The Firstfruits Of God’s Creatures

by Pastor Mark
September 28, 2023

The gift of salvation

We thank God for every good gift and every perfect gift that He has graciously given to us. One wonderful gift is the gift of salvation. The Apostle James had a deep understanding of this gift. He wrote, “Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth,” (James 1:18) How should we understand our gift of salvation?

Understanding God’s will in the giving of His salvation

  1. The phrase “Of His own will” in Greek (bouletheis) is actually a participle.
  2. It is better translated as “having exercised His will”.
  3. The word comes from the root idea of God’s will/counsel.
  4. The construction of the word indicates that God had deliberated within Himself whom He would beget.
  5. Having thought through everything, He exercised His will/counsel and wonderfully brought us forth.
  6. This is a reference to being “born again” (John 3:3).
  7. This salvation is not about man’s will but about God’s will.
  8. It is a gift of God.
    1. Salvation is given by God’s undeserving grace, abounding mercy and divine love.
    2. This is only possible by means of the word of truth…the gospel of salvation.

To become the firstfruits of God’s creatures

1. The concept of the firstfruits

  1. During the start of the harvest, the first ripened fruits are called the firstfruits.
  2. It prefigures the harvest…indicative of what the harvest would be like.
  3. It has more than one nuance/application.

2. Firstfruits of the resurrection

  1. Christ became the firstfruits of the resurrection when He rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:20).
  2. He was the first to have a resurrected body (1 Corinthians 15:23).

3. Firstfruits with reference to the Spirit and salvation (Romans 8:23)

  1. The firstfruits of the Spirit are a reference to the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit.
  2. Through the work of the Spirit, these changes will arise in our lives.

4. Firstfruits of His creatures

“That we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.” (James 1:18)

  1. His creatures
    1. God is the Creator of all.
    2. All His creations are called His creatures.
  2. Firstfruits of His creatures
    It is a reference to those who are born again. By the Lord’s will, we are saved and become His firstfruits, which is possible through the Word of God…truth. We are to reflect the work of God in our lives…His workmanship. The work of the Holy Spirit is also evidenced by the changes in our lives. As we become the firstfruits of His creatures, we are set as an example for all to see and follow. This is the purpose of our creation, to be the firstfruits of His creatures.

Let us be challenged to appreciate that it is by the determined will of God that we are brought forth by His Word to become the firstfruits of His creatures…to be a good example to all.

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