Jesus Christ, who is . . . the firstborn from the dead” (Revelation 1:5). Is Jesus the Firstborn from the Dead? The expression “the firstborn of the dead” occurs twice in the New Testament. a. It was used first by Paul in Colossians 1:18.and the second occurs in Rev 1:5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first-born of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. At the beginning of the book of Revelation, John writes this greeting to the churches he’s addressing: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. (Revelation 1:4-5) The title “firstborn of the dead” for Jesus is of great theological importance, especially with Easter in the background. The Greek word for “firstborn” that John uses is ‘prōtotokos’, a word that literally refers to birth order—the first child born. This is a concept of great significance in the Old Testament, where the firstborn son inherited his father’s place as head of the family, receiving the father’s blessing and a double portion of the inheritance (Deuteronomy 21:17). After the Passover in Egypt, God told his people that every firstborn child was set aside as his own (Exodus 13:2), and the nation of Israel as a whole was referred to as God’s “firstborn son” (Exodus 4:22). In referring to Jesus as the firstborn of the dead, John is drawing words and imagery from Psalms 89:1 which celebrates the kingship of David and His line with phrases like “the firstborn,” “the highest of the kings of the earth,” and the idea that the Messiah’s throne will be a “faithful witness in the sky.” Calling Jesus firstborn portrays Him as the heir of David, exalted and lifted up as the representative of his people. In fact, Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:20) Jesus has conquered the grave and done what no mortal man has ever done. He has come back from the dead never to die again. What happens to those who believe in Him? Thank God, we are not left to wonder or to speculate. God Himself has spoken on that subject. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 says, For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.” Amen.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 17:32:15 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015