Jesus is the Firstfruits - continuing a Varner perspective

JESUS: THE REAL FIRSTFRUITS

Last week's chronicle talked about Jesus: the real Prophet. This week I want to clarify a current concept and show you that He is the real Firstfruits.
There is much talk and teaching throughout the churches today concerning the subject of FIRSTFRUITS. If someone wants to give God his first paycheck of the New Year or the first profits on a new business, that is right and good. Unfortunately, some faddish preaches have jumped on the firstfruits bandwagon to pad their own coffers; for them, the concept of firstfruits is a "new" way to bring in more money. You can't make a law out of firstfruits (which deals with much more than finances)-there's not enough Bible in the New Testament doctrinal epistles to honestly do that. What is the answer?
That's simple. JESUS is the real Firstfruits!
Exodus 23:19, KJV The first of the FIRSTFRUITS of thy land thou shalt bring..
Proverbs 3:9, KJV Honour the LORD.with the FIRSTFRUITS of all thine increase:
The Hebrew word for "FIRSTFRUITS" in Exodus 23:19 means, "the first-fruits of the crop; the first grain and fruit; the firstborn." A different word for "FIRSTFRUITS" is used in Proverbs 3:9, and it means, "the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit); beginning, head, chief, or choice part."
Revelation 14:4, KJV .These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth.being the FIRSTFRUITS unto God and to the Lamb (compare Jas. 1:18).
The comparative Greek word aparche means, "a beginning of sacrifice, the (Jewish) first-fruit; firstling, the first portion." Jesus is the real FIRSTFRUITS.
The Pattern Son always put the Father and His will first (Lk. 22:42), and then encouraged all His followers to do the same (Matt. 6:33). The Scriptures reveal Jesus to be the FIRSTFRUITS of them that sleep or die (1 Cor. 15:20-23); the FIRSTBORN among many brethren (Rom. 8:29; compare Col. 1:15-18); the FIRST BEGOTTEN from the dead (Rev. 1:5); the BEGINNING of the (new) creation of God (Rev. 3:14); and the Alpha, the FIRST (Rev. 1:11,17; 22:13). Jesus is the antitype of the Old Testament "sheaf of the FIRSTFRUITS" (Lev. 23:9-14)-this representative sheaf was the "forerunner" sheaf (Heb. 6:19-20). Waved before the Father in His resurrection and ascension, Jesus was accepted for us all (Jn. 20: 16-17 with Eph. 1:6-7).
Is your whole lifestyle a firstfruits offering unto Jesus? Are you giving the choice part of your time, your day, unto the Lord? Are you seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness, or does God get the leftovers? Do you serve Him and put Him first?
FURTHER RESOURCE: The section on Biblical Economics and Stewardship in my book, The Tabernacle is Jesus, Volume One, available at http://www.kelleyvarner.org/newsletters/clicks.asp?queueid=26948&relationid=315332&url=http://www.kvmonlinestore.org/.