Jesus The Firstborn

This name is applied to Christ by St. Paul, in Hebrews, and by John.  In Romans 8:29 Paul says that God predestinated those whom He foreknew to be conformed to the image of His Son, "in order that he might be the firstborn among many brethren".  In Colossians 1:18 he describes Him as "the firstborn from the dead", in close association with the titles "the Head of the Body" and "the Beginning", and immediately followed by the words, "that in all things he might have the preeminence and the affirmation," "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell".  Finally in Colossians 1: 15-17, along with the name "the Image of the invisible God", he speaks of Him as "the firstborn of all creation", and declares that "in him all things were created", and "he is before all things", and that "in him all things hold together".  The name is used also in Hebrews 1:6, "When he again bringeth the firstborn into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him", and in the greetings of Revelation 1:4f, "Grace to you and peace...and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth". The Christological importance of these titles is manifest.

This terminology is derived from the Old Testament where it is used of Israel in Exodus 4:22, of Ephraim in Jeremiah 31:9, and of the Messianic King in Psalm 89:27.  It carries with it all the associations which were connected with the firstborn in the flock, held to belong to God, and the firstborn son who inherited the birthright and a double share of the inheritance.  In Paul's passages, the name assigns both priority and sovereignty to Christ.  Colossians 1:15, 18, in particular, imply that Christ occupies a place of absolute supremacy.  This claim is proved, not only by the other names with which "the Firstborn" is associated in these passages, but also by the great doctrinal statements which are appended. 

The name also implies some form of pre-existence, as also in Hebrews 1:6.  The use of the name is a primitive attempt to indicate the unique character of Christ's person in relation to God, man, and the universe.  In Paul's intention there is no ambiguity; the name describes Christ as sovereign Lord before creation, and yet, in the mystery of divine grace, as "firstborn of a great brotherhood".

-excerpt was adapted from The Names of Jesus by Vincent Taylor pg 147-9

Jesus The Firstborn - Pt 2

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether they are kings, lords, rulers, or powers. All things have been created through him and for him. He himself existed before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is also the head of the body, which is the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he himself might have first place in everything." Colossians 1:15-18 (ISV)

Jesus is the image of the invisible God, and He is the firstborn of all creation.

Notice that Christ is the image of the invisible God. I believe this statement supports the view that He is still a man, even in His glorified state. It does not read, "He was", but "is" the image of God. This term "image" refers to Christ's being a reproduction of God, a manifestation of Him. When He was on earth, when people saw Him, they saw God; when people heard him, they heard God. He "revealed" God (cf. John 1:18). Here, Paul is not only saying that Christ, while on earth, was physical--a man, but that He still is, even in heaven.

Let's move on to the second phrase, which adds to the first, and gives further reason to believe that He is human. The term "firstborn" primarily has to do with rank or priority in relation to other things (cf. Psalm 89:27, Jeremiah 31:9). Notice that His being firstborn is in relation to "all creation." This tells us that Christ is a part of creation. Before you stop reading and announce me a heretic, let me explain. I am not saying that Christ was the first one created by God, as some groups teach. The context here and in many other passages makes it clear that Christ is eternal (cf. Isaiah 9:6, Micah 5:2, I Timothy 1:17, 6:16, Hebrews 7:3). What I believe Paul is referring to is Jesus' incarnation, that is, His birth on earth as a human. His being fully human makes Him a part of creation. Yet, by Paul's use of the terms "image" and "of all creation," he made sure that the Colossian believers understood that Jesus Christ was, and is, man.

In what way was Christ "firstborn?" Verses 16 and 17 explain why Christ is firstborn. Paul explains in these 2 verses that Christ both existed before all things, and that He created all things. This puts Him outside the realm of creation. Therefore, He could not be "first in a group." Christ, as a human, is first in rank and supreme to His creation. As an aside, notice the other use of the term "firstborn" in verse 18. His being firstborn from the dead didn't mean He was the first one raised from the dead. Others were raised from the dead before Him. They, however, are now dead. Christ lives. In relation to others raised from the dead, He is supreme; His resurrection was supreme.

Notice, lastly, that the reason Jesus was firstborn of all creation, the head of the church, and the first to come back to life, was "so that He would have first place in everything." The whole context is speaking of first place, or supremacy, not the order of things.

-excerpt adapted from http://truthsaves.org/firstborn.shtml

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