Firstborn from the Dead

And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

Colossians 1:18*

The reality that Jesus rose from the dead is one of the most important tenants of the Christian faith. Because Christ rose from the dead, all true believers have the hope and assurance of resurrection, which is based on the fact that the Lord is the firstborn from the dead.

Unfortunately, many don’t understand this title because Jesus wasn't the very first to rise from the dead. Both Elijah and Elisha brought someone back from death and a cadaver also came to life where it touched Elisha’s bones. Christ also resurrected three people before coming back to life Himself.

The title doesn't refer to chronological order but to legal right. The firstborn is the heir. He owns it and can give it to others as He wishes. Life, the power of resurrection, and immortality belong to the Lord and those who rose from the grave before Jesus did so by His power and authority. He always has the preeminence.

Yes! He came from heaven,
Suffered in our stead;
Praise to Him be given,
“Firstborn from the dead!”
Jesus, meek and lowly,
Come the lost to save;
He the victim holy
Triumphed o’re the grave.

                                     Hanna K. Burlingham (1842-1901)

*see also Revelations 1:5