He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.Colossians 1:15 (ESV)
It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us the wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.1 Corinthians 1:30 (NIV)
According to the Greek in this text, "firstborn" does not mean "first created" unlike elsewhere in Scripture. Jesus is God Himself and therefore is not created. As God, He existed before all things. This status of firstborn is therefore a "position assigned" to Jesus who was the first (and only one!) preeminent son, as man among creation without sin for He is God. (Note: David though he was the youngest son was "assigned the position" of firstborn - 1 Sam 17:13,14; Ps 89:27 as well as Ephraim - Gen 48:20; Jer 31:9). God revealed His glory and nature through Jesus, the firstborn, who bears God's image. We who come after Him, because we are in Christ Jesus, therefore have His glorious image, nature, righteousness, holiness and redemption.
Father God, help us this day to live in a manner worthy of our calling (Eph 4:1) by putting on Christ (Gal 3:27) and projecting Your likeness to all around us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Catherine Ng
