Destiny of the Firstborn

The Scripture declares the Lord Jesus Christ is the "First-born".

Colossians 1:15-18 Romans 8:29

In doing this it is using the family culture of Old Testament Israel, instituted by God Himself, to picture His relationship to God the Father and to us as God's children.

The Picture in Israel

To be the "First-born" in Old Testament Israel did not necessarily mean they were the first born, e.g.

Isaac - Gen. 16-22 Jacob - Gen. 25-27 Joseph - Gen.49:22-26 Ephraim -Gen. 48:10-20 David - Psalm 89:19-37

The Firstborn held special status in the family. He had . . .

Special Position

He was the father's "right-hand man". He represented the father's authority to the family.

Special Inheritance

He received a double-portion of the inheritance.

Special Responsibility

He held responsibility for the welfare of the family. This was why he received the double-portion inheritance. He had sufficient to help any of the family should they be in need.

Deuteronomy 21:17 Exodus 34:19 Numbers 3:11-12 Genesis 43:33

Jesus - The First-born

The Lord Jesus is declared to be "Firstborn" in three distinct relationships. In other words, He holds the special status in these relationships. He is . . .

First-born over all creation

Colossians 1:15

First-born from among the dead

Colossians 1:18

First-born among many brothers

Romans 8:29

The Lord Jesus is, and always has been, the Firstborn, with the special position, inheritance and responsibility, over all creation. So when Man, the highest of God's creation, fell, He took His responsibility and came to save us. So, as Firstborn over all creation, He became Firstborn from among the dead, and through His resurrection, bringing many sons back into glory with Him, He became Firstborn among many brothers.

Parable of Two Sons

Luke 15:11-32

In this parable, the older brother was just as "lost" in his relationship to his father as was the younger brother who took his inheritance and left home. The older brother failed in all three areas of being "Firstborn". He failed to take his position, he failed to use his inheritance, and he failed to take his responsibility for the younger brother.

"But you have come to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven" Heb. 12:22-23