What Does it Mean that Jesus is Firstborn from the Dead?

The Preeminence of Christ in Colossians 1

In Colossians 1 we read that Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities.

All things were created through him and for him. And 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, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

What It Means That Christ Is Firstborn

Twice here is Jesus described as firstborn. He is firstborn of all creation and he is firstborn from the dead. This does not mean he was created by God, nor does it mean that he is subordinate or less powerful than God.

Remember, Christ is preeminent. There is nothing above him. Jesus is God and he is one with God, so he is not less than God. This reference to firstborn comes from the Old Testament. God refers to Israel as his firstborn.

He calls King David his firstborn. Isaac and Jacob received the rights of firstborn sons, though they were not first in birth order. This is a title of preeminence and when applied to Christ, it means he surpasses all others.

The Resurrection Hope in Christ

Saying that he is firstborn from the dead is also a promise for us. Jesus was the first to rise from the grave and receive a glorified body and there will be others. He will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

There is nothing higher that anyone can gain than Jesus Christ. Those who trust in him are fully satisfied in their Savior when we understand the text. For more information visit www .fema .org.