First fruits
Text: Leviticus 23:10
Introduction: It’s a New Year again, and many believers are once again asking about the First Fruit. There are questions on whether it’s mandatory for New Testament believers to give first fruit offerings. Some denominations make it mandatory while some are silent about it. We will go into the Scriptural definition of the first fruit, its historical context and its modern-day application.
What is the First fruit?
The Hebrew word for first fruit is ‘bikkurim’, which means ‘ promise to come.’ The Hebrews saw the first fruit as an investment in their future. If they brought the first of their harvests, the rest were blessed. Romans 11:16. The concept of first fruits is rooted in biblical times when the Jews lived in an agrarian society. During these times, harvest time was significant and celebratory because the farmers reaped what they sowed. God called the Hebrews to bring the first of their harvests to Him as an offering to demonstrate their obedience and reverence for God. It also demonstrated their trust in God to provide for them to feed their family.
The first fruit sacrifice or offerings were taken to the Temple Priest, and no crops were allowed to be harvested until after the first fruits were presented to the Lord. The first fruit was given to the Temple Priest (Ezekiel 44:30 The first fruit was given annually at the time of harvest. Abel brought a first-fruit offering to the Lord: Genesis 4:4-5
Types of First Fruits Mentioned in the Bible
1. The First Harvest: Exodus 23:16 the first harvest included a) grain (Exodus 23:16; Exodus 34:22), Olive Oil (Numbers 18:12; Deuteronomy. 18:4), New Wine (Numbers 18:12), Honey (2 Chronicles 31:5), Wool from sheep (Deuteronomy. 18:4), Fruit (Nehemiah 10:35), Firstborn male of flocks and herds (Deuteronomy 15:19)
2. Firstborn sons of the Israelites: Exodus 13:2
3. Israel, the first fruit of God’s harvest: Jeremiah 2:3
4. First converts or believers in a particular location – Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:15; (the household of Stephanas was praised for their devotion to the ministry of the saints)
5. All believers: 2 Thessalonians 2:13; James 1:18 believers are said to be the first fruits of God. We are called to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to the Lord.
6. The 144,000 believers – Revelation 14:1-5
7. The Holy Spirit – Romans 8:23 8. Jesus Christ – 1 Corinthians 15:20
Should the New Testament Believer give a first fruit offering?
The first fruit offering for the New Testament believer is a personal choice, but it is not mandatory. We no longer live in an agrarian age; in today’s world, we quantify things by the currency of the nation we reside in. The concept of the first fruit has really evolved over time, and in today’s world, it can be quantified as the first salary from a new job, the first paycheck of the year, a portion of business profit or sales, an annual bonus salary, etc. Remember, this should be a personal decision and not mandatory.
If a New Testament Believer wants to give a first fruit offering, how does he go about it?
He/she should first seek the Lord in prayer and listen to His instructions. If the goal is to honor God and put Him first, then it should be done honorably and not by compulsion or out of pride. It should be done in a free will and not out of guilt or fear. He/she may give it to their church, pastor or spiritual leader, a ministry they believe in, etc. It can be given as often as you desire. There’s no hard and fast rule about it; remember, it’s a personal choice as led by the Lord.
Is the First Fruit offering mandatory?
No! It’s not mandatory. The Old Covenant was a shadow of the good things to come in Christ. Colossians 2:16-17, the Old Testament concept of the first fruit is a shadow of a greater New Testament reality. Hebrews 10:1 A shadow lacks details, it is an image of something but not the reality.
Did the Early Church give the first fruit offering?
According to some historical teachings and writings, the early church practiced a form of first fruit offering but not the way it was practiced in the Old Testament. The early church gave the first and the best of their possessions to God which included money, clothing’s, valuables etc signifying that He came first in their lives. Also weekly collections were made for the saints 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
What’s the difference between the first fruits and tithing?
The first fruit is the first and best given at the beginning while the tithe is a portion of the income 10% dedicated to the Lord. Conclusion 2 Corinthians 9:7