Lehi further links Jesus, as a sacrifice, to the law of Moses by noting that he is the “firstfruits unto God.” The law required a sacrifice of the first increase of the season. The Messiah was the first to rise from the dead, and therefore a first fruit which was dedicated to God. As a first fruit, the Messiah is in a position to mediate for all those who would follow, to make intercession for them.
As all humankind will die, so too must all appear before God, to be judged according to truth and holiness. Between merciful redemption and divine justice stands the Messiah as one who is able to provide the balance between the unbalanceable opposites of mercy and justice.
To explain this, Lehi will begin a discussion of why this difficult situation was also a part of the original plan for this world. He reiterates that there has been a law given, and that violation of the law will require punishment, and clearly punishment is an opposite of happiness. The next verses will elaborate this dichotomy and the reason why it is important.