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(Introduction portion of Chapter 5 only)
5
Firstfruit Defined
Let us start this chapter by getting straight to the point - tithes and firstfruit have two different meanings. Many tithers use these terms interchangeably when, in fact, they should not. Tithing has already been defined in the previous chapter. It is now time to define firstfruit according to what is written in the Bible.
The misinterpretation of several Bible verses dealing with the firstfruit is why Christians tend to have an inaccurate definition of it. This chapter clears up most misunderstandings concerning the use of firstfruit. Many people mistakenly use this word in defining the tithe, and in defining how Christians give. By defining this word, the reader can see the problem with using the term to describe the tithe and how Christians ought to support the church, especially when it comes to tithing money. This kind of mistake happens when Christian giving is called something other than what it is, and in this particular case, calling it ‘firstfruit.’
At the conclusion of this chapter, the reader will see that referring to the biblical firstfruit when talking about monetary income is inappropriate and has nothing to do with traditional monetary giving. This clarification will help guide the followers of Christ back to biblical forms of Christian stewardship in relation to economics.
One passage covered in this chapter is Genesis 4:3-4, which deals with the offerings of Cain and Abel where God looked with favor on Abel. The main passage, however, from which firstfruit is taught to be 10 percent of a person’s income is Proverbs 3:9-10. It states, “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.”
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