Firstborn

If the Bible says Jesus is "everlasting" or eternal (Micah 5:2), then why is He referred to in Hebrews 1:6 as "the firstborn"?

In the Bible the term "firstborn" is sometimes used to emphasize qualitative priority rather than chronological order.  Thus, God calls the nation Israel "My firstborn son," for although the Israelites were not the world's first nation chronologically, they bore a special relationship to God as His missionary people. Exodus 4:22  God likewise called David "My firstborn" among kings, for even though he was not Israel's first king chronologically, not even the firstborn in his own family, his faithfulness to God made him "the most exalted of the kings of the earth." Psalm 89:20,27

Similarly, Jesus is referred to as "the firstborn," not because He was "born" before the other creatures, but because He is Himself their Creator and Redeemer and is, therefore, to be revered as such by all creation.

Home | Real Audio | Real Video | PDF Outline | Contact | Prayer