Firstborn

2009-6-12 04:27:00

Quoting JJ from a previous message, Matthew writes:

"'Therefore, the question to be asked is this. Do you want to be linked with the current church in the next world, or would you rather be linked with the numerous assembly of the firstborn who are linked through the great spiritual power of love and purity of heart?'"

Matthew then asks:

"Would please explain the firstborn? I am guessing that this comes from somewhere in the Mormon scriptures D&C? I am looking it up right now and am scanning quickly, probably too quickly as I am a little slow at this time. Any help would be greatly appreciated."

JJ:

Actually the term in this context originated in the Book of Hebrews from the New Testament and reads as follows.

"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." (Heb 12:22-23)

Mormon scripture also uses the term and several break-offs from the main LDS or Mormon church call themselves some variation of "The Church of the Firstborn."

Here's a quote from The Archives about the Firstborn:

"'For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.' (Rom 8:29)

"Jesus, as all believers know is called the firstborn, but here we find that ordinary men and women may even share that title with him for Jesus and the rest of the sons of men are brethren with a similar destiny as taught by Paul:

"'For both he that sanctifieth (Jesus) and they who are sanctified (followers of Christ) ARE ALL OF ONE: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.' (Heb 2:11)

"We are supposed to come to 'the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the FULLNESS OF CHRIST.' (Eph 4:13)

"To accomplish this Jesus taught that we are supposed to follow in his footsteps: 'To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.' (Rev 3:21)"

(From: Gods of the Bible -- Part 4)