The Bible declares that Jesus Christ is the “firstborn over all creation” (Colossians 1:15). This is a profound statement about the divine nature and preeminent position of Christ. But what exactly does it mean? Here is an in-depth look at the biblical teaching on Jesus as the “firstborn” over Creation:
The Title “Firstborn”
The title “firstborn” (prototokos in Greek) indicates priority, preeminence, sovereignty, and inheritance rights. It refers to the firstborn son who had a privileged position in the family during biblical times. He would receive a double portion of the inheritance and become the head of the household after the father’s death (Deuteronomy 21:17). Therefore, Jesus being the “firstborn” means He holds the highest rank and authority over all of creation.
The Preexistent Christ
Calling Christ the “firstborn over creation” implies His preexistence before anything was created. Scripture reveals that the Son of God was with the Father before the world began (John 17:5, 24). Jesus claimed, “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58). He was sent into the world by the Father (John 3:17). These verses indicate that the Son existed in eternity past with the Father. As the eternal Son, He rules over all creation because He was instrumental in bringing it into being.
Creator of All Things
Not only did Christ exist before creation, but everything that was created was made by Him. The Bible explicitly declares Jesus to be the agent of creation – “All things were created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16). God the Father created the universe through His Son: “through whom also he created the world” (Hebrews 1:2). John’s gospel opens with the profound truth – “All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). As the Creator of everything, Jesus rightfully holds the highest authority and position over all creation.
Supremacy Over All
The supremacy of Christ over creation is also seen in what follows after the statement “firstborn over all creation.” The passage says Christ is “before all things” and in Him “all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17). He is called “the beginning” and “the firstborn from the dead” (Colossians 1:18). And God was pleased that “all fullness dwell in Him” so He would be preeminent (Colossians 1:19). Clearly, Jesus holds the top position because He ranks first above everything else. As the eternal Son and active agent in creating all things, He rightfully enjoys full supremacy over the entire universe.
Inheritor and Heir
An important aspect of being the firstborn is holding the inheritance rights. Jesus is appointed “heir of all things” by the Father (Hebrews 1:2). God promised His Son – “Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession” (Psalm 2:8). The Father has given dominion and authority over everything in heaven and earth to His Son: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). As the universally recognized Heir, Jesus will one day inherit the fullness of an eternal kingdom that will never end.
The Firstborn from the Dead
Not only is Christ the eternal firstborn over all creation, but He is also the firstborn from the dead when He resurrected. His defeat of death confirms His supreme authority: “He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent” (Colossians 1:18). As “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20), Jesus guarantees the future resurrection for all who belong to Him. The exalted position of the risen Savior as the firstborn from the dead means He holds the keys to death and life.
Superior to Angels
The book of Hebrews utilizes the firstborn title to argue that Jesus is superior to the angels: “When God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, ‘Let all God’s angels worship him'” (Hebrews 1:6). As the one all angels must worship, Jesus is exalted far above any heavenly being. This sets Him apart as supreme.
The Unique Son
When the New Testament uses firstborn language for Jesus, it does not imply He was literally born first before other sons. God did not birth the preexistent Christ. Rather, firstborn refers to Christ’s supreme status over creation. He has always existed as the eternal Son. The apostle John makes it clear that Jesus is the “only Son” and “only God” who is at the Father’s side (John 1:18). In short, Jesus is utterly unique as the uncreated Son who made all things and rules over all.
Not Inferior to the Father
In His divine role as the firstborn, Jesus remains equal to God the Father. The Father has supreme authority and the Son is subject to Him. But this functional submission does not make the Son inferior in nature or attributes. The New Testament teaches the full deity of Christ, affirming He is “in very nature God” (Philippians 2:6). The Father and Son, along with the Spirit, make up the triune Godhead. So while the Father positionally takes highest precedence, all three Persons of the Trinity share the same divine nature.
The Sovereign Lord
In summary, the magnificent truth that Jesus is “the firstborn over all creation” highlights several key facts:
1) Jesus existed eternally as the Son of God before anything was created.
2) As active Creator and Divine Agent, Jesus made all things.
3) Jesus rightfully holds the highest rank and authority over all creation as the Sovereign Lord.
4) God has appointed His Son as the Heir who will inherit all things.
5) As the firstborn from the dead, Jesus defeated death and reigns victorious over all powers.
6) The worship given to Jesus by angels proves His superiority over all heavenly beings.
7) Jesus was not literally born or created since He is the eternal Son.
8) While functionally subordinate to the Father, the Son is equal to Him in nature and attributes.
What an astounding Savior we have! Let us worship Jesus Christ as the sovereign Lord over creation, redeemed saints, and the entire cosmos. All glory, honor, and praise be to Him – the supreme and exalted Son of God!