Prophetic Pictures of Christ
Content
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What is a type. "Prophecy without words" 1.1 The word type comes from the Greek tupos. It occurs 16 times in the New Testament and is translated as “type”, “figure”, “pattern”, “example” to name a few. New Testament writers use the word "type" with some latitude; but the general idea that is common to all of them is the idea of a likeness: that something is being presented so that it resembles something or someone else. 1.2 Antitype.This something or someone else is called the antitype. In the Greek it comes from combining tupos with anti. Anti is a participle which could be translated instead of or because of and conveys the idea of contrast or substitution. An example is in 1 Peter 3. He’s just been discussing the Great Flood and then he says in verse 21, “…There is also an antitype which now saves us-baptism.” In other words, baptism is now a substitution for the waters of the flood. That is the New King James. If you have the NIV it says “water symbolizes baptism…” The NASB uses “corresponding to that, baptism…” etc. etc.. The words shadow and parable also convey the same general idea.
2. Classification of Types: types of types It can be found under three general Classifications. 2.1 Personal types: this would be an individual in Scripture whose life and experiences illustrate some principle or truth of redemption. One of these is Adam, who is specifically described as the one in Rom 5:14 "..who is the figure of him who was to come. NASB" another example is Melchizedek. (NIV uses the word pattern) 2.2 Historical types: These are historical events that foretell of future truths. The Flood would be an historical type. Other examples are the Wilderness Journey hinting at the Christian’s walk, the Pilgrims progress so to speak. Another would be the Deliverance from the Bondage of Egypt, etc.. 2.3 Ritual types, such as the Altar, the Offerings, the Priesthood, the Tabernacle and its furniture. The Law is also described as a shadow of “good things to come” as it says in Hebrews 10:1 3. How much of the Old Testament is Typical? 3.1 A restricted View. On one extreme are those that believe in a tightly constricted view of biblical types. They would say that the word type or anti-type must be explicitly mentioned in the New Testament and there are no more types other than these. 3.2 An all inclusive View On the other end are the speculators looking for hidden meaning in nearly every obscure detail. Over the years there have been writers who thought that every item in the Bible holds some hidden meaning. Examples are the, rings and poles in the Tabernacle and the 153 fish in John 21:11 3.3 The truth lies somewhere in the middle. Between those extremes, many scholars feel that there are Old Testament correspondences to New Testament truths which are indeed typical, although the word type is not specifically used. 3.4 Rules in Discovering Types. In discovering the Types let's just keep mine a couple guidelines. 1.)A thing in itself evil cannot be the type of what is good and pure. 1
2.) It must clearly reveal Christ. Avoid mysticism and speculation. Can you clearly see Christ and our relationship to Him, or an aspect of His priesthood or our salvation, or His role as our savior? Does it add to understanding of redemption? If not; if you have to strain to find the correspondence, it may be a good idea to leave it alone..
I happen to think that if God dictated this book to get His message to us, then He had good a reason for being so detailed and 153 fish probably does mean something in His purpose. However, we have to avoid straying from truth. I think it would be foolish to rule out the possibility God revealing some truth to any one of us through diligent study, prayer, and meditation. All the while following John’s warning in Revelation 22:18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. But guess what. When I get to Heaven I’m going to ask Him what 153 fish mean.
4. Discovering Types 4.1 The Tabernacle. In the book of Hebrews is found probably one of the more obvious types given for us to learn from. It is obvious because the writer tells us it is a type. It is The Tabernacle in the Wilderness. Heb 8:5 “They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: "See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain." Moses’ Tabernacle wasn’t the real tabernacle. That one is in Heaven Each feature of the Tabernacle depicts an aspect of our relationship with God. But what it all means could fill a lifetime of study because some of the smallest details are types in themselves. For example, various materials, forms, colors and shapes are used to build the Tabernacle. 4.2 The High Priest. An example of smaller details being types.The garments worn by the priests are specified in the smallest detail even down to the decoration along the hem of his robe. Ex 28:35 “The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe. “ Why is the Lord so careful to spell out such minute detail if it doesn’t all have an important symbolic meaning? After all, He must have had a reason to tell Moses to be sure he followed all of His instruction to the letter when he built the Tabernacle. I’m sure that meant everything in it as well; including the clothes the High Priest wore. Let’s look at the High Priest for a minute. First, we know that Jesus is now our High Priest, so the High Priest is the type and Jesus is the antitype. Heb 9:11 “…But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation.”
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This verse does two things: It tells us that Jesus is our High Priest. This verse also reaffirms that the Tabernacle that was made with hands is the type, it is not the real one. We are still waiting to see that one. So, all the details of the High Priest, from his duties to his garments are designed to bring out different aspects of the ministry of Christ as High Priest. An example of this is the breastplate. Ex 28:21 And the stones shall have the names of the sons of Israel, twelve according to their names, like the engravings of a signet, each one with its own name; they shall be according to the twelve tribes. Each of the twelve stones has engraved on it the name of one of the twelve tribes. Whenever the High Priest enters into the Holy of Holies, each one of these names is being presented to the Father, like an intersession. It reminds us of Jesus the Good Shepherd who knows and calls each one of us by name. John 10:3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name…” 4.3 How we learn from Types. Do you remember the statement from our overview of the Old Testament. “The NT is enfolded in the OT, and the OT is unfolded by the NT.” A. The Antitype explains the Type. The story in Genesis 22 is a good example. God told Abraham to take his son Isaac to the mountain to sacrifice him on an altar of fire. We now know from being able to read the New Testament that that this event pictures the substitutionary death of Christ on the Cross for our sins. Without benefit of this hindsight, we could read that story and think “what an awful thing for God to ask Abraham to do”. But now, Christ’s crucifixion completes the picture like a Commentary explaining a passage of scripture. “…the OT is unfolded by the NT” And types can work in the other direction too. B. The Type can help explain the Antitype. When we see words in the New Testament such as “altar”, “sacrifice”, and “offering”, if we didn’t have the Old Testament to look back on, would we understand them as well as we do? By being able to look at the origin of these words we gain a clearer understanding of how they apply to our Christian experience.
5. People, Things and events that are Types of Christ 5.1 Adam
The fact that Adam is a type of Christ is no mystery. Romans 5:14 told us so, and so does 1 Corinthians 15:44-45 If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So also it is written, "The first MAN, Adam, BECAME A LIVING SOUL." The last Adam became a lifegiving spirit. Adam is the head of the human race while Christ is the head of a new race, a new creation, the spiritual man. 3
The two Adams are similar in that both came into the earth in ways different from all other mortals. (except Eve if you want to count her) The first came from the hand of God full grown, and capable of falling. Christ came supernaturally, and was sinless. And then there are the passages that show us the contrasts between the two Adams. 1 Corinthians 15:22 …For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. Romans 5:18-19 Therefore, through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification … For by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous.” Adam’s acts brought sin, death, and condemnation. Christ’s acts bring us life, justification, and victory. Adam and Eve were cast from the garden and God put a plan in motion to bring His children back to paradise. And, here I think is one of the lessons for us out of this and what we can learn about what Christ has for us.. More than just wanting to bring us back, He wants to restore to us what Adam lost. What did Adam lose? Gen 1:28-29 And God blessed them; and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth." Adam was given a magnificent birthright. He was king of the earth. And he gave it all up for something to eat. Hold and remember that thought and let’s look at a promise God made to us. Rev 2:26 …To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations“Authority” here is the Greek exousia, meaning power of government or jurisdiction. Adam had to abdicate his throne because of disobedience. But with obedience we get the throne back!!!! Matt 25:34"Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Is that awesome or what? Another type we will look at is not a person but a thing:
5.2 The Ark
Noah and his family found refuge from the flood in the ark. This may be one of the most repeated stories from children’s Sunday School. But is it just a great story with a happy ending? That’s not what Peter says. Lets’ look at the whole passage mentioned earlier: 4
1 Peter 3:20-21…when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 21 There is also an antitype which now saves us — baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, NKJV Our subject tonight isn’t baptism. It’s just that this passage leaves no us doubt that the flood event and Noah’s ark represent some deep spiritual truths for us. Let’s take a look. The ark was a place of refuge from God’s judgment in that time. Gen 7:4 Seven days from now I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and I will wipe from the face of the earth every living creature I have made." The ark was a place of perfect safety for those who entered, while all men and beast that walked on the earth outside the ark vanished. The ark then is a clear picture of Christ as the one and only refuge. Just as everyone outside the ark fell to the flood, every single one of us today is in danger of judgment without Him. Acts 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." Just as inside the ark was safety, so in Christ there is also: Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. In the side of the ark was but one door for people enter. While Noah was busy building the ark he no doubt witnessed to on lookers. 2 Peter 2:5 calls Noah a preacher of righteousness. During the 120 years that Noah was building, that door stood open for anyone to heed his warnings, repent, and reserve a spot on the cruise. 2 Peter 3:9 “… He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” And when they do, they can get on board. Jesus says, John 10:9 " I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved…” There came the time that God was ready to bring the flood and told Noah to enter the ark with all the animals and his family. Gen 7:16 “….Then the LORD shut him in.” If God shut the door then everyone inside had perfect security. The words of Jesus himself tells us of perfect security in Him John 10:28-29 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. And according to Eph 1:13-14 every one who believes in Christ is “… sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, until the day of redemption …” God shutting the door is a symbol of our security in Christ. As God gave Noah the plans for building the ark He also told him to “… cover it inside and out with pitch.” Gen 6:14 This is most interesting because the Hebrew word translated “pitch” here is kaphar. It is used 102 times in the Old Testament and in all cases except this one means “atonement, forgiveness, reconcile, be merciful, purge etc. No matter how well built that ark was, it would never have been a safe place in the storm without pitch to seal all the cracks and make it watertight. Now, God could have made it watertight without the pitch, but God gave the order to use the pitch. Disobeying that order would have meant sinking. The Ark was no place of refuge without the pitch. Likewise, our salvation is no salvation without the Kaphar, without the atonement. What is the atonement? 5
Leviticus 17:11 says “… for it is the blood that makes an atonement for the soul.” The Pitch in the ark of our lives, the atonement that keeps us from sinking is Jesus blood shed on the cross. Heb 9:22 reinforces this. ”…and without shedding of blood is no remission.” One more thing before we move on from the ark, let’s look at Noah’s grandfather. Methuselah is an interesting study. According to various Bible Dictionaries and Encyclopedias his name can be translated either 1. “man of the dart”. Or “spear”, or 2. “He dies and it (the Flood) is sent”. If his name is that last one this chart shows how accurate was his naming. If his name means spear, or carries the idea of a spear, then it also is full of meaning. Habakkuk chapter 3 is a prayer in the form of a poem that recalls great works by God. The International Encyclopedia of the Bible says, “In majestic pictures the poet describes the wonderful appearances of Yahweh in the past (vs 9-11) (Hab 3:9-11 You split the earth with rivers; the mountains saw you and crumbled. Torrents of water swept by; the deep roared and lifted its waves on high. Sun and moon stood in their places; They went away at the light of your arrows, At the radiance of your gleaming spear. NASB He talks about God shattering the mountains and leveling the hills; the earth splitting open with rivers and raging waters. That sounds to me like he is retelling the story of the great flood. The flood came when the sky turned dark in a 40 day rain storm and the underground rivers burst to the surface. Habakkuk says that the sun and moon faded and God’s spear shown brightly instead. God’s spear shining brighter than the sun is poetic language for God’s judgment overpowering the earth and sky. If the root of Methuselah’s name means “a man with a spear” then how appropriate is this?!?. His very life was prophecy of the coming judgment of the “man of the spear.”
5.3 Joseph
Unlike Adam, we don’t find mention of Joseph in the New Testament that tells us outright he is a type of Christ. The two times his name is brought up is in Acts and Hebrews in retellings of the history of the nation. However, Joseph’s life is filled with so many incidents and events that show Christ to us that there is no doubt that He is a type of our Savior. Also, it might take several hours to discuss just Joseph and how he pictures Jesus. So, we’ll just try to discover some of the highlights. First; we know that Joseph was his father’s well-beloved son. Genesis 37: 3 says his father “…loved him more than his brothers.” So much so that Jacob (actually renamed Israel by this time) made him the famous special coat of many colors. To understand why this was such a big deal it really helps to know a little of the customs of the day. This kind of coat was normally given to the oldest son destined to become the father’s heir. Joseph was Jacob’s first born by Rachel, his favorite wife, but he wasn’t THE first born, that was Reuben. To be given such a coat, it may as well as seemed to the other brothers that Jacob looked at Joseph as his only son. 5.3.A His Birthright 6
Joseph was much loved and highly favored: Just as God the Father regards His son: John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Matt 3:17 …and lo a voice from heaven, saying, “this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matt 17:5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, with whom I am wellpleased; listen to Him!" If Jacob thought of Joseph like an eldest son he was sending a few more signals with this special coat. In Eastern Customs the firstborn assumes the family priesthood and receives a double portion when the father’s estate is settled. No wonder the other brothers were so ticked. Interestingly, as it turns out the birthright of the firstborn is taken away from Reuben and given to Joseph. 1 Chron 5:1-3 The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (he was the firstborn, but when he defiled his father's marriage bed, his rights as firstborn were given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel; so he could not be listed in the genealogical record in accordance with his birthright, 2 and though Judah was the strongest of his brothers and a ruler came from him, the rights of the firstborn belonged to Joseph) Gen 48:5 "Now then, your two sons born to you in Egypt before I came to you here will be reckoned as mine; Ephraim and Manasseh will be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine.” Jacob adopts Joseph’s two sons giving them full inheritance rights along with all the other brothers. Joseph’s lineage now enjoys a double portion!!! And on top of that.-In Gen 48:22 Jacob says to Joseph,”Moreover I have given to you one portion above your brothers, which I took from the hand of the Amorite with my sword and my bow." Not only does Joseph get the firstborn’s double portion by virtue of his two sons, but he gets another portion of his own on top of that. Talk about a “…good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over,…” Luke 6:38 Jesus as the anti-type to Joseph has received the birthright and double portion: In Hebrews 1:2 we are told that God….”has at the end of these days spoken unto us in his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, …” Ok we looked at Josephs birthright and how Jesus is the well beloved son who inherits all things. 5.3.B His Mission One day Jacob wanted an update in the status of the family business. Joseph’s brothers were off in the hills somewhere tending the sheep so Jacob sent him to bring back a report. Gen 37:14-17 14 Then he said to him, "Go now and see about the welfare of your brothers and the welfare of the flock, and bring word back to me." So he sent him from the valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem…So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan. Hebron, where Joseph lived with his father, is in a mountain valley about 20 miles south of Jerusalem. Dothan is in the fertile valley of Shecham almost 30 miles north of Jerusalem, so this was quite a trek for our boy Joseph. 7
The name "Hebron" (or Chevron-pronounced with a hard "ch") is derived from the Hebrew word "chaver," or "friend." It conveys the idea of friendship and fellowship. The name Dothan comes from a Hebrew root meaning: Law. Joseph left his home where he is loved and cherished. He takes a long hike to find his brothers in land known as the place of the law, only to be rejected, betrayed, thrown into a pit and sold into slavery. Jesus left his home where he was loved and cherished, comes to earth to bring good news to the Jews, his brothers, who were too stuck in their ways and laws, only to be rejected, betrayed, and thrown into the grave. 5.3.C His Position Remember Joseph’s dreams; those famous dreams of his family bowing down to him, that made his brothers so envious? They foretold of Joseph’s future status as a great ruler. And, upon reading the story we know how it came true when he was made second in command only to Pharaoh himself. Gen 41:39-40 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. 40 You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you." Pharaoh puts his own signet ring on Joseph’s hand and decrees that no one can even raise his hand or take a step without his permission. If anyone wanted to see the Pharaoh they had to see Joseph first. Timothy tells us of Jesus’ high position: 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 5.3.D The Character of His Position About the real force of the power given to Joseph we read: Gen 41:42-43 Then Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph's hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen, and put the gold necklace around his neck. 43 And he had him ride in his second chariot; and they proclaimed before him, "Bow the knee!" And he set him over all the land of Egypt. In Jesus’ case, before He was even born, the angel Gabriel announced he would be on the throne of the house of Israel: Luke 1:33 and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 5.3.E His Task while in Rejection Joseph was in Egypt because he was rejected by his brothers. While in a state of rejection he established a throne and took a Gentile wife. Jesus was rejected, sold away and crucified. But, is now according to, Acts 5:31"He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior,…” 8
So, Jesus is sort of in his own time of rejection before His final returning. During this time He is taking for himself a wife clearly described as The Church in; Eph 5:31-32 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." 32 This is a profound mystery-but I am talking about Christ and the church. 5.3.F He is the Only Source Joseph became the savior of the people of the land and when they were starving they came to him for bread. Jesus is the dispenser of food for the hungry soul because as He says in John 6:47,48, I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. 48 I am the bread of life. The people had to go to Joseph for food because they could get it nowhere else. Jesus is the only place to go for the everlasting bread of life. 1 John 5:12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. And Acts 4:12Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
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What is a type. "Prophecy without words" 1.1 The word type comes from the Greek tupos. It occurs 16 times in the New Testament and is translated as “type”, “figure”, “pattern”, “example” to name a few. New Testament writers use the word "type" with some latitude; but the general idea that is common to all of them is the idea of a likeness: that something is being presented so that it resembles something or someone else. 1.2 Antitype.This something or someone else is called the antitype. In the Greek it comes from combining tupos with anti. Anti is a participle which could be translated instead of or because of and conveys the idea of contrast or substitution. An example is in 1 Peter 3. He’s just been discussing the Great Flood and then he says in verse 21, “…There is also an antitype which now saves us-baptism.” In other words, baptism is now a substitution for the waters of the flood. That is the New King James. If you have the NIV it says “water symbolizes baptism…” The NASB uses “corresponding to that, baptism…” etc. etc.. The words shadow and parable also convey the same general idea.
2. Classification of Types: types of types It can be found under three general Classifications. 2.1 Personal types: this would be an individual in Scripture whose life and experiences illustrate some principle or truth of redemption. One of these is Adam, who is specifically described as the one in Rom 5:14 "..who is the figure of him who was to come. NASB" another example is Melchizedek. (NIV uses the word pattern) 2.2 Historical types: These are historical events that foretell of future truths. The Flood would be an historical type. Other examples are the Wilderness Journey hinting at the Christian’s walk, the Pilgrims progress so to speak. Another would be the Deliverance from the Bondage of Egypt, etc.. 2.3 Ritual types, such as the Altar, the Offerings, the Priesthood, the Tabernacle and its furniture. The Law is also described as a shadow of “good things to come” as it says in Hebrews 10:1 3. How much of the Old Testament is Typical? 3.1 A restricted View. On one extreme are those that believe in a tightly constricted view of biblical types. They would say that the word type or anti-type must be explicitly mentioned in the New Testament and there are no more types other than these. 3.2 An all inclusive View On the other end are the speculators looking for hidden meaning in nearly every obscure detail. Over the years there have been writers who thought that every item in the Bible holds some hidden meaning. Examples are the, rings and poles in the Tabernacle and the 153 fish in John 21:11 3.3 The truth lies somewhere in the middle. Between those extremes, many scholars feel that there are Old Testament correspondences to New Testament truths which are indeed typical, although the word type is not specifically used. 3.4 Rules in Discovering Types. In discovering the Types let's just keep mine a couple guidelines. 1.)A thing in itself evil cannot be the type of what is good and pure. 1
2.) It must clearly reveal Christ. Avoid mysticism and speculation. Can you clearly see Christ and our relationship to Him, or an aspect of His priesthood or our salvation, or His role as our savior? Does it add to understanding of redemption? If not; if you have to strain to find the correspondence, it may be a good idea to leave it alone..
I happen to think that if God dictated this book to get His message to us, then He had good a reason for being so detailed and 153 fish probably does mean something in His purpose. However, we have to avoid straying from truth. I think it would be foolish to rule out the possibility God revealing some truth to any one of us through diligent study, prayer, and meditation. All the while following John’s warning in Revelation 22:18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. But guess what. When I get to Heaven I’m going to ask Him what 153 fish mean.
4. Discovering Types 4.1 The Tabernacle. In the book of Hebrews is found probably one of the more obvious types given for us to learn from. It is obvious because the writer tells us it is a type. It is The Tabernacle in the Wilderness. Heb 8:5 “They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: "See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain." Moses’ Tabernacle wasn’t the real tabernacle. That one is in Heaven Each feature of the Tabernacle depicts an aspect of our relationship with God. But what it all means could fill a lifetime of study because some of the smallest details are types in themselves. For example, various materials, forms, colors and shapes are used to build the Tabernacle. 4.2 The High Priest. An example of smaller details being types.The garments worn by the priests are specified in the smallest detail even down to the decoration along the hem of his robe. Ex 28:35 “The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe. “ Why is the Lord so careful to spell out such minute detail if it doesn’t all have an important symbolic meaning? After all, He must have had a reason to tell Moses to be sure he followed all of His instruction to the letter when he built the Tabernacle. I’m sure that meant everything in it as well; including the clothes the High Priest wore. Let’s look at the High Priest for a minute. First, we know that Jesus is now our High Priest, so the High Priest is the type and Jesus is the antitype. Heb 9:11 “…But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation.”
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This verse does two things: It tells us that Jesus is our High Priest. This verse also reaffirms that the Tabernacle that was made with hands is the type, it is not the real one. We are still waiting to see that one. So, all the details of the High Priest, from his duties to his garments are designed to bring out different aspects of the ministry of Christ as High Priest. An example of this is the breastplate. Ex 28:21 And the stones shall have the names of the sons of Israel, twelve according to their names, like the engravings of a signet, each one with its own name; they shall be according to the twelve tribes. Each of the twelve stones has engraved on it the name of one of the twelve tribes. Whenever the High Priest enters into the Holy of Holies, each one of these names is being presented to the Father, like an intersession. It reminds us of Jesus the Good Shepherd who knows and calls each one of us by name. John 10:3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name…” 4.3 How we learn from Types. Do you remember the statement from our overview of the Old Testament. “The NT is enfolded in the OT, and the OT is unfolded by the NT.” A. The Antitype explains the Type. The story in Genesis 22 is a good example. God told Abraham to take his son Isaac to the mountain to sacrifice him on an altar of fire. We now know from being able to read the New Testament that that this event pictures the substitutionary death of Christ on the Cross for our sins. Without benefit of this hindsight, we could read that story and think “what an awful thing for God to ask Abraham to do”. But now, Christ’s crucifixion completes the picture like a Commentary explaining a passage of scripture. “…the OT is unfolded by the NT” And types can work in the other direction too. B. The Type can help explain the Antitype. When we see words in the New Testament such as “altar”, “sacrifice”, and “offering”, if we didn’t have the Old Testament to look back on, would we understand them as well as we do? By being able to look at the origin of these words we gain a clearer understanding of how they apply to our Christian experience.
5. People, Things and events that are Types of Christ 5.1 Adam
The fact that Adam is a type of Christ is no mystery. Romans 5:14 told us so, and so does 1 Corinthians 15:44-45 If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So also it is written, "The first MAN, Adam, BECAME A LIVING SOUL." The last Adam became a lifegiving spirit. Adam is the head of the human race while Christ is the head of a new race, a new creation, the spiritual man. 3
The two Adams are similar in that both came into the earth in ways different from all other mortals. (except Eve if you want to count her) The first came from the hand of God full grown, and capable of falling. Christ came supernaturally, and was sinless. And then there are the passages that show us the contrasts between the two Adams. 1 Corinthians 15:22 …For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. Romans 5:18-19 Therefore, through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification … For by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous.” Adam’s acts brought sin, death, and condemnation. Christ’s acts bring us life, justification, and victory. Adam and Eve were cast from the garden and God put a plan in motion to bring His children back to paradise. And, here I think is one of the lessons for us out of this and what we can learn about what Christ has for us.. More than just wanting to bring us back, He wants to restore to us what Adam lost. What did Adam lose? Gen 1:28-29 And God blessed them; and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth." Adam was given a magnificent birthright. He was king of the earth. And he gave it all up for something to eat. Hold and remember that thought and let’s look at a promise God made to us. Rev 2:26 …To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations“Authority” here is the Greek exousia, meaning power of government or jurisdiction. Adam had to abdicate his throne because of disobedience. But with obedience we get the throne back!!!! Matt 25:34"Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Is that awesome or what? Another type we will look at is not a person but a thing:
5.2 The Ark
Noah and his family found refuge from the flood in the ark. This may be one of the most repeated stories from children’s Sunday School. But is it just a great story with a happy ending? That’s not what Peter says. Lets’ look at the whole passage mentioned earlier: 4
1 Peter 3:20-21…when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 21 There is also an antitype which now saves us — baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, NKJV Our subject tonight isn’t baptism. It’s just that this passage leaves no us doubt that the flood event and Noah’s ark represent some deep spiritual truths for us. Let’s take a look. The ark was a place of refuge from God’s judgment in that time. Gen 7:4 Seven days from now I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and I will wipe from the face of the earth every living creature I have made." The ark was a place of perfect safety for those who entered, while all men and beast that walked on the earth outside the ark vanished. The ark then is a clear picture of Christ as the one and only refuge. Just as everyone outside the ark fell to the flood, every single one of us today is in danger of judgment without Him. Acts 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." Just as inside the ark was safety, so in Christ there is also: Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. In the side of the ark was but one door for people enter. While Noah was busy building the ark he no doubt witnessed to on lookers. 2 Peter 2:5 calls Noah a preacher of righteousness. During the 120 years that Noah was building, that door stood open for anyone to heed his warnings, repent, and reserve a spot on the cruise. 2 Peter 3:9 “… He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” And when they do, they can get on board. Jesus says, John 10:9 " I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved…” There came the time that God was ready to bring the flood and told Noah to enter the ark with all the animals and his family. Gen 7:16 “….Then the LORD shut him in.” If God shut the door then everyone inside had perfect security. The words of Jesus himself tells us of perfect security in Him John 10:28-29 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. And according to Eph 1:13-14 every one who believes in Christ is “… sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, until the day of redemption …” God shutting the door is a symbol of our security in Christ. As God gave Noah the plans for building the ark He also told him to “… cover it inside and out with pitch.” Gen 6:14 This is most interesting because the Hebrew word translated “pitch” here is kaphar. It is used 102 times in the Old Testament and in all cases except this one means “atonement, forgiveness, reconcile, be merciful, purge etc. No matter how well built that ark was, it would never have been a safe place in the storm without pitch to seal all the cracks and make it watertight. Now, God could have made it watertight without the pitch, but God gave the order to use the pitch. Disobeying that order would have meant sinking. The Ark was no place of refuge without the pitch. Likewise, our salvation is no salvation without the Kaphar, without the atonement. What is the atonement? 5
Leviticus 17:11 says “… for it is the blood that makes an atonement for the soul.” The Pitch in the ark of our lives, the atonement that keeps us from sinking is Jesus blood shed on the cross. Heb 9:22 reinforces this. ”…and without shedding of blood is no remission.” One more thing before we move on from the ark, let’s look at Noah’s grandfather. Methuselah is an interesting study. According to various Bible Dictionaries and Encyclopedias his name can be translated either 1. “man of the dart”. Or “spear”, or 2. “He dies and it (the Flood) is sent”. If his name is that last one this chart shows how accurate was his naming. If his name means spear, or carries the idea of a spear, then it also is full of meaning. Habakkuk chapter 3 is a prayer in the form of a poem that recalls great works by God. The International Encyclopedia of the Bible says, “In majestic pictures the poet describes the wonderful appearances of Yahweh in the past (vs 9-11) (Hab 3:9-11 You split the earth with rivers; the mountains saw you and crumbled. Torrents of water swept by; the deep roared and lifted its waves on high. Sun and moon stood in their places; They went away at the light of your arrows, At the radiance of your gleaming spear. NASB He talks about God shattering the mountains and leveling the hills; the earth splitting open with rivers and raging waters. That sounds to me like he is retelling the story of the great flood. The flood came when the sky turned dark in a 40 day rain storm and the underground rivers burst to the surface. Habakkuk says that the sun and moon faded and God’s spear shown brightly instead. God’s spear shining brighter than the sun is poetic language for God’s judgment overpowering the earth and sky. If the root of Methuselah’s name means “a man with a spear” then how appropriate is this?!?. His very life was prophecy of the coming judgment of the “man of the spear.”
5.3 Joseph
Unlike Adam, we don’t find mention of Joseph in the New Testament that tells us outright he is a type of Christ. The two times his name is brought up is in Acts and Hebrews in retellings of the history of the nation. However, Joseph’s life is filled with so many incidents and events that show Christ to us that there is no doubt that He is a type of our Savior. Also, it might take several hours to discuss just Joseph and how he pictures Jesus. So, we’ll just try to discover some of the highlights. First; we know that Joseph was his father’s well-beloved son. Genesis 37: 3 says his father “…loved him more than his brothers.” So much so that Jacob (actually renamed Israel by this time) made him the famous special coat of many colors. To understand why this was such a big deal it really helps to know a little of the customs of the day. This kind of coat was normally given to the oldest son destined to become the father’s heir. Joseph was Jacob’s first born by Rachel, his favorite wife, but he wasn’t THE first born, that was Reuben. To be given such a coat, it may as well as seemed to the other brothers that Jacob looked at Joseph as his only son. 5.3.A His Birthright 6
Joseph was much loved and highly favored: Just as God the Father regards His son: John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Matt 3:17 …and lo a voice from heaven, saying, “this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matt 17:5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, with whom I am wellpleased; listen to Him!" If Jacob thought of Joseph like an eldest son he was sending a few more signals with this special coat. In Eastern Customs the firstborn assumes the family priesthood and receives a double portion when the father’s estate is settled. No wonder the other brothers were so ticked. Interestingly, as it turns out the birthright of the firstborn is taken away from Reuben and given to Joseph. 1 Chron 5:1-3 The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (he was the firstborn, but when he defiled his father's marriage bed, his rights as firstborn were given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel; so he could not be listed in the genealogical record in accordance with his birthright, 2 and though Judah was the strongest of his brothers and a ruler came from him, the rights of the firstborn belonged to Joseph) Gen 48:5 "Now then, your two sons born to you in Egypt before I came to you here will be reckoned as mine; Ephraim and Manasseh will be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine.” Jacob adopts Joseph’s two sons giving them full inheritance rights along with all the other brothers. Joseph’s lineage now enjoys a double portion!!! And on top of that.-In Gen 48:22 Jacob says to Joseph,”Moreover I have given to you one portion above your brothers, which I took from the hand of the Amorite with my sword and my bow." Not only does Joseph get the firstborn’s double portion by virtue of his two sons, but he gets another portion of his own on top of that. Talk about a “…good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over,…” Luke 6:38 Jesus as the anti-type to Joseph has received the birthright and double portion: In Hebrews 1:2 we are told that God….”has at the end of these days spoken unto us in his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, …” Ok we looked at Josephs birthright and how Jesus is the well beloved son who inherits all things. 5.3.B His Mission One day Jacob wanted an update in the status of the family business. Joseph’s brothers were off in the hills somewhere tending the sheep so Jacob sent him to bring back a report. Gen 37:14-17 14 Then he said to him, "Go now and see about the welfare of your brothers and the welfare of the flock, and bring word back to me." So he sent him from the valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem…So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan. Hebron, where Joseph lived with his father, is in a mountain valley about 20 miles south of Jerusalem. Dothan is in the fertile valley of Shecham almost 30 miles north of Jerusalem, so this was quite a trek for our boy Joseph. 7
The name "Hebron" (or Chevron-pronounced with a hard "ch") is derived from the Hebrew word "chaver," or "friend." It conveys the idea of friendship and fellowship. The name Dothan comes from a Hebrew root meaning: Law. Joseph left his home where he is loved and cherished. He takes a long hike to find his brothers in land known as the place of the law, only to be rejected, betrayed, thrown into a pit and sold into slavery. Jesus left his home where he was loved and cherished, comes to earth to bring good news to the Jews, his brothers, who were too stuck in their ways and laws, only to be rejected, betrayed, and thrown into the grave. 5.3.C His Position Remember Joseph’s dreams; those famous dreams of his family bowing down to him, that made his brothers so envious? They foretold of Joseph’s future status as a great ruler. And, upon reading the story we know how it came true when he was made second in command only to Pharaoh himself. Gen 41:39-40 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. 40 You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you." Pharaoh puts his own signet ring on Joseph’s hand and decrees that no one can even raise his hand or take a step without his permission. If anyone wanted to see the Pharaoh they had to see Joseph first. Timothy tells us of Jesus’ high position: 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 5.3.D The Character of His Position About the real force of the power given to Joseph we read: Gen 41:42-43 Then Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph's hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen, and put the gold necklace around his neck. 43 And he had him ride in his second chariot; and they proclaimed before him, "Bow the knee!" And he set him over all the land of Egypt. In Jesus’ case, before He was even born, the angel Gabriel announced he would be on the throne of the house of Israel: Luke 1:33 and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 5.3.E His Task while in Rejection Joseph was in Egypt because he was rejected by his brothers. While in a state of rejection he established a throne and took a Gentile wife. Jesus was rejected, sold away and crucified. But, is now according to, Acts 5:31"He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior,…” 8
So, Jesus is sort of in his own time of rejection before His final returning. During this time He is taking for himself a wife clearly described as The Church in; Eph 5:31-32 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." 32 This is a profound mystery-but I am talking about Christ and the church. 5.3.F He is the Only Source Joseph became the savior of the people of the land and when they were starving they came to him for bread. Jesus is the dispenser of food for the hungry soul because as He says in John 6:47,48, I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. 48 I am the bread of life. The people had to go to Joseph for food because they could get it nowhere else. Jesus is the only place to go for the everlasting bread of life. 1 John 5:12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. And Acts 4:12Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
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