What Is the “Firstborn”?
I sent the following to a friend recently in response to her misunderstanding of the biblical concept of the “firstborn”. I’d like your input about my explanation of this concept.
“You had a question regarding Jesus as the firstborn. I thought I might make a suggestion. God is the one who decides who the first born is, and He gave many examples in the Old Testament to prepare us for this: Ishmael was the firstborn, but Isaac was chosen. Esau was the first born, but Jacob was chosen. Reuben was the firstborn, but Judah was chosen. David was way down the list of his father’s sons, but God chose him. Solomon was the fourth born to David, but he was chosen.
“All these are referred to as being ‘firstborn’. The term means ‘pre-eminent’. The Bible says Jesus was the firstborn from the dead. What does that mean?
“People were raised from the dead in the Old Testament, and Jesus raised several as recorded in the New Testament. Jesus, though, was raised never to die again; He is the firstborn of the firstfruits of the resurrection of the glorified body. Jesus is pre-eminent—the firstborn chosen of the Father.
“I hope this helps.”
Response: Yes! The “firstborn” idea is so rich; I love how you pointed out that God prefigured Jesus’ firstborn status all through the Old Testament by giving firstborn blessings and privileges to later-borns. That is so significant! Even the church composed of Jews and gentiles can be seen as “firstborn” in inheriting the new covenant blessings over Israel as a whole.
And Jesus being the firstborn from the dead—yes! That answers so many questions, doesn’t it? (Moses can’t have appeared as a resurrected man on the Mount of Transfiguration because Jesus had not yet died and risen.)
What a great response!
Ceremonial Laws Separate from Moral?
How do you respond to Adventists who separate the decalogue from the ceremonial and food laws? Adventists always separate them and say we are supposed to follow the decalogue and food laws and only the ceremonial law was fulfilled by Christ.
—VIA YOUTUBE
Response: Interestingly, those “food laws” are also ceremonial. There is definite inconsistency in Adventism’s definitions of “law”. Here is an article that explains where this tradition began and why it is a misuse of what the Bible tells us about the law.
Who Is Responsible For Human Sin?
Satan is not responsible for the fall of humanity…!!!??? Did I hear right…??? (See “Sanctuary Sleight of Hand”).
—VIA YOUTUBE
Response: You heard right. Check out Romans 5:12–21 and 1 Corinthians 15:21, 22. Adam, not Satan, is held responsible for human sin.
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