Chapter 45—The First Fruits
Christ, Creator and Life-giver
[]
When Christ cried out while upon the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30), there was a mighty earthquake, that rent open the graves of many who had been faithful and loyal, bearing their testimony against every evil work, and magnifying the Lord of hosts. As the Life-giver came forth from the sepulcher, proclaiming, “I am the resurrection, and the life” (John 11:25), He summoned these saints from the grave. When alive, they had borne their testimony unflinchingly for the truth; now, they were to be witnesses to Him who had raised them from the dead. These, said Christ, are no longer the captives of Satan. I have redeemed them; I have brought them from the grave as the first fruits of My power, to be with Me where I am, nevermore to see death or experience sorrow.
1SM 304.1
During His ministry, Jesus raised the dead to life. He raised the son of the widow of Nain, the daughter of Jairus, and Lazarus; but these were not clothed with immortality. After they were raised, they continued to be subject to death. But those who came forth from the grave at Christ's resurrection were raised to everlasting life. They were the multitude of captives that ascended with Him as trophies of His victory over death and the grave.
1SM 304.2
After His resurrection, Christ did not show Himself to any save His followers; but testimony in regard to His resurrection was not wanting. Those who were raised with Christ “appeared unto many” (Matthew 27:53), declaring, Christ has risen from the dead, and we are risen with Him. They bore testimony in the city to the fulfillment of the scripture, “Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead” (Isaiah 26:19). These saints contradicted the lie which the Roman guard had been hired to circulate—that the disciples had come by night and stolen Him away. This testimony could not be silenced.
1SM 305.1
Christ was the first fruits of them that slept. It was to the glory of God that the Prince of life should be the first fruits, the antitype of the wave sheaf. “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29). This very scene, the resurrection of Christ from the dead, had been celebrated in type by the Jews. When the first heads of grain ripened in the field, they were carefully gathered; and when the people went up to Jerusalem, these were presented to the Lord as a thank offering. The people waved the ripened sheaf before God, acknowledging Him as the Lord of the harvest. After this ceremony the sickle could be put to the wheat, and the harvest gathered.
1SM 305.2
So those who had been raised were to be presented to the universe as a pledge of the resurrection of all who believe in Christ as their personal Saviour. The same power that raised Christ from the dead will raise His church, and glorify it with Christ, as His bride, above all principalities, above all powers, above every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in the heavenly courts, the world above. The victory of the sleeping saints will be glorious on the morning of the resurrection. Satan's triumph will end, while Christ will triumph in glory and honor. The Life-giver will crown with immortality all who come forth from the grave.
1SM 305.3
The Ascension of Christ
The work of the Saviour on earth was finished. The time had come for Him to return to His heavenly home. “And he led them [the disciples] out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven” (Luke 24:50, 51).
1SM 306.1
As Christ ascends while in the act of blessing His disciples, an army of angels encircle Him as a cloud. Christ takes with Him the multitude of captives. He will Himself bring to the Father the first fruits of them that slept, as an evidence that He is conqueror of death and the grave. At the portals of the city of God, an innumerable company of angels await His coming. As they approach, the escorting angels address the company at the gate in triumphant tones:—
1SM 306.2
“Lift up your heads, O ye gates;
And be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors;
And the King of glory shall come in.”
1SM 306.3
“Who is this King of glory?” the waiting angels inquire.
1SM 306.4
“The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O ye gates;
Even lift them up, ye everlasting doors;
And the King of glory shall come in.”
1SM 306.5
Again the waiting angels ask, “Who is this King of glory?” and the escorting angels reply, in melodious strains, “The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory” (Psalm 24:7-10). Then the portals of the city of God are opened wide, and the angelic throng sweep through.
1SM 306.6
There is the throne, and around it the rainbow of promise. There are seraphim and cherubim. The angels circle round Him, but Christ waves them back. He enters into the presence of His Father. He points to His triumph in this antitype of Himself—the wave sheaf—those raised with Him, the representatives of the captive dead who shall come forth from their graves when the trump shall sound. He approaches the Father, and if there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repents, if the Father rejoices over one with singing, let the imagination take in this scene. Christ says: Father, it is finished. I have done Thy will, O My God. I have completed the work of redemption. If Thy justice is satisfied, “I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am” (John 17:24). And the voice of God is heard; justice is satisfied; Satan is vanquished. “Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other” (Psalm 85:10). The arms of the Father encircle the Son, and His voice is heard, saying, “Let all the angels of God worship him” (Hebrews 1:6).
1SM 306.7
98
1SM
Selected Messages Book 1
[{"para_id":"98.4","title":"A Word to the Reader","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0003_eng_f_a_word_to_the_reader_98_20.mp3#duration=398&size=3297187"},{"para_id":"98.29","title":"Introduction","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0005_eng_f_introduction_98_30.mp3#duration=116&size=1042796"},{"para_id":"98.35","title":"Chapter 1\u2014The Inspiration of the Prophetic Writers","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0006_eng_f_chapter_1_the_inspiration_of_the_prophetic_writers_98_35.mp3#duration=1572&size=12694863"},{"para_id":"98.88","title":"Chapter 2\u2014Ellen G. White and Her Writings","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0012_eng_f_chapter_2_ellen_g_white_and_her_writings_98_88.mp3#duration=2638&size=21218323"},{"para_id":"98.198","title":"Chapter 3\u2014Attitudes Toward the Testimonies","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0023_eng_f_chapter_3_attitudes_toward_the_testimonies_98_198.mp3#duration=1399&size=11311084"},{"para_id":"98.256","title":"Chapter 4\u2014The Writing and Sending Out of the Testimonies to the Church","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0033_eng_f_chapter_4_the_writing_and_sending_out_of_the_testimonies_to_the_church_98_256.mp3#duration=1459&size=11784938"},{"para_id":"98.327","title":"Chapter 5\u2014An Explanation of Early Statements","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0043_eng_f_chapter_5_an_explanation_of_early_statements_98_327.mp3#duration=3046&size=24490397"},{"para_id":"98.469","title":"Introduction","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0061_eng_f_introduction_98_470.mp3#duration=136&size=1199128"},{"para_id":"98.475","title":"Chapter 6\u2014The Loving Watchcare of Jesus","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0062_eng_f_chapter_6_the_loving_watchcare_of_jesus_98_475.mp3#duration=633&size=5180234"},{"para_id":"98.501","title":"Chapter 7\u2014Christ Holds Control","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0065_eng_f_chapter_7_christ_holds_control_98_501.mp3#duration=480&size=3955885"},{"para_id":"98.523","title":"Chapter 8\u2014Willing to Spend and Be Spent","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0068_eng_f_chapter_8_willing_to_spend_and_be_spent_98_523.mp3#duration=507&size=4168289"},{"para_id":"98.542","title":"Chapter 9\u2014Examine Yourselves","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0070_eng_f_chapter_9_examine_yourselves_98_542.mp3#duration=851&size=6922880"},{"para_id":"98.574","title":"Chapter 10\u2014Good Angels More Powerful Than Evil Angels","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0074_eng_f_chapter_10_good_angels_more_powerful_than_evil_angels_98_574.mp3#duration=649&size=5306080"},{"para_id":"98.596","title":"Chapter 11\u2014What Are We Worth?","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0077_eng_f_chapter_11_what_are_we_worth_98_596.mp3#duration=1325&size=10716943"},{"para_id":"98.653","title":"Chapter 12\u2014Angels Are Amazed","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0083_eng_f_chapter_12_angels_are_amazed_98_653.mp3#duration=480&size=3957509"},{"para_id":"98.674","title":"Chapter 13\u2014Importance of Receiving the Holy Spirit","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0085_eng_f_chapter_13_importance_of_receiving_the_holy_spirit_98_674.mp3#duration=456&size=3759143"},{"para_id":"98.689","title":"Chapter 14\u2014In Every Place","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0086_eng_f_chapter_14_in_every_place_98_689.mp3#duration=619&size=5068233"},{"para_id":"98.712","title":"Chapter 15\u2014When the Church Awakes","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0089_eng_f_chapter_15_when_the_church_awakes_98_712.mp3#duration=464&size=3824269"},{"para_id":"98.733","title":"Introduction","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0094_eng_f_introduction_98_734.mp3#duration=170&size=1474146"},{"para_id":"98.739","title":"Chapter 16\u2014Calls for a Revival","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0095_eng_f_chapter_16_calls_for_a_revival_98_739.mp3#duration=1436&size=11601307"},{"para_id":"98.785","title":"Chapter 17\u2014Safeguarding the New Experience","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0102_eng_f_chapter_17_safeguarding_the_new_experience_98_785.mp3#duration=2580&size=20759584"},{"para_id":"98.863","title":"Chapter 18\u2014Special Appeals in Public Ministry","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0113_eng_f_chapter_18_special_appeals_in_public_ministry_98_863.mp3#duration=1468&size=11857746"},{"para_id":"98.923","title":"Introduction","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0129_eng_f_introduction_98_924.mp3#duration=152&size=1330113"},{"para_id":"98.927","title":"Chapter 19\u2014What to Preach and Not to Preach","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0130_eng_f_chapter_19_what_to_preach_and_not_to_preach_98_927.mp3#duration=1462&size=11813706"},{"para_id":"98.991","title":"Chapter 20\u2014Our Attitude Toward Doctrinal Controversy","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0144_eng_f_chapter_20_our_attitude_toward_doctrinal_controversy_98_991.mp3#duration=718&size=5858916"},{"para_id":"98.1029","title":"Chapter 21\u2014Fanciful or Speculative Teachings","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0150_eng_f_chapter_21_fanciful_or_speculative_teachings_98_1029.mp3#duration=1139&size=9231526"},{"para_id":"98.1076","title":"Chapter 22\u2014The Peril of Extreme Views","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0158_eng_f_chapter_22_the_peril_of_extreme_views_98_1076.mp3#duration=1523&size=12300555"},{"para_id":"98.1137","title":"Chapter 23\u2014Beware of Any Time Setting","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0164_eng_f_chapter_23_beware_of_any_time_setting_98_1137.mp3#duration=1283&size=10383072"},{"para_id":"98.1180","title":"Chapter 24\u2014The Alpha and the Omega","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0171_eng_f_chapter_24_the_alpha_and_the_omega_98_1180.mp3#duration=1207&size=9772796"},{"para_id":"98.1236","title":"Chapter 25\u2014The Foundation of Our Faith","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0180_eng_f_chapter_25_the_foundation_of_our_faith_98_1236.mp3#duration=1202&size=9732022"},{"para_id":"98.1281","title":"Introduction","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0185_eng_f_introduction_98_1283.mp3#duration=154&size=1343339"},{"para_id":"98.1288","title":"Chapter 26\u2014The Perfect Law","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0186_eng_f_chapter_26_the_perfect_law_98_1288.mp3#duration=785&size=6392794"},{"para_id":"98.1312","title":"Chapter 27\u2014The Character of the Law of God","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0189_eng_f_chapter_27_the_character_of_the_law_of_god_98_1312.mp3#duration=851&size=6921627"},{"para_id":"98.1338","title":"Chapter 28\u2014Satan's Enmity Toward the Law","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0191_eng_f_chapter_28_satan_s_enmity_toward_the_law_98_1338.mp3#duration=700&size=5712456"},{"para_id":"98.1367","title":"Chapter 29\u2014Christ Our Only Hope","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0193_eng_f_chapter_29_christ_our_only_hope_98_1367.mp3#duration=468&size=3857939"},{"para_id":"98.1384","title":"Chapter 30\u2014The Law and the Gospel","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0195_eng_f_chapter_30_the_law_and_the_gospel_98_1384.mp3#duration=585&size=4792645"},{"para_id":"98.1406","title":"Chapter 31\u2014The Law in Galatians","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0197_eng_f_chapter_31_the_law_in_galatians_98_1406.mp3#duration=450&size=3711431"},{"para_id":"98.1426","title":"Chapter 32\u2014The Righteousness of Christ in the Law","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0199_eng_f_chapter_32_the_righteousness_of_christ_in_the_law_98_1426.mp3#duration=837&size=6809546"},{"para_id":"98.1462","title":"Chapter 33\u2014\u201cSearch the Scriptures\u201d","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0201_eng_f_chapter_33_search_the_scriptures_98_1462.mp3#duration=604&size=4950640"},{"para_id":"98.1484","title":"Chapter 34\u2014The Word Made Flesh","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0204_eng_f_chapter_34_the_word_made_flesh_98_1484.mp3#duration=953&size=7738552"},{"para_id":"98.1516","title":"Chapter 35\u2014\u201cTempted in All Points Like as We Are\u201d","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0208_eng_f_chapter_35_tempted_in_all_points_like_as_we_are_98_1516.mp3#duration=803&size=6535544"},{"para_id":"98.1542","title":"Chapter 36\u2014No Caste in Christ","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0211_eng_f_chapter_36_no_caste_in_christ_98_1542.mp3#duration=887&size=7213434"},{"para_id":"98.1575","title":"Chapter 37\u2014\u201cEven So Send I You\u201d","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0215_eng_f_chapter_37_even_so_send_i_you_98_1575.mp3#duration=586&size=4803640"},{"para_id":"98.1591","title":"Chapter 38\u2014The Temptation of Christ","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0217_eng_f_chapter_38_the_temptation_of_christ_98_1591.mp3#duration=630&size=5153443"},{"para_id":"98.1615","title":"Chapter 39\u2014First Temptation of Christ","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0220_eng_f_chapter_39_first_temptation_of_christ_98_1615.mp3#duration=1595&size=12878422"},{"para_id":"98.1668","title":"Chapter 40\u2014Second Temptation of Christ","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0225_eng_f_chapter_40_second_temptation_of_christ_98_1668.mp3#duration=567&size=4651539"},{"para_id":"98.1689","title":"Chapter 41\u2014Third Temptation of Christ","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0228_eng_f_chapter_41_third_temptation_of_christ_98_1689.mp3#duration=743&size=6061880"},{"para_id":"98.1716","title":"Chapter 42\u2014The Revelation of God","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0231_eng_f_chapter_42_the_revelation_of_god_98_1716.mp3#duration=1034&size=8390165"},{"para_id":"98.1745","title":"Chapter 43\u2014Christ the Life-giver","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0233_eng_f_chapter_43_christ_the_life_giver_98_1745.mp3#duration=908&size=7377401"},{"para_id":"98.1771","title":"Chapter 44\u2014The Risen Saviour","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0236_eng_f_chapter_44_the_risen_saviour_98_1771.mp3#duration=502&size=4133531"},{"para_id":"98.1787","title":"Chapter 45\u2014The First Fruits","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0237_eng_f_chapter_45_the_first_fruits_98_1787.mp3#duration=533&size=4381785"},{"para_id":"98.1810","title":"Chapter 46\u2014A Divine Sin Bearer","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0239_eng_f_chapter_46_a_divine_sin_bearer_98_1810.mp3#duration=397&size=3288260"},{"para_id":"98.1826","title":"Chapter 47\u2014The Truth as It Is in Jesus","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0240_eng_f_chapter_47_the_truth_as_it_is_in_jesus_98_1826.mp3#duration=1567&size=12649959"},{"para_id":"98.1875","title":"Chapter 48\u2014The Divine Standard","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0244_eng_f_chapter_48_the_divine_standard_98_1875.mp3#duration=1023&size=8300880"},{"para_id":"98.1902","title":"Chapter 49\u2014Surrender and Confession","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0247_eng_f_chapter_49_surrender_and_confession_98_1902.mp3#duration=817&size=6651631"},{"para_id":"98.1924","title":"Chapter 50\u2014Come and Seek and Find","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0250_eng_f_chapter_50_come_and_seek_and_find_98_1924.mp3#duration=788&size=6420805"},{"para_id":"98.1948","title":"Chapter 51\u2014United With the Living Vine","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0252_eng_f_chapter_51_united_with_the_living_vine_98_1948.mp3#duration=711&size=5804911"},{"para_id":"98.1965","title":"Chapter 52\u2014Christ Our High Priest","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0254_eng_f_chapter_52_christ_our_high_priest_98_1965.mp3#duration=885&size=7198552"},{"para_id":"98.1993","title":"Chapter 53\u2014Transformation Through Faith and Obedience","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0257_eng_f_chapter_53_transformation_through_faith_and_obedience_98_1993.mp3#duration=848&size=6898970"},{"para_id":"98.2016","title":"Chapter 54\u2014The Subject Presented in 1883","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0260_eng_f_chapter_54_the_subject_presented_in_1883_98_2016.mp3#duration=730&size=5953053"},{"para_id":"98.2042","title":"Chapter 55\u2014Presented as Old Truth in New Framework","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0264_eng_f_chapter_55_presented_as_old_truth_in_new_framework_98_2042.mp3#duration=624&size=5104988"},{"para_id":"98.2061","title":"Chapter 56\u2014A Truth Bearing the Divine Credentials","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0266_eng_f_chapter_56_a_truth_bearing_the_divine_credentials_98_2061.mp3#duration=905&size=7355498"},{"para_id":"98.2097","title":"Chapter 57\u2014Christ the Way of Life","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0273_eng_f_chapter_57_christ_the_way_of_life_98_2097.mp3#duration=649&size=5306059"},{"para_id":"98.2118","title":"Chapter 58\u2014\u201cThou Hast Left Thy First Love\u201d","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0276_eng_f_chapter_58_thou_hast_left_thy_first_love_98_2118.mp3#duration=668&size=5456859"},{"para_id":"98.2137","title":"Chapter 59\u2014Perfect Obedience Through Christ","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0279_eng_f_chapter_59_perfect_obedience_through_christ_98_2137.mp3#duration=567&size=4651459"},{"para_id":"98.2152","title":"Chapter 60\u2014Relation of Faith and Works","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0281_eng_f_chapter_60_relation_of_faith_and_works_98_2152.mp3#duration=902&size=7335154"},{"para_id":"98.2189","title":"Chapter 61\u2014Christ the Center of the Message","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0287_eng_f_chapter_61_christ_the_center_of_the_message_98_2189.mp3#duration=997&size=8089788"},{"para_id":"98.2211","title":"Chapter 62\u2014Justified by Faith","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0289_eng_f_chapter_62_justified_by_faith_98_2211.mp3#duration=1698&size=13698721"},{"para_id":"98.2261","title":"Chapter 63\u2014The Pearl of Great Price","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0294_eng_f_chapter_63_the_pearl_of_great_price_98_2261.mp3#duration=266&size=2238475"},{"para_id":"98.2271","title":"Chapter 64\u2014\u201cThe Darkness Comprehended It Not\u201d","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0295_eng_f_chapter_64_the_darkness_comprehended_it_not_98_2271.mp3#duration=754&size=6143285"},{"para_id":"98.2299","title":"Chapter 65\u2014How to Meet a Controverted Point of Doctrine","mp3":"\/mp3\/98\/0298_eng_f_chapter_65_how_to_meet_a_controverted_point_of_doctrine_98_2299.mp3#duration=1794&size=14471652"}]