The First Born
Jesus The Firstborn?
Many times people use the phrase "Firstborn" as proof that YESHUA is the first man created by ELOHIM. However, is this truly what the Bible teaches?
In Colossians 1:15, the Bible seems to speak of YESHUA as a created being, or a creature of God.
Colossians 1:15 "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation."
And yet, as you read on, you will notice that verse 16 directly contradicts verse 15, by rather referring to YESHUA as The Creator
Colossians 1:16 "All things were created by him and for him."
And in verse 17 and 18, we are made to understand that YESHUA is not a product of Creation but pre-existed Creation.
Colossians 1:17 "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together."
So, if we summarize Colossians 1:15-18, the Bible is conveying to us that YESHUA is the firstborn, the Creator, pre-existing Creation, He is the beginning, and First in all things.
Colossians 1:15-18 "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, because in Him were created all things in the heavens and upon the earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or lordships or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and unto Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 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."
In order to discern the wisdom or truth that is being communicated to us through these verses, it is first important to understand the meaning of the expression 'Firstborn'. Let's examine Scriptures.
First and foremost, a careful reading helps us understand that the term 'Firstborn' in the Bible does not always refer to the one who opens his mother's womb or the first born child in a family.
We have the example of Joseph who had two sons: Manasseh and Ephraim. Manasseh being the elder, he is called the firstborn.
Genesis 41:51-52 "Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, saying, 'God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s household. And the second son he named Ephraim, saying, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction."
Yet the title of Firstborn is also given to Ephraim, his youngest son,
Jeremiah 31:9 "For I am Israel’s Father, and Ephraim is My firstborn.”
This because kingship had been bestowed upon Ephraim and he was called to be mightily exalted above Manasseh.
Genesis 48:19 "He too shall become a people, and he too shall be great; nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.”"
We also have the example of Jesse who gave the title 'Firstborn' to his youngest son David, even though his brother Eliab was the eldest in the family. This is because David was to be the most elevated king on earth.
Psalm 89:21-28 "I have found David my servant; I have anointed him with my holy oil...And I will make him the firstborn, The highest of the kings of the earth."
Notice that the nation of Israel is also called 'Firstborn' because they are called to sit in a special place of privilege and blessing among the nations.
Exodus 4:22 "Then tell Pharaoh that this is what the LORD says: ‘Israel is My firstborn son"
When the Bible declares YESHUA is the Firstborn, it is not in reference to any physical creation but rather in recognition of His supreme rank, superiority, and the sovereign authority of the Son (The Word) who also rules over all creation, both angelic and human.
He is the cause of creation, for it is He, The Word, who has declared "Let there be light". He is the Alpha and the beginning of all things.
Revelation 22:12-13 "Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
In other words, the Bible validates that the intrinsic Oneness of the Father and the Son is the universal and royal rule that is the prerogative of ELOHIM, for it is impossible to separate Himself from His Own Word.
John 10:30 "I and the Father are one."
May the Holy Spirit guide you in understanding this message.