What is a firsfruit doing today? Why does God have Firstfruits?
The Day of Pentecost is rich in meaning for the firstfruits because God is the Lord of the Harvest—a wise, loving God who works in seasons and stages. The firstfruits are a select group, chosen not only for salvation but for a purpose: to help Christ in the coming age of regeneration, when the fullness of humanity will have the opportunity to come to know God.
Why Does God Have Firstfruits? The Amazing Answer!
As we approach the Day of Pentecost—a festival observed 50 days after the wave sheaf offering during the Days of Unleavened Bread (Leviticus 23:9–16)—we’re reminded of a powerful spiritual truth. This Holy Day is directly connected to the concept of “firstfruits,” and is often called the Feast of Firstfruits (Exodus 34:22; Numbers 28:26). But have you ever asked: Why does God have firstfruits at all? Why not just one great, all-inclusive harvest?
The Spiritual Meaning of Firstfruits
To understand the purpose of firstfruits in God’s plan, we must look at what Pentecost represents. On this day, God poured out His Spirit on the early disciples, founding the Church (Acts 2). This event signified the beginning of a spiritual harvest—the firstfruits of what He created (James 1:18)—with a far greater harvest yet to come, symbolized by the Fall Holy Days.
God is not arbitrary. He is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Jesus came to save the whole world (John 3:17, John 12:47), but Scripture reveals that God is working in a planned, orderly sequence.
Two Harvests, One Purpose
God identifies Himself as the Lord of the Harvest (Matthew 9:38). The annual Holy Days, laid out in Leviticus 23 and Exodus 23:16, portray two distinct harvest seasons:
On the Holy Day of Pentecost (Feast of Weeks), Israel was to offer two loaves made from the new grain of the harvest, representing the firstfruits to the Lord (Leviticus 23:16–17). Spiritually, these represent the early group in God’s salvation plan—those called and chosen during this present age.
Paul explained in 1 Corinthians 15:20–23 that Christ is “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep,” and that others will be resurrected “each in his own order.” Christ is the first of the firstfruits. Those who belong to Him at His coming will follow, representing a select early group in God’s spiritual harvest plan.
Firstfruits: Called for a Purpose
The firstfruits are not just called to receive salvation—they’re called to serve. Revelation 14:4 describes them as “redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.” They are the ones who remain faithful, who overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony (Revelation 12:11).
At the return of Christ, the last trumpet will sound (Revelation 11:15; 1 Thessalonians 4:16), and these firstfruits—now resurrected and glorified—will serve alongside Christ. Revelation 17:14 calls them the “called, chosen, and faithful.”
Their mission? To assist the Lord of the Harvest in bringing in the great ingathering—the billions who have never known Christ or understood the gospel message.
The Future Harvest of All Nations
Isaiah prophesies of a time when the knowledge of God will fill the earth “as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14). In the last days, “the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established…and all nations shall flow to it” (Isaiah 2:2–3). People everywhere will seek God’s ways, and He will teach them through those who have been prepared in advance—the firstfruits.
These firstfruits will have God’s law written on their hearts and minds (Hebrews 10:16). They will teach, guide, and serve as examples of godly character and love, helping bring the rest of humanity to repentance, healing, and salvation.
Why Does God Have Firstfruits?
Because He is the Lord of the Harvest—a wise, loving God who works in seasons and stages. The firstfruits are a select group, chosen not only for salvation but for a purpose: to help Christ in the coming age of regeneration, when the fullness of humanity will have the opportunity to come to know God.
God’s plan is bigger than most realize. He’s not trying to save all people now—He’s preparing a people now to help bring salvation to all in due time.
William Bradford serves as Pastor of the United Church of God congregations in Chicago (Illinois), Northwest Indiana and Beloit (Wisconsin).
