Preeminent
"He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent."
How is Jesus being the firstborn from the dead related to his preeminence in everything? Let's think. The "firstborn from the dead" refers to Christ's resurrection. He was the first to be raised from the dead. But he is the first among whom? Scripture teaches us that all who believe (rely on, trust in, and lean on Jesus for their righteous standing as they seek to serve God) will also one day be raised from the dead; resurrected into new bodies.
Now, considering these believers in Jesus - these followers of Christ, how is it that they play a role in Christ being preeminent in all things? First of all, we must remember that humanity is the crown of all creation. It is in regards to humanity that God was most pleased (Genesis 1:31). As a matter of fact, we see in Genesis 1 that creation seems to have been made for humanity's cultivation and enjoyment.
But creation is now fallen and along with it, humanity. Thus, humanity will be resurrected. In this resurrection, humanity will be repaired unto perfection. And the Bible promises that in accordance with this resurrection, God will renew all things, the heavens and the earth (Rev. 21).
So, Jesus being the firstborn is the beginning of the end. He is first resurrected, followed by humanity, then the heavens and the earth. Christ's resurrection signals that God has great things in store for those that love him, along with this broken creation: loving allegiance unto King Jesus.
Created about 1 year ago
