In 1 Corinthians 15 What Does It Mean For Christ To Be The Firstfruits Of Those Who Have Died?
Understanding “Firstfruits” in 1 Corinthians 15
The concept of Christ as the “firstfruits of those who have died” is a profound and hope-filled truth found in 1 Corinthians 15:20:
But now hath Christ been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of them that are asleep. - 1 Corinthians 15:20 ASV
To grasp its meaning, we must delve into the Old Testament background, the context of Paul’s argument, and the implications for believers.
The Old Testament Background: What Are “Firstfruits”?
In the Old Testament, “firstfruits” referred to the initial portion of the harvest offered to God in gratitude and as a sign of trust that more would follow. This was an act of faith and dedication (Leviticus 23:10-11):
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye are come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring the sheaf of the first-fruits of your harvest unto the priest: and he shall wave the sheaf before Jehovah, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it. - Leviticus 23:10-11 ASV
The “firstfruits” offering was a promise and guarantee of the full harvest yet to come. It was not just the first in order, but the first in kind—showing what the rest of the harvest would be like.
Christ as the Firstfruits: What Does It Mean?
Paul uses this imagery to explain the significance of Christ’s resurrection:
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ’s, at his coming. - 1 Corinthians 15:21-23 ASV
- Christ’s Resurrection Is the Guarantee: Just as the firstfruits guaranteed the rest of the harvest, Christ’s resurrection guarantees the future resurrection of believers. His victory over death is not isolated, but is the “prototype” for all who trust in Him.
- Same Kind, New Life: Believers will be raised to new, imperishable life like Christ. His resurrected body is the model for ours (Philippians 3:21).
- Order and Timing: Paul draws a sequence: first Christ, then believers “at his coming.” This stresses that Christ’s resurrection is the first event in God’s redemptive plan, with believers’ resurrection to follow.
Why This Matters: Assurance and Hope
This doctrine gives believers a certain hope. Our resurrection is not wishful thinking, but founded on a historical event. Paul argues, “if Christ hath not been raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian faith and the assurance of eternal life (John 11:25-26).
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth on me shall never die. - John 11:25-26 ASV
Other Scriptural Insights
Paul elsewhere refers to believers as a type of “firstfruits” of God’s creatures (James 1:18), emphasizing our new identity in Christ. Yet, uniquely, Christ’s resurrection is the foundation and the guarantee of all future resurrection.
Concluding Thoughts
For the Christian, Christ as the firstfruits means our future is secure. Because He lives, we too will live. His resurrection is God’s pledge that all who belong to Christ will experience victory over death. This truth calls us to steadfast faith, hope, and joyful perseverance (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord. - 1 Corinthians 15:58 ASV