FIRSTFRUITS

 

Some churches or groups practice giving “firstfruits” every January. “Firstfruits” is what some call the first salary or income of the whole year. It may also refer to the first income from a new job or business that, they say, should be offered to the church. Those who promote this practice often use several passages as support, such as Proverbs 3:9 (“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.”) and Exodus 23:19 (“The best of the firstfruits of your ground you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God.”). This kind of giving remains controversial, so let’s take time to discuss it.

What really are firstfruits in the Bible?

Firstfruits were regarded as special and the best by ancient people, just as firstborn children were considered special. Firstfruits indicated the quality of the rest of the produce from the land. If the first harvest was good, it guaranteed that the rest would also be good. That’s why they were considered sacred, belonging to the Lord alone, and the ancient Israelites were commanded to offer them.

The practice of offering firstfruits went through several changes. At first, only the first produce of the land was required (Exod. 23:19; 34:26). Later on, this included the first harvest of grains, new wine, new oil, and even the new wool (Deut. 18:4). Then in Deuteronomy 26, it was instructed that only a portion of the firstfruits would be offered—only enough to fill a basket. God also gave instructions that some offerings were limited to a specific period (Lev. 19:23–25), while others were to be done continually (Lev. 23:10–14). The Israelites offered firstfruits as an act of thanksgiving for God’s deliverance from Egypt and for bringing them into the Promised Land (Deut. 26:1–11). Though not explicitly stated, this offering was also a recognition of God as the true owner of the land and the source of its produce.

Are we required to offer firstfruits today?

We are not under the law. By examining all the biblical instructions for offering firstfruits, it is clear that this practice was part of the Jewish sacrificial system, which today’s believers are not bound to follow. The offering of firstfruits was one of the many types of offerings tied to Temple rituals, exclusively for Israel. The Bible reveals that we are not under the Jewish law (Rom. 7:6; Gal. 3:24–25). To require believers today to observe a ritual that is no longer binding is to place them under an unnecessary burden. In fact, Scripture warns us not to be enslaved again by the law (Gal. 5:1).

Christ is the end of the law. We must also remember that Christ fulfilled the sacrifices and offerings of the Old Testament. This means that the true meaning of the offerings in the Jewish law is found in Him (Col. 2:17; Heb. 10:1–14). Jesus is called “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Cor. 15:20). His resurrection assures that all believers who have died will also be raised. He fulfilled the law (Matt. 5:17), and therefore He is its end as well (Rom. 10:4). To continue practicing a ritual that has already been fulfilled in Christ is to diminish the completeness of His finished work.

Firstfruits and Believers today

Although Christians are in no way obligated to give firstfruits, interestingly, we ourselves are considered firstfruits because we belong to Christ (James 1:18; Rev. 14:4). This means we are special to God. Believers also possess the “firstfruits of the Spirit” (Rom. 8:23), meaning we already experience salvation in part, a guarantee that we will later fully experience resurrection (vv. 23, 30).

Is it wrong for a Christian to give firstfruits? Not at all—if done out of generosity without expecting something in return. There’s no problem either if it is given voluntarily without pressure or manipulation. The problem arises when it is taught as a requirement for believers, because clearly, it has no biblical basis for Christians today. The biblical practice of offering firstfruits ended long ago, so giving one’s first income is not the same as fulfilling that Old Testament ritual. However, if Christians choose to give their “firstfruits” as an expression of love and generosity, then why not? “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:7, NIV).

Sources and Studies:

Douglas, J.D. (Gen Ed.). (1986). “Firstfruits”. 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘋𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺. (p.354). Zondervan
McKenzie, J.L. (1965). “First fruits.” 𝘋𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦. (p. 278). Macmillan Publishing