The term "First Born" holds significant theological weight in Christian doctrine, particularly in understanding the dignity and preeminence of Jesus Christ. This title is not merely a reference to birth order but is deeply rooted in the cultural, historical, and spiritual context of the Scriptures. It signifies Christ's supremacy, authority, and unique relationship with God the Father.

Biblical Context and Meaning

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the "firstborn" son held a place of honor and privilege within the family. He was the primary heir, receiving a double portion of the inheritance and assuming leadership responsibilities upon the father's death. This cultural understanding is foundational to grasping the biblical application of the term to Christ.

Christ as the Firstborn in Scripture

The New Testament explicitly refers to Jesus as the "Firstborn" in several passages, each highlighting different aspects of His divine dignity and authority.

1. Preeminence in Creation: Colossians 1:15 states, "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation." Here, "firstborn" denotes Christ's supremacy and authority over all creation, not that He is a created being. As the "image of the invisible God," Christ perfectly reveals the Father, and His preeminence is affirmed by His role in creation, as all things were created through Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16).

2. Resurrection and New Creation: In Colossians 1:18, Paul writes, "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." Christ's resurrection is the first of its kind, inaugurating the new creation and guaranteeing the future resurrection of believers. His victory over death establishes His authority and preeminence in the new order.

3. Sonship and Inheritance: Hebrews 1:6 declares, "And again, when God brings His firstborn into the world, He says: 'Let all God’s angels worship Him.'" This passage underscores Christ's unique sonship and the worship due to Him, affirming His divine nature and the inheritance of all things as the Son of God.

4. The Church of the Firstborn: Hebrews 12:23 refers to "the assembly of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven." This phrase highlights the believers' privileged status as co-heirs with Christ, the Firstborn, sharing in His inheritance and eternal life.

Theological Implications

The title "Firstborn" as applied to Christ encapsulates His divine nature, eternal existence, and sovereign authority. It affirms His role as the mediator of creation and redemption, the head of the Church, and the heir of all things. This designation emphasizes the unique and unparalleled dignity of Christ, who, being fully God and fully man, bridges the gap between humanity and the divine.

Christ's Preeminence in Worship and Devotion

The recognition of Christ as the Firstborn calls for His exaltation in worship and devotion. As the one who holds the highest place in all creation and the new creation, He is worthy of all honor, glory, and praise. The acknowledgment of His preeminence shapes the life and faith of believers, who are called to live in submission to His lordship and in anticipation of His return.

In summary, the title "Firstborn" ascribed to Jesus Christ is a profound declaration of His divine dignity, authority, and preeminence, central to the Christian faith and the understanding of His redemptive work.Psalm 89:27
Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 8:29
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Colossians 1:18
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Whether Christ's Mother Remained a virgin after his Birth?
... that the Lord of angels shall be born of her ... For, in the first place, this is derogatory
to Christ's ... Thirdly, this is derogatory to the dignity and holiness of ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christs mother remained a.htm

The Sacrifice of Purification, and the Ransom of the First-Born ...
... had to be paid for other first-born sons, in ... it, simply and unostentatiously, the
high dignity and destiny ... we of course believe that Christ strictly fulfilled ...
/.../section 17 the sacrifice of.htm

Whether Christ was the First to Rise from the Dead?
... says the gloss, "He rose first in point of time and dignity.". ... their bodies, it remains
to be seen how Christ can be understood to be 'the first-born of the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ was the first.htm

The Priesthood of Christ
... act of consecration, therefore, was performed by Christ, as the ... us partners with
him of that dignity in such ... of his body the Church, the first-born among many ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration iv the priesthood of.htm

Christ Clothed with the True Substance of Human Nature.
... Had he said at first that believers are of God ... any ground for being ashamed of persons
possessing such dignity? ... that the children of God are not born of flesh ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 13 christ clothed with.htm

Whether the Mother of God was a virgin in Conceiving Christ?
... is fitting for four reasons that Christ should be born of a virgin. First, in order
to maintain the dignity or the Father Who sent Him. For since Christ is the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the mother of god 2.htm

Whether Christ's Birth Should have Been Made Known to Some?
... 3: The very disturbance that arose when it was known that Christ was born was becoming
to His birth. First, because thus the heavenly dignity of Christ is made ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christs birth should have 2.htm

Matthew's Genealogy of Jesus Christ
... He was regarded as His reputed father's first-born child, and ... He is thought of as
the first King, for ... at the very outset, His Messianic, regal dignity, as the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/matthews genealogy of jesus christ.htm

Once More He Challenges Him to the Profession of the Creed of ...
... office, the height of the presbyterate, the dignity of the ... and invisible; and in
the Lord Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, the first-born of every ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter vi once more he.htm

Christ, to Perform the Office of Mediator, Behoved to Become Man.
... both of men and angels, so the dignity which was ... what no rational person will grant,
that Christ could have ... eternal Word of God, he is the first-born of every ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 12 christ to perform.htm

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