Topical Bible: Church: Church of the Firstborn

◄ Church: Church of the Firstborn ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Church of the Firstborn" is a biblical phrase that appears in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Hebrews. It is a designation that carries profound theological significance, reflecting the identity and privileges of believers in Jesus Christ. The phrase is found in Hebrews 12:23, which states, "to the assembly of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect."

Biblical Context and Meaning

The "Church of the Firstborn" is understood to refer to the collective body of believers who are spiritually united with Christ, the "firstborn" from the dead (Colossians 1:18). In biblical terms, the "firstborn" holds a place of preeminence and inheritance. Jesus Christ, as the firstborn, is the preeminent Son of God, and through Him, believers are granted the status of co-heirs (Romans 8:17).

The use of "firstborn" in this context emphasizes the special relationship between Christ and His followers. It signifies that believers are part of a heavenly assembly, enrolled in heaven, and are recipients of the promises and blessings associated with being children of God. This enrollment in heaven underscores the eternal security and divine citizenship of believers, as their names are written in the Lamb's book of life (Revelation 21:27).

Theological Significance

Theologically, the "Church of the Firstborn" highlights the concept of spiritual adoption and inheritance. Believers, through faith in Christ, are adopted into God's family and become part of this distinguished assembly. This adoption is not merely a future hope but a present reality, as believers are already considered children of God (1 John 3:1).

Moreover, the phrase underscores the unity and equality of all believers in Christ. Regardless of earthly status or background, all who are in Christ share the same spiritual privileges and inheritance. This unity is a reflection of the body of Christ, where there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28).

Practical Implications

For the believer, being part of the "Church of the Firstborn" carries both privilege and responsibility. It is a call to live in a manner worthy of this high calling, reflecting the character and holiness of Christ. Believers are encouraged to pursue righteousness, peace, and holiness, as they are part of a spiritual assembly that is set apart for God's purposes (Hebrews 12:14).

Furthermore, this identity as members of the "Church of the Firstborn" fosters a sense of community and mutual support among believers. It is a reminder of the interconnectedness of the body of Christ and the importance of fellowship, encouragement, and accountability within the church.

In summary, the "Church of the Firstborn" is a rich biblical concept that encapsulates the identity, privileges, and responsibilities of believers in Christ. It serves as a reminder of the eternal inheritance and heavenly citizenship that belong to all who are united with the firstborn, Jesus Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Hebrews 12:23
To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

August the Eighteenth the Church of the Firstborn
... AUGUST The Eighteenth THE CHURCH OF THE FIRSTBORN. "Pray for the peace of
Jerusalem." "Psalm 122.p> And my Jerusalem is "the church ...
/.../my daily meditation for the circling year/august the eighteenth the church.htm

Nature of Church History.
... And He is the head of the body, the Church: who is the beginning, the firstborn
from the dead, that in all things He may have the pre-eminence." Col.1:16-18. ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 1 nature of church.htm

The Firstborn.
... with His redeemed. The church to which God's marvelous Grace has brought
us is the church of the Firstborn. (Hebrews 12:23), because ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/the firstborn.htm

The Manifestation of the Church with Christ.
... He is the "Firstborn among many brethren" (Rom.8:29), and when He appears again ... are
the Results of the Redeemer's Return as they affect the Church"results in ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/7 the manifestation of the.htm

Fragrant Graces
... mocking crowds, but by adoring hosts, the King sits at his table, and entertains
the glorious company of the faithful, the Church of the firstborn whose names ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/fragrant graces.htm

The Vanguard and Rereward of the Church
... creation of this world that was to be the stage whereon the church should play ... is
older than your hoary mountains, nay, it is older than the firstborn sons of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the vanguard and rereward of.htm

Account Given by the Great Athanasius of the Death of Arius.
... It also became manifest that the Arian madness could not be fellowshipped
by the Saviour both here and in the church of the Firstborn. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xxx account given by the.htm

Now, and Then
... This is one of the joys we are looking for, that we shall come to the general assembly
and church of the firstborn whose names are written in heaven; and have ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/now and then.htm

The Open Door.
... unto the city of the living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company
of angels, to the general assembly and Church of the firstborn which are ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon xxxv the open door.htm

Introductory Note to the Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians
... The Epistle to the Philippians is the more interesting as denoting the state of
that beloved church, the firstborn of European churches, and so greatly ...
/.../the epistle of polycarp to the philippians/introductory note to the epistle.htm