The term firstborn in scripture has important significance that is sometimes lost on 21st century readers. We think of it as meaning the eldest child, the first one to be born. In scripture it means much more. Firstborn is a title, much like the words Caesar or Herod, or king. It indicates position and power.
Though firstborn in reference to Jesus could refer to his earthly birth, his body created in Mary's womb, it also refers to his preeminence and authority.
Throughout scripture, the first child received double the inheritance. He became the head of the family at the death of the father. His word was law.
Jesus has always existed in relationship with the Father from eternity past and will remain so in eternity future. When scripture calls him first born it does not mean he was created at any time or that there was a time when he did not exist. First born in relationship to Christ means above and over all things, past, present and future. It refers to the fact that he is ultimately in control of all things and is more important than all things except the Father (Colossians 1:17-18; 1Corinthians 8:6; 15:24-27).
