Christ Jesus the firstborn

Colossians 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

Christ is mentioned as the firstborn of every creature. This is a profound statement which can be misunderstood if not interpreted right.

Firstborn there means first in importance, preeminence, supremacy, rank, importance, inheritance and one who comes before all else. 

It is key to note that Christ was not created but through Him all things were created. He existed before all creation meaning He is God.

Christ tasted death on our behalf, suffered the punishment that was meant for us and was the first to resurrect from the dead and never to die again. Others either did not die like Elijah or rose again but died again like Lazarus. When he resurrected He was the first to be a partaker of life eternal and this qualifies him to be the heir of all things and head of His body, which is the church.

The church too will resurrect from the dead, and partake of the blessings of life eternal just like christ the firstborn who went before us, hallelujah. 

Further scriptures 

Romans 8:29 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.