What does it mean that Jesus is the “firstborn” over Creation?

Answer

In a letter to the church at Colossae, the Apostle Paul provided an intriguing description of Jesus. He explained Christ’s relationship with God the Father and creation. Some have argued that Paul’s portrayal of Christ as the firstborn of creation implies that Jesus was created— not eternal, not God. However, this belief contradicts the rest of the Bible. Christ cannot be both Creator and created; John 1 clearly identifies Him as the Creator. Let’s carefully examine the passage where Jesus is referred to as the firstborn.

Colossians 1:15-21

“And He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 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 by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also the head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.”

Jesus is God

Christ’s relationship with His Father commences with the phrase “the image of the invisible God.” The term “image,” signifying a copy or likeness, conveys Christ’s divinity. This term implies more than a mere resemblance, more than a representation. He is God! Despite taking on human form, He possesses the exact nature of His Father «who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; », (Hebrews 1:3).

The “Word” in John 1:1 represents a divine Person, not a mere philosophical concept. Through the incarnation, the invisible God became visible in Christ; divinity was united with humanity «and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. », (Matthew 17:2). God is present in Christ: visible, audible, approachable, knowable, and accessible. Everything that God embodies, Christ embodies.

Jesus is the Lord of Creation.

Referring to Christ’s preexistence, the term “firstborn of all creation” emphasizes that He is not a created being but the eternal Creator «He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. », (John 1:10). God brought the world into existence through Christ and also redeemed it through Him (Hebrews 1:2-4).

It is important to note that Jesus is referred to as the firstborn, not as the first-created. The term “firstborn” (Greek word “prototokos”) denotes priority. In the Ancient Near East culture, the firstborn did not necessarily have to be the eldest child. “Firstborn” indicated not birth order but rather status. The firstborn held the inheritance and leadership.

Hence, this expression signifies Christ’s supremacy over creation. Following Jesus’ resurrection, God bestowed upon Him authority over the Earth «And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. », (Matthew 28:18). Jesus is the Creator, Savior, and Ruler of the world. He is the eternal, acknowledged Head of creation.

Lastly, this phrase acknowledges Him as the Messiah: “I will make Him [Christ] My firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth” «Also I will make him my firstborn, Higher than the kings of the earth. », (Psalms 89:27).

Her than the kings of the earth. », (Psalm 89:27).

Six times the Lord Jesus is declared to be the firstborn of God (see Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15, 18; Hebrews 1:6; Hebrews 12:23; Revelation 1:5). These passages affirm the preexistence, sovereignty, and redemption that Christ offers.

Thus, the phrase “firstborn of all creation” proclaims Christ’s preeminence. As the eternal Son of God, He created the universe. He is the Ruler of creation!