NAU Colossians 1:13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-- all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.
In what sense is Christ the firstborn of creation? I believe it is the Jehovah's Witnesses which view this literally; that Christ was born of His Father sometime before the creation of this world. However, in the context of this passage, Jesus is the firstborn of the (new) creation by His resurrection from the second death. No one, but Christ, has died the second death. He conquered the grave so He might have first place in everything; that He might be Lord of the living and the dead (Romans 14:9). And as Lord over the grave, He has power to call us back from the grave.
It is also interesting to note that, in the Old Testament, the one who received the rights of the first born was not always the first born; it was matter of God's blessing rather than man's birth order. It depended on the the Lord's Promise rather than human plans and schemes. Thus, we see Isaac coming after Ishmael but receiving the rights of the firstborn. Jacob comes after Esau but receives the rights of the firstborn. And Christ coming after Adam but receiving the rights of the firstborn. The promise of God's word has more authority than the logic and traditions of man!
Who are we to tell our creator the order of things?
Application: How have I sought to tell God the order of things? How have I mis-interpreted His word and promises with my traditions?
Prayer: Father, I'm not sure I know the answers to these questions. And to be honest, I'm really afraid to look. This morning I'm tired and afraid to look at myself. I must simply say thanks for rescuing me from the domain of darkness. Thank You for transferring me into the kingdom of Your Son; for redeeming me and forgiving my sins.
Lord draw my heart close to You today. Cause my faith and confidence in You to grow. Help me to abide in the glory of Your presence and to trust in Your grace. Order my life, that I might be a co-heir with Christ. A first born son as it were.
