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To the general assembly and church of the firstborn...

Text: Hebrews 12:23

OTHER GLORIOUS DESCRIPTIVE TERMS

The word “Zion” or “Jerusalem” would have great significance to Jewish believers. They have the advantage of history involving Jerusalem! The spiritual imagery to a heavenly Jerusalem as the city of the living God would be an easy transition. However Gentile believers need not feel alienated or left out. The following text offers glorious descriptive terms that also bring great enlightenment.

“To the general assembly and church of the firstborn
who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all,
to the spirits of just men made perfect.”
Hebrews 12:23

1. To the general assembly and church of the firstborn

a) “The general assembly” and “church” are synonymous terms.

b) These are terms that New Testament believers had come to know and love.

c) Believers form the “general assembly” and the “church”.

2. Of the firstborn

a) The “firstborn” concept was used to describe the Lord Jesus (Cf. Hebrews 1:6).

b) The “church of the firstborn” is an apt description.

i) It describes the church as an assembly associated with Jesus.

ii) Christ is the chief cornerstone of the Church.

iii) The Church is “of the firstborn” in every sense of the Word.

3. Who are registered in heaven

a) What a comforting thought we have here!

b) Names of believers are registered in heaven!

4. To God the Judge of all

The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ would be there in the heavenly city. He is aptly described as “the Judge of all”.

5. To the spirits of just men made perfect

It is God the Judge who proclaims all members as having been “made perfect!”