Galen Smith Retired from Multnomah Bible College and Biblical Seminary

There is only one biblical passage that refers directly to this name. It is Hebrews 12:22-23, which reads, "But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect" (NIV).

The identity of this church is not abundantly clear. Some understand this to be a reference to the church consisting of all who have put their trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. Since he is called "the firstborn" elsewhere in Scripture, some believe he is the firstborn here. Others, however, point out the the Greek word for firstborn in this passage is plural, and thus it is most likely not a reference to Christ. Many of them believe the firstborn are the believers in Christ, who are sharers with him in the resurrection. Thus this church must exist after the resurrection of believers.

There have been several aberrant groups who have used this title for themselves. One Church of the Firstborn was an early offshoot of the LDS church (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, also known as Mormons). They were also called Morrisites. There is also a small Pentecostal group called General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn that is famous for promoting faith healing only. Several members have been incarcerated for allowing their children to die rather than to seek medical treatment.

January 21 2015 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report