Typology is a method of biblical interpretation whereby an element found in the Old Testament is seen to prefigure one found in the New Testament. The initial one is called the type and the fulfillment is designated the antitype. Either type or antitype may be a person, thing, or event, but often the type is messianic and frequently related to the idea of salvation.

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Examples of Typology

There are many typologies in the Scriptures that have been clearly developed by the authors of the Bible, and understanding them reveals much depth to the nature of Jesus Christ and His plan of salvation throughout all time. Following are a few examples, but these are most certainly just the beginning.

 

People

Adam is a type of Christ, in that as the former introduced sin into the world, through the latter a system of righteousness was made available for mankind (Rom. 5:19).

 

Moses is a type of the Prophet like Moses only greater who should come, namely Jesus Christ (Deuteronomy 18:18). David is a type of his Greater Son. The flood in the days of Noah prefigures Baptism (I Peter 3:21). Christ is the fulfillment of Passover, Yom Kippur, and all the Old Testament sacrifices.

 

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Places

Jerusalem or Zion typifies the church and, finally, heaven (Gal. 4:25, 26; Heb. 12:22; Rev. 21:2).

Egypt represents a state of bondage, holding the sinner prior to his conversion (Rom. 6:17; 1 Cor. 10:1-4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your congregation will be amazed at the indepth and rich meaning of typology applied to the Old Testament. Many of the most strange and weird Bible passages can be discreetly explained using the "Rules of Typology.