Topical Bible: Titles and Names of the Church: Church of the First-Born

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Topical Encyclopedia

The title "Church of the First-Born" is a significant designation found within the New Testament, specifically in the book of Hebrews. This title emphasizes the preeminence and privileged status of the church in relation to Christ and the divine inheritance promised to believers.

Biblical Reference:

The primary scriptural reference for the "Church of the First-Born" is found in Hebrews 12:23, which states: "to the assembly of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven; to God, the Judge of all; to the spirits of the righteous made perfect" . This passage situates the church within a heavenly context, highlighting its spiritual and eternal nature.

Theological Significance:

1. First-Born Status:
The term "first-born" in biblical tradition often denotes a position of honor and inheritance. In the Old Testament, the first-born son typically received a double portion of the inheritance and held a place of leadership within the family (Deuteronomy 21:17). By referring to the church as the "Church of the First-Born," the New Testament underscores the church's privileged position as heirs with Christ, who is described as "the firstborn over all creation" (Colossians 1:15).

2. Heavenly Citizenship:
The phrase "enrolled in heaven" in Hebrews 12:23 suggests that members of the Church of the First-Born possess a heavenly citizenship. This enrollment signifies that believers are part of a divine registry, affirming their eternal security and identity in Christ. The church is not merely an earthly institution but a spiritual assembly with its ultimate home in the heavenly realms.

3. Communion with the Righteous:
The mention of "the spirits of the righteous made perfect" in the same verse indicates the church's connection with the faithful who have gone before. This communion with the saints reflects the unity and continuity of God's people across time, united in their faith and perfected through Christ's redemptive work.

4. Christ as the First-Born:
The title also reflects the church's relationship with Christ, who is the "firstborn from the dead" (Colossians 1:18). As the first to rise from the dead, Christ secures the resurrection and eternal life for all who belong to Him. The church, therefore, shares in His victory over death and is assured of its future resurrection and glorification.

Historical and Ecclesiological Context:

Throughout church history, the concept of the Church of the First-Born has been a source of encouragement and identity for believers. It reminds the church of its divine calling and the eschatological hope that awaits. The title serves as a reminder of the church's mission to live as a holy and distinct people, reflecting the character of Christ, the true First-Born.

In ecclesiological terms, the Church of the First-Born is seen as the universal body of believers, transcending denominational and cultural boundaries. It is a spiritual entity that encompasses all who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, united by the Holy Spirit and destined for eternal fellowship with God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 12:23
To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christian Names.
... of the individual, or in his relation to the church. ... When we thus give our children
names associated with battle-fields, empty titles, brilliant honors ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xii christian names.htm

Contents and Character of the Extant Works.
... Lord) was called Jesus Christ, deriving the titles from the ... or even possible, in
our own church and time ... reciting before the Holy Table the names approved as ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/ix contents and character of the.htm

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... individuals the solid and ancient Corinthian Church is in ... reader will observe that,
while the titles "presbyter" and ... The names of the first two suggest that ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

Inviolable Messiahs and Prophets
... The Psalmist transfers to them the great titles which properly ... the walls of Rome;
where a gaudy church stands now ... up to the level of the high names which we ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/inviolable messiahs and prophets.htm

To John the Oeconomus.
... But this common use of titles gives no offence to men who are instructed in true ...
Teachers of the Church, however, constantly used the names of the ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cxlvi to john the oeconomus.htm

The People on the Earth: Chapters 2-3
... Note how the titles of Christ in verse 8 ("I am He ... Some of the names are "blotted
out." The others are confessed ... This can have no reference to the Church of God ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the people on the earth .htm

The Introduction: Chapter 1
... What the combination of these titles says to us here is ... in Jesus." But the fellowship
of the Church of God ... and the testimony of Jesus" are other names for this ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the introduction chapter 1.htm

Gregory Further Shows that the Only-Begotten Being Begotten not ...
... For the Church believes that the true Father is truly ... For he who hears the titles
"Son of God" and ... that godly conceptions may not by these names be impressed ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 7 gregory further shows.htm

Chapter v
... subdivisions in Genesis and append to them our own titles. ... The meaning of the names
Seth and Enosh has ... testifying for the Lord and His church against Satan's ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter v.htm

Cli. Letter or Address of Theodoret to the Monks of the ...
... but she is honoured with the highest titles on account of ... his heart's desire, let
him employ high names, let him ... confession of the faith of the Church; this is ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cli letter or address of.htm