Jesus Christ Is the First Fruit, Not Money

In a world where prosperity teachings often equate financial giving with spiritual blessings, it is vital to return to the foundation of Scripture to understand God’s heart regarding giving. Jesus Christ, not money, is the ultimate first fruit. This truth is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments and underscores the importance of a relationship-based approach to giving.

Old Testament Foundation: The First Fruit Offering

In the Old Testament, the concept of first fruits symbolized giving the first and best portion of one’s harvest back to God. Leviticus 23:10 instructed the Israelites to bring the first fruits of their harvest to the Lord as an act of worship and gratitude. This was not just about the material offering; it was an acknowledgment that God is the ultimate provider and owner of everything.

Proverbs 3:9–10 echoes this principle:“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”

However, it is essential to note that these offerings were relationship-based, meant to honor God and cultivate trust in His provision. The act was never meant to manipulate God into blessing the giver, nor was it tied to a rigid demand to give everything without conviction.

New Testament Fulfillment: Jesus Christ as the First Fruit

In the New Testament, the first fruit finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:20:“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

Here, Christ is described as the first fruit, signifying that His resurrection is the guarantee of eternal life for all who believe in Him. This truth shifts the focus from material offerings to the spiritual reality of salvation. Jesus Christ is the ultimate gift and the foundation of our relationship with God.

The Story of Ananias and Sapphira: A Warning Against Deception

The story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1–11 serves as a stark reminder of God’s desire for honesty and integrity in giving. The couple sold a piece of land, kept part of the proceeds for themselves, and lied to the apostles, claiming they had given the full amount. Their sin was not in withholding part of the money but in lying to the Holy Spirit.

Peter confronted them, saying:“Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” (Acts 5:4)

This passage reveals that God is not interested in the amount we give but in the truthfulness and condition of our hearts. Ananias and Sapphira could have given any amount and lived if they had been honest. Their deceit violated the relational trust God desires in our giving.

God’s Ownership and Our Relationship

Psalm 24:1 declares:“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”

God owns everything we have. Our giving, therefore, is not about fulfilling a transactional obligation but about expressing our love, trust, and gratitude to Him. 2 Corinthians 9:7 reinforces this idea:“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.”

God desires our giving to be voluntary, motivated by a deep relationship with Him. When we give out of love and conviction, it becomes an act of righteousness.

Misinterpretation of First Fruits and Salary Giving

Some teachings equate first fruits with giving an entire salary or income at the beginning of the year, claiming this as a Biblical mandate. However, this interpretation lacks Scriptural support. While the Bible encourages generosity, such practices should not be imposed as universal requirements. Giving should flow from personal conviction and guidance from the Holy Spirit.

If the Spirit convicts someone to give their first salary as an offering, it is an act of faith and righteousness. However, to manipulate or coerce others into doing so is unbiblical. Jesus Himself criticized such practices when He said:“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.” (Matthew 15:8–9)

Christ-Centered Giving

Ultimately, Jesus Christ is our first fruit, our ultimate offering to God. Our lives, not just our finances, should reflect His lordship. Romans 12:1 reminds us:“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship.”

Let us shift our focus from monetary transactions to a Christ-centered relationship. Our giving should be a joyful response to God’s love, not a means to earn His favor.