Lazarus, who were raised only to die again later. Christ's resurrection is the prototype and guarantee of the future resurrection of believers, as affirmed in 1 Corinthians 15:20, "But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" .

Theologically, the title underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and typology. Psalm 89:27 declares, "I will also appoint him my firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth" , which is seen as a messianic prophecy pointing to Christ's exalted status. Furthermore, Colossians 1:18 reiterates this truth: "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 authority and leadership over the church and all creation, rooted in His resurrection.

The title also carries eschatological significance, as it assures believers of their future resurrection and eternal life. Romans 8:29 states, "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 passage highlights the believer's destiny to share in Christ's resurrection life, being conformed to His image.

In summary, the title "First-Begotten of the Dead" encapsulates the core of Christian hope and doctrine: Christ's victory over death, His preeminence in all things, and the assurance of resurrection life for all who are united with Him. Through His resurrection, Jesus not only conquered death but also inaugurated a new creation, offering eternal life to all who believe.Revelation 1:5
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. To him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Messiah the Son of God
... and faithfulness, it is obvious that these names, when applied ... They are both the
titles of MESSIAH ... knowledge of the doctrine of the person of Christ, that which ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxvii messiah the son.htm

Dialogue i. --The Immutable.
... Methodius, bishops and martyrs, and the rest, whose names I will ... But yet Christ is
Power of God. ... of necessity and involuntarily assign the lowly titles to the ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/dialogue i the immutable.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... raised from the grave of sin is to be begotten and born (Revelation 1:5); there
is a famous instance of Christ; He is 'the first begotten of the dead'; he is ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

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