Jesus as the Firstfruits and the Begotten of the Dead

Yes, the saints who were resurrected with Jesus represent the antitypical first-fruits harvest as celebrated in the ancient sanctuary service1SM 305.2+1.

The Fulfillment of the Type

In the Old Testament service, the priest waved a handful of grain before the Lord as a thank offering, representing the first heads of grain to ripen in the field1SM 305.2+1. This ceremony took place on the sixteenth day of the first month, and only after this waving of the sheaf could the rest of the harvest be gathered Leviticus 23:10-111SM 305.2+1. Jesus Christ fulfilled this type exactly as to time when He arose on the day of first-fruits, becoming the first-fruits of them that slept 1 Corinthians 15:20ARSH October 30, 1855, page 69.11+1.

The Resurrected Saints as the Wave Sheaf

Just as the priest did not enter the temple with only one head of grain, Jesus did not come forth from the grave aloneCIS 110.1. At His resurrection, many bodies of the saints who slept arose and came out of their graves Matthew 27:52-53CIS 110.1. These resurrected ones were of the same order as Christ, the first-fruits, and together they constitute the antitypical harvest1SM 305.2+1. To fully fulfill the antitype, Christ presented Himself and this company of risen saints before God in the heavenly templeCIS 110.1.

Their Work and Witness

While the Roman soldiers were spreading the false report that the disciples had stolen Jesus' body, these resurrected saints went through the streets of Jerusalem proclaiming the truth that Christ had indeed risen Matthew 28:11-15CIS 110.1. Their appearance served as a powerful witness when living human beings were silent or blinded by traditionCIS 110.1.

The Significance of the Resurrection

• The First Resurrection: This event is a lively image of the general resurrection of the just that will occur at the second appearing of Christ3SP 193.2.

• A Thousand-Year Interval: While this specific group ascended with Christ as a trophy of His victory, the broader "first resurrection" of all the righteous dead occurs at His second coming, exactly one thousand years before the second resurrection of the wicked Revelation 20:4-6ARSH October 17, 1854, page 76.6+1.

• Immortal Bloom: Those who have part in the first resurrection come forth in immortal bloom, forever free from the power of the second death Revelation 20:67BC 986.4+1.

By His perfect obedience and resurrection, Christ redeemed the failure of Adam and provided the assurance that all who are accounted worthy will likewise be called from their graves to receive immortality Luke 20:35-36SpTEd 231.1+1.

Yes, Jesus Christ is the only one who is "begotten of the dead" in the absolute sense, because He alone possessed the inherent power to take His life up again, though others were raised to life through His authority. 🌟

While the Bible records several individuals who were resurrected—such as Lazarus and the saints who arose at Christ’s crucifixion—Jesus holds a unique and preeminent position. To understand this, we must compare scripture with scripture to see how the term "begotten" is used in relation to the resurrection.

The Unique Nature of Christ's Resurrection

The Bible refers to Jesus as the "first begotten of the dead" Revelation 1:5 and the "firstborn from the dead" Colossians 1:18. The distinction lies in the source of life.

• Original, Underived Life: Jesus declared, "I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself" John 10:17-18. He is the only Being who ever entered the grave with "life, original, unborrowed, underived."

• The Condition of Salvation: Although Lazarus and others were raised in point of time before Jesus, their resurrections would have been void without His. He is the "Life-giver" John 1:4, and his resurrection was the legal condition for the salvation of every other saint.

• The Prophetic Decree: The Father’s decree, "This day have I begotten thee," is specifically applied by the Apostle Paul to the day of Christ's resurrection Acts 13:33. This marks Him as the "first begotten," the one whose victory over death authorizes the birth of a new, immortal race.

The Resurrection as a "Birth"

The Bible teaches that the resurrection is indeed a birth of the Spirit Romans 8:11.

• A First Implies a Last: Because Christ rose first and is called the "first-born from the dead" Colossians 1:18, it implies there will be others. When God brings those who sleep in Jesus from the dead at the last day, they are part of that same harvest 1 Thessalonians 4:14.

• The First-Fruits: Christ is the "firstfruits of them that slept" 1 Corinthians 15:20. Just as the wave-sheaf in the sanctuary service was the first of the harvest, Christ's resurrection ensures that a "nation shall be born at once" when He returns Isaiah 66:8.

The Difference Between Christ and Humanity

We must be careful to distinguish between the Giver of life and the receivers.

• Dependent Life: In us, there is only a "streamlet from the fountain of life" Psalm 36:9. Our life is something we receive, which the Giver can take back Job 10:18-22.

• Inherited Life: Man does not have immortality inherent in himself 1 Timothy 6:16. He can only possess eternal life as a free gift through belief in the personal Saviour John 17:3.

• The Pattern of Glory: While Christ is the only one "begotten" by His own divine power, those who are "accounted worthy" to obtain the resurrection from the dead become "children of God, being the children of the resurrection" Luke 20:35-36. At His coming, He will change our "vile body" to be fashioned like unto His "glorious body" Philippians 3:21.

Summary of the Godhead's Work

The early pioneers of our faith sometimes struggled with the timing of Christ's "begetting," but through the Spirit of Prophecy, we understand that Christ has existed from eternity as the equal of the Father John 1:1-3. The term "begotten" in the context of the resurrection emphasizes His role as the Head of the Body, the one who conquered the grave so that we might live. The Holy Spirit now works to "quicken" our mortal bodies, giving us the "earnest of our inheritance" until the day of final redemption Romans 8:11+1. 🕊️

Bible References for Study:

• ** Revelation 1:5:** Christ as the first begotten of the dead.

• ** Acts 13:33-34:** The resurrection as the fulfillment of "This day have I begotten thee."

• ** Colossians 1:18:** Christ's preeminence as the firstborn from the dead.

• ** John 10:18:** Christ's power to take His life up again.

• ** 1 Corinthians 15:20-23:** Christ as the firstfruits of the resurrection harvest.

• ** Luke 20:35-36:** Believers as "children of the resurrection."