Firstborn

The Lord Jesus Christ was born first in Joseph and Mary’s family (Matt. 1:25; Luke 2:7) and He is also set in the first place, in rank and position, in everything in connection with the purpose of God (Rom. 8:29; Col. 1:15,18; Heb. 1:6; Rev. 1:5). Thus, He is “Firstborn” in both ways.
Colossians 1:15 says that He is “the Firstborn of all creation.” Being the Creator of the universe (John 1:3), when He came into the world (His incarnation), He could have no other place than that of Head of His own creation. Being the Firstborn among His creatures distinguishes Him as having a superior place to them. Colossians 1:18 indicates that the Lord is Firstborn in another way. When He rose “from among the dead,” He became the “Firstborn” of a whole new race of men (Rom. 8:29 – “many brethren”). Since they are of the same “kind” as He is in new creation (compare Gen. 1:24), they are entirely suited to be His eternal companions, and thus “He is not ashamed to call them brethren” (Heb. 2:11). As “the Firstborn from the dead,” the Lord Jesus is the triumphant Redeemer who now has the right to receive the saints’ praise and worship (Rev. 1:5-6). Revelation 1:5 indicates that the Lord as “Firstborn” has the title and right to take the inheritance (every created thing) and to reign over it, which He will do at His appearing (Rev. 1:7).
B. Anstey