“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” (Romans 8:23).
Because the Jewish feast of Harvest began on the first day of the week, seven weeks after the feast of Unleavened Bread, its first day became known as the Day of Pentecost (i.e., “fifty”). It was at this feast that the physical descendants of Abraham were to bring the firstfruits of their impending wheat harvest (Exodus 34:22). Green heads of grain were to be burned on the altar for a sweet aroma to the Lord (Leviticus 2:12, 14).
This dedication of the firstfruits symbolized the priority God rightfully deserved in all things (Proverbs 3:9) and was God’s promise of an abundant harvest to follow (Proverbs 3:10).
This Old Testament background is essential to contemplating the richness of Paul’s expression in 1 Corinthians 15—“Christ…has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (v. 20) and Romans 8—“we also…have the firstfruits of the Spirit” (v. 23).
Jesus’ resurrection is a divine promise of your future resurrection and thus, the redemption of your body.
We have the assurance of such a stupendous blessing in the future because at this present time we enjoy the firstfruits of the Spirit. The same Word of God and Spirit of God which transformed the heavens and the earth into a physical paradise for human existence will resurrect and transform your corrupt, natural body into an incorrupt, spiritual one (1 Corinthians 15:42-46), conformed to Christ’s glorious body (Philippians 3:20-21).
