Christ, the Firstfruits

4 days ago
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Rev. Tse Amable | March 26 2026 | 1 Corinthians 15:20-28

KEY VERSE: “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:20, NIV)

MESSAGE:

The term firstfruits is an agricultural concept. In the Bible, firstfruits refers to the first and best portion of the harvest or livestock given to God, symbolising trust in Him and acknowledging Him as the provider. It signifies honouring God with the beginning of increase rather than with leftovers. The Bible says, “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase” (Proverbs 3:9, KJV).

The Apostle Paul applies this concept to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In John 12:24, Jesus, anticipating His death, burial, and resurrection, spoke symbolically when He said, “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” Jesus was laid in the ground through death and burial, but by the glorious power of the Father, He rose from the dead as the firstfruits of the resurrection harvest. Paul later wrote, “It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption... it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power” (1 Corinthians 15:42–43). Christ rose in glory, and those who belong to Him will also be raised in glory.

The very idea of firstfruits means more is coming. If Christ is the firstfruits, then His resurrection is not the end of the harvest but the beginning. His rising guarantees that believers in Him will also be raised. That is part of the good news of the gospel. Jesus Christ is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep in Him. Just as He was raised, so all who belong to Him will be raised. And they, too, will share in resurrection glory and honour.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

What impact does the hope of resurrection have on how you live? Firstfruits are dedicated to the Lord. Are you living a holy life, consecrated to Him? The hope of resurrection should lead us to live with purity, devotion, and readiness before God.

PRAYER:

Father, I thank You for raising Jesus Christ from the dead as the firstfruits of all who belong to Him. Empower me to live a holy life, dedicated and consecrated to You, as I wait in hope for the resurrection of the saints. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING

Day 85: Judges 1–3 - A Cycle Begins

Daily word study: RAISED The word RAISED comes from the Greek word egeirō. It means to awaken, to raise up, or to lift from sleep or death. This verse declares that Jesus did not remain in the grave. God raised Him in power and glory.

Paul is not speaking about a symbol or a memory. He is declaring a real resurrection. Christ was raised from the dead, and that resurrection stands as the foundation of the believer’s hope. Because He was raised, all who belong to Him can live with confidence that death will not hold them forever.

Reflect on this:

The resurrection of Christ is not only something to believe. It is something to build your hope upon. Because He was raised, your future in Him is secure.