“We also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit” (Romans 8:23)

In the Old Testament, the firstfruits of agriculture were dedicated to God before the coming harvest. The end time harvest of souls is yet to take place. Since the Day of Pentecost, saints have the firstfruits of the Holy Spirit “who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession” (Ephesians 1:13-14). If you’re saved, your purchased possession is eternal life. The indwelling Holy Spirit is your guarantee that you’ll live forever in Heaven.

Saints have only received a taste of Heaven, and should long for their future home. “The whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body” (Romans 8:22-23).

We look forward to the Blessed Hope. “We shall all be changed - in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality … then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’” (1 Corinthians 15:51-54).

"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).