Prophbuff (27 Apr 2004)
"Firstfruits"

Much has been stated about the firstfruits harvest lately. But what does this harvest really represent? Understanding how the harvests are a metaphor for various events along the path to the final redemption of mankind is critically important. Especially if the end of the age is at hand as we all believe it is. Let us use the Word of God to define this harvest.

The concept of firstfruits, as with all the harvests, derives from God's creation work. Because God created everything that exists, all of creation belongs to him [Psalm 24:1]. Because of God's creative power and ownership of all, the Bible instructs His people to give Him that which is first and best among the harvests; the firstfruits. The firstfruit harvests are those that occur in the spring. Following are a representative sampling of the various commands to offer the best of the firstfruits:

The Old Testament makes it clear that everything that God's people have is to be viewed as from God and gained through his providence. This is also a metaphor to represent first/best of God's people themselves.
Jeremiah 2:3 "Israel was holiness to the Lord, The firstfruits of His increase. All that devour him will offend; Disaster will come upon them," says the Lord. [NKJV]

Hosea 9:10 I found Israel Like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers As the firstfruits on the fig tree in its first season. But they went to Baal Peor, And separated themselves to that shame; They became an abomination like the thing they loved. [NKJV]

As we can see from these old testament scriptures, Israel & their fathers were considered firstfruits to God. This concept carries over into the New Testament as well. In James we are taught that the followers of Yeshua and His Word of Truth are also firstfruits, just as Israel was before us.
James 1:18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. [NKJV]
That the followers of Yeshua are considered firstfruits is further seen in the following scriptures:
Romans 16:5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ. [NKJV]

1 Corinthians 16:15 I urge you, brethren--you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints. [NKJV]

Likewise, these followers of Yeshua have also received the first of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. [NKJV]
There is ONLY one more firstfruits metaphor provided by the scriptures as it pertains to followers of Yeshua HaMashiach, and it is definitive in it's interpretation.
1 Corinthians 15:20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming. [NKJV]
The Apostle Paul teaches us that Christ is the firstfruits of resurrection. Resurrection is the final metaphor. Moreover, there are no other firstfruits of resurrection. Paul even reemphasizes "Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming." We are told only Christ is the firstfruits. There is no other firstfruits harvest. The metaphor is very fitting as well. We have already established that God demands the best of the varying fruits for the firstfruits offering. Christ is clearly the most pleasing resurrection offering. All other resurrection offerings would be second at best, not worthy to be considered firstfruits.

There is a future reference to firstfruits found in Revelation, but it is not a new metaphor.

Revelation 14:3 They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth. 4 These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. 5 And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God. [NKJV]
This scripture makes it clear that the 144,000 redeemed from among men are also firstfruits. But the metaphor is the same as we have already seen in James 1:18, Rom 16:5 & 1 Cor 15:16; followers of Yeshua HaMashiach, the Lamb. This is not a new metaphor. It is the already established scriptural metaphor that followers of Yeshua are firstfruits being applied to the 144,000.

So to recap, the only firstfruits metaphors based upon scripture are:

    Israel and their fathers.New followers of Yeshua including those from a specific area and the 144,000.
  1. The first indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
    2. Christ's resurrection.
As we can see, there are no other metaphors for the firstfruits harvest. Many must rethink their association of the firstfruits harvest with the rapture because it does not exist. Scripture actually refutes such a notion because only Yeshua's resurrection can be considered the firstfruits. The next resurrection, which will include the rapture, comes afterwards at His 2nd Coming.

Shalom, Chris AKA Prophbuff