List of Names & Titles



FIRSTBORN FROM THE DEAD


"He is the Image of the Invisible God, the Firstborn of Every Creature. For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers. All things were created through Him, and for Him. And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. And He is the Head of the Body, the Church. He is the Beginning, the Firstborn from the Dead; so that in all things He might have the preeminence; for it pleased the Father that in Him should all the fulness dwell." (Colossians 1:15-19)

"John, to the seven churches which are in Asia; grace be unto 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, who is the Faithful Witness, and the Firstborn of-the Dead, and the Prince of-the Kings of-the Earth." (Revelation 1:4-5)

Firstborn: from the Greek word prototokos which means "first-born, the eldest; the first to be born among other children who follow afterwards; properly - first in time." (from two greek words: protos which means "first, chief, formost, or pre-eminent" and tikto which means "bring forth", thus begat, or give birth")

Firstborn: The firstborn, the eldest son of a Father. The firstborn in ancient Jewish culture, enjoyed certain special privileges. Their fathers' birthright was transfered to them. The firstborn son inherited a double portion of their fathers estate (Deut. 21:17). The first-born of kings inherited their fathers' throne and rule over the kingdom (2 Chr. 21:3). The priesthood was first bestowed upon each firstborn son, before being transfered to the tribe of Levi (Num. 3:12). (See Easton's Bible Dictionary here: First-born and here: Birthright).

From: from the Greek word ek which means "from, from out of." The word has a two-layered meaning ("out from, and to, or into") which makes it out-come oriented. Thus from out of the depths of the source (the dead), and extending to its impact (everlasting resurrection life) on the object (Jesus, and by implication, eventually all truly born again Christians)"

Dead: from the Greek word nekros which means "to be dead, lifeless, a dead body" - literally: what lacks life. The dead, in the sense of people who have died, either in a singular or plural sense."

Jesus is the Firstborn of the Father, our heavenly Father; and He has assumed all of His birthright inheritance along with His Father, since the Father can never die! But before Jesus assumed His birthright He first "...made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Phillipians 2:7-8)

Jesus was dead!

However, although "Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures"; and was buried, He rose again from the dead on the third day according to the scriptures. (see 1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Thus, Jesus is the Fathers' Firstborn who has risen From the Dead; and the Dead referring to all those who have died in Christ Jesus. Thus He is the the Firstborn of-the Dead! Consider these verses:

"Now if Christ is preached that He rose from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not risen; and if Christ has not risen, then our preaching is vain, and your faith is also vain. Yes, and we are found to be false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He raised not up, if in fact the dead do not risre. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ has not been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain; and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life we only have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now Christ has been raised from the dead, and became the Firstfruits of those who have slept. For since by a man came death, by a Man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But each man in his own order: Christ the Firstfruits; afterwards those who are Christ's at His coming. Then comes the end...!" (1 Corinthians 15: 12-24)

"Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God; neither does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, 'Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?' The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!" (1cor 15: 50-57)

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the Firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom He did predestinate, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified!" (Romans 8:28-29)

Thus, this title of Jesus, the Firstborn From the Dead, clearly has some wonderful prophetic meaning for all saints who have already died, and will yet die before His Second Coming. Consider these verses:

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, that you sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so those also who sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain untill the coming of the Lord shall not precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with those in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Jesus is ...
the Firstborn From the Dead

The Preeminent Firstborn Risen Son of the Father!
And the Firstborn by birthright, of many risen brethren!

"Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

Truly, truly, this is Wonderful News!

My hope and prayer is that this devotional will help draw you close to the Lord Jesus as you spend time in personal meditative thoughtfulness on what this title or name means in regards to your own relationship with Jesus!

If you have been blessed by this devotional, then perhaps prayerfully consider who you might share this web page with.
May Jesus, the Firstborn from the Dead, bless you with the right to the Tree of Life - forever and ever!

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