In 1 Corinthians 15:20, Paul writes concerning the resurrection, “But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep.” What does it mean for Christ to be the “first fruits”? The language used here is likely drawing upon the Old Testament imagery of the Feast of Firstfruits. The Feast of Firstfruits (also called the Feast of Weeks) was where Israel dedicated the first yield of their spring crops to the Lord (Lev 23:9-22). The rest of the crops would be harvested near the end of the Israelite year (September-October for us).

Going back to 1 Cor 15:20, Christ is described as the first fruits of those who are “asleep.” One can understand from the context of 1 Cor 15 that “asleep” is a euphemism for “dead.” Thus 1 Cor 15:20 states that Christ is the first of many who will undergo bodily resurrection after death. This verse assures us that the eventual “harvest” of the dead will occur, and Christians can have hope that we will gain a new body that is not subject to weakness and decay.

The story of Jesus’ resurrection presents humanity with the greatest hope possible, namely, that of wholistic restoration. God did not just resurrect Christ’s spirit, but also his body! So also, will it be for us. Additionally, Jesus’ resurrection means that God’s kingdom is here now, that the prophecies of the new kingdom are here in the present! As Christians, our mission is to spread this news all over the earth and to live like we are citizens of God’s kingdom. Eventually, Christ will finish what he began at his second coming when the dead in Christ shall rise in a new, resurrected body. But until then, we are supposed to continue to build God’s kingdom so that we can welcome him into it at his coming.