FIRSTBORN--FIRSTFRUITS

FIRSTBORN -FIRSTFRUITS

At Easter time, we think of the Resurrection of Jesus, and what it means to us as human beings. Many of the Scriptures point up the larger meaning for us.
Acts 13:33 tells us that Jesus was BEGOTTEN OF THE FATHER WHEN HE WAS RAISED FROM THE DEAD.
" Thou art my Son, THIS DAY have I BEGOTTEN thee."
Colossians 1:15 tells us that Jesus is the FIRSTBORN of every creature:
Col 1:18 "who is the BEGINNING, the FIRSTBORN FROM THE DEAD;
I Cor 15:20, 23 refer to Him as the FIRSTFRUITS OF THEM THAT SLEPT.
Rom 8:29 "that he might be the FIRSTBORN AMONG MANY BRETHREN.
The Word also tells us something about ourselves, who follow the Lamb, and meet the requirements of God for our lives. Doing that is not as easy as it has been made to appear.
Rev 14:4 These are they which---were redeemed from among men, [being] the FIRSTFRUITS UNTO GOD--
James 1:18 Of His own Will BEGAT HE US WITH THE WORD OF TRUTH, that we should be a kind of FIRSTFRUITS of HIS CREATURES. A study of the Firstfruits is very profitable.
The Word also tells us which direction we are headed. Look at Heb. 12:23 "To the general assembly and CHURCH OF THE FIRSTBORN, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the SPIRITS OF JUST MEN MADE PERFECT." This is more than membership in the local group.
I Peter 1:3 "hath BEGOTTEN US again unto a lively hope by the RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST FROM THE DEAD."
We have an empty tomb. We do not believe in Reincarnation of the soul, in order to live again after death of this body. Pity the poor souls who do not have a Risen Saviour.
"HE IS NOT HERE, HE IS RISEN"