First Fruits

Revelation chapter 14 is a unique vision because the apostle John focuses on what is called the “first fruits” in the first section of the chapter. Anyone who died after the cross or is transformed into an incorruptible body when Jesus returns is not a first fruit anymore. If we recall what a first fruit is we can understand it falls under a “first” category.

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 1 Corinthians 15:20 KJV

Jesus is considered a first fruit to God the father. He was the first fruit of the ones who slept. This does not mean slept as in napping with closed eyes. This is pertaining to the dead. But he wasn’t the only one to resurrect during that time.

All the saints that had passed away before the time of the crucifixion also rose from the dead after him. This is when we read in Matthew 27 that the graves opened. These people would not have gone to heaven before Jesus nor without him.

And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Matthew 27:52-53 KJV

The bodies of the Old Testament saints were the first to resurrect after Jesus. The scripture states they were dead and they arose from out of their graves. They appeared to many people and this was a testimony that proved Jesus defeated the grave.

But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 1 Corinthians 15:23 KJV

Clearly this scripture tells us there is an order. Christ is first then everyone else follows. Jesus was the first fruit to God the father, the saints were the first fruits to Jesus himself and lastly at his second coming will be the resurrection of the rest of the batch, so to speak, that will either resurrect from the dead and the ones alive will be transformed at the same time. 

As you see, the first fruits is Jesus and the Old Testament saints. This is why Revelation chapter 14 focuses only on the 144,000 and not the multitude mentioned in chapter 7.