352. The symbolism of the firstborn of the flock as holiness, which is exclusively the Lord's, can be seen from the place of firstborns in the representative church. They were all holy because they prefigured the Lord, who is the only firstborn.
Love and love-based faith is the firstborn. All love is the Lord's and no particle of love is ours, which is why the Lord is the only firstborn. In the early churches, this fact was represented by the consecration of firstborns and of firstborn animals to Jehovah (Exodus 13:2, 12, 15). It was also represented by the fact that the tribe of Levi was taken in place of all the firstborn and became the priestly order (Numbers 3:40-46; 8:14-20), even though Levi, who on an inner level symbolizes love, was born after Reuben and Simeon, who on an inner level symbolize faith.
The following words in David say that the Lord in respect to his human nature was the firstborn of all:
The name he will give me is: "You are my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation." Indeed, I will make him the firstborn, high above the monarchs of the earth. (Psalms 89:26-27)
And in John:
Jesus Christ, the firstborn of the dead and chief of the earth's monarchs. (Revelation 1:5)
Take note that the firstborn animals used in worship symbolize the Lord while the firstborn things of the church symbolize faith. 1
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