The Church of the Firstborn..

Part 1 of 3

The Scriptures refer to the church in many ways. It's called the church, the church of God, the church of God in Christ, etc. It's also often named after the location: The Church of Ephesus, The Churches in Asia, etc. But in one particular instance, the writer to the Hebrews called it the "Church of the firstborn". Here is the Scripture in its context:

Heb 12:18-24 "For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more..(For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake).. But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 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, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel."

These passages tell us of the greater New Covenant substance that the believer has come into upon salvation. More specifically, in addressing the Hebrew Christians, the writer exhorted them toward Jesus and His greater New Covenant realities. He was swaying them away from their previous Old Covenant Mosaic economy, which had been their joy for so many years. We now, under the New Covenant, have become partakers of greater benefits: unto Zion (vs. 22), unto the heavenly Jerusalem (vs. 22), unto an innumerable company of angels (vs. 22), unto the general assembly (vs. 23), unto God the Judge of all (vs. 23), unto the spirits of just men made perfect (vs. 23), unto Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant (vs. 24), unto the blood of sprinkling (vs. 24), and unto the "church of the firstborn" (vs. 23)! Each of these benefits possesses such great significance, but we will focus on this last one: the church of the firstborn.

This may be a title for God's church, but what does it mean? Just what signifies the Church as the "church of the firstborn"? To better understand these questions, we must understand the natural Israelite significance of being the firstborn son. These truths then, are transferred upon the New Covenant believer, in Christ!

In the Old Testament, there was special attention given to the "firstborn". Primarily, the firstborn received a "birthright". All sons could receive an inheritance from their father, but the firstborn was to receive a double portion (Deut 21:17).

Notice the attention that is given to the firstborn throughout Scripture:

- The firstborn were sanctified unto the Lord (Exod 13:1-2)
- The firstborn of animals were presented unto the Lord by sacrifice (Exod 13:11-13)
- The firstborn sons were presented unto the Lord (Exod 13:12-13; 22:29)
- The firstborn were redeemed (Exod 13:13)
- The firstborn were hallowed (made holy) unto the Lord (Numb 3:11-13)

The proper study of these Scriptures, therefore, gives us the mind of Christ concerning the firstborn. Furthermore, it gives us greater understanding concerning the true church which is labeled as the "church of the firstborn".

Therefore, the church of the firstborn is God's true church who will be:

- A church that is sanctified (Eph 5:26; 1 Thess 5:23; 1 Cor 6:11)
- A church that is sacrificed (Rom 12:1-2; Heb 10:20-22; 1 Pet 2:5)
- A church that is presented (Eph 5:25-27; 2 Cor 11:2; Col 1:22, 28; Jd 24)
- A church that is truly redeemed (Tit 2:14; Heb 1:3; 9:14)
- A church that is hallowed (Heb 12:10, 14; Eph 5:27; 2 Pet 1:4).

When a person is born again, he/she becomes a part of this "church of the firstborn"! What a glorious inheritance! What wonderful characteristics that truly define this church!

Now that we see the bountiful description God's church is to possess, we must turn our attention to the real identity of such firstborn sons. Who are they?

To Be Continued...