The Church of the Firstborn

In this message, we explore the striking parallels between what God did at Mount Sinai and what He accomplished on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. At Sinai, God established a covenant with the congregation of Israel. Roughly fifteen centuries later, on Pentecost in 31 AD, God established the new covenant with those being called into the Church of God, the body of Christ.

Building on the harvest themes of the Pentecost season, this message focuses on a phrase that appears only once in Scripture, "the church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven" (Hebrews 12). What connection exists between the firstborn of ancient Israel, whom God claimed as His own, and the church of the firstborn today? By examining the covenant at Sinai, the role of the firstborn, and the events of Pentecost in Acts 2, we come to understand the extraordinary calling God has given to every member of His church.

We trace through:

- The covenant at Sinai — God calling Israel to be a special treasure, a holy nation, and a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19)
- The job description of a priest — preserving knowledge, teaching God's law, and serving as His messenger (Malachi 2; Proverbs 9)
- Why God claimed the firstborn — redeemed by the blood of the lamb at Passover, and later represented by the Levites (Exodus 13; Numbers 3)
- The awe-inspiring presence of God at Sinai — thunder, lightning, smoke, and fire (Exodus 19–20)
- Pentecost in Acts 2 — the same evidence of God's presence in wind and tongues of fire, with His law now written on human hearts (Acts 2; Jeremiah 31; Ezekiel 36)
- The church as a royal priesthood — chosen, holy, and being prepared for service in the kingdom of God (1 Peter 2)
- The remarkable phrase "church of the firstborn" and what it reveals about our identity and purpose (Hebrews 12)

God's purpose for the church is not only to be an early harvest of salvation, but to be prepared as a royal priesthood to serve under Jesus Christ in His coming kingdom. As you listen, consider what it means that God has called you, set you apart, and registered you among the firstborn.

Presented by William Bradford, May 30, 2026, at United Church of God in Northwest Arkansas.