Typological Connections in Scripture Pointing to Christ
Typology in Scripture refers to the study of how earlier biblical persons, events, or institutions foreshadow later ones, particularly those related to Jesus Christ. The New Testament frequently presents Jesus as the fulfillment of patterns established in the Old Testament, indicating that the entire Old Testament points to God's salvation through Christ [10].
Many figures and elements from the Old Testament are identified as "types" of Christ. Adam, for instance, is considered a type of Christ (Romans 5:14), as is Abel (Genesis 4:8,10; Hebrews 12:24) [3, 7]. Abraham is also listed as a type of Christ (Genesis 17:5; Ephesians 3:15) [3]. Moses is identified as a type of Christ, particularly in his role as a mediator (Deuteronomy 5:5; Galatians 3:19) [1]. Similarly, Aaron, the high priest, typified Christ in his priestly function (Numbers 16:48; Hebrews 5:4,5) [1, 3]. David, the king, is another significant type, foreshadowing Christ's kingship (2 Samuel 8:15; Ezekiel 37:24; Psalm 89:19,20) [3]. The New Testament authors frequently cite Psalm 110:1, which speaks of the Lord at God's right hand, to describe Jesus [11]. David himself speaks prophetically concerning Christ in Psalm 16:8-11, a passage that applies exclusively to Christ [13].
Beyond individuals, various objects, events, and institutions serve as types of Christ. The ark, which provided salvation during the flood, is seen as a type (Genesis 7:16; 1 Peter 3:20,21) [3]. The Ark of the Covenant, representing God's presence and covenant, also typifies Christ (Exodus 25:16; Psalm 40:8) [3]. The brazen serpent, lifted in the wilderness for healing, is explicitly connected to Christ by Jesus himself (Numbers 21:9; John 3:14,15) [3]. Sacrifices, such as the burnt offering and those offered on the Day of Atonement, are understood as types pointing to Christ's ultimate sacrifice (Leviticus 1:2,4; Hebrews 10:10; Leviticus 16:15,16; Hebrews 9:12,24) [3]. The cities of refuge, which offered sanctuary to those who had unintentionally killed someone, are also considered types of Christ, providing refuge for believers (Numbers 35:6; Hebrews 6:18) [3].
The concept of Christ as a mediator is central to understanding these typological connections. He is presented as the only mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5), and the mediator of the gospel covenant (Hebrews 8:6; 12:24) [1]. Access to God is made possible through Christ (John 10:7,9; 14:6; Romans 5:2; Ephesians 2:13; 3:12; Hebrews 7:9,25; 10:19; 1 Peter 3:18) [4]. This access is achieved through faith and follows reconciliation to God (Acts 14:27; Romans 5:2; Colossians 1:21,22) [4]. The "blood of Christ"—his sacrificial death—is what makes reconciliation and access to God possible [8].
The New Testament emphasizes that Jesus' lineage and birth fulfilled Old Testament expectations [9]. Matthew's Gospel begins by tracing Jesus' genealogy back to David and Abraham, highlighting his fulfillment of covenant promises (Matthew 1:1) [6, 9]. The phrase "in Christ Jesus" frequently appears in Paul's writings to describe the saving relationship believers have with Christ (e.g., Romans 3:24; Galatians 2:4; Ephesians 3:6) [12]. This confidence in God is established through Christ (2 Corinthians 3:4) [2].
The understanding of these typological connections is crucial for comprehending the unity of Scripture and the overarching narrative of salvation history. The Holy Scriptures, known from childhood, are able to make one wise to salvation through belief in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15) [5].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Christ, the Mediator — In virtue of his atonement -- Eph 2:13-18; Heb 9:15; 12:24. The only one between God and man -- 1Ti 2:5. Of the gospel covenant -- Heb 8:6; 12:24. Typified Moses. -- De 5:5; Ga 3:19. Aaron. -- Nu 16:48.”
- 2 Corinthians “2 Corinthians 3:4 (NASB) — Such confidence we have through Christ toward God.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Types of Christ — Adam -- Ro 5:14; 1Co 15:45. Abel -- Ge 4:8,10; Heb 12:24. Abraham -- Ge 17:5; Eph 3:15. Aaron -- Ex 28:1; Heb 5:4,5; Le 16:15; Heb 9:7,24. Ark -- Ge 7:16; 1Pe 3:20,21. Ark of the Covenant -- Ex 25:16; Ps 40:8; Isa 42:6. Atonement, sacrifices offered on the day of -- Le 16:15,16; Heb 9:12,24. Brazen serpent -- Nu 21:9; Joh 3:14,15. Brazen altar -- Ex 27:1,2; Heb 13:10. Burnt offering -- Le 1:2,4; Heb 10:10. Cities of refuge -- Nu 35:6; Heb 6:18. David -- 2Sa 8:15; Eze 37:24; Ps 89:19,20; Php 2:9. Eliakim -- Isa 22:20-22; Re 3:7. First-fruits -- Ex 22”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Access to God — Is of God -- Ps 65:4. Is by Christ -- Joh 10:7, 9; 14:6; Ro 5:2; Eph 2:13; 3:12; Heb 7:9, 25; 10:19; 1Pe 3:18. Is by the Holy Spirit -- Eph 2:18. Obtained through faith -- Ac 14:27; Ro 5:2; Eph 3:12; Heb 11:6. Follows upon reconciliation to God -- Col 1:21,22. In Prayer -- See Prayer. De 4:7; Mt 6:6; 1Pe 1:17. In his temple -- Ps 15:1; 27:4; 43:3; 65:4. To obtain mercy and grace -- Heb 4:16. A privilege of saints -- De 4:7; Ps 15:1; 23:6; 24:3,4. Saints have, with confidence -- Eph 3:12; Heb 4:16; 10:19,20. Vouchsafed to repenting sinners -- See Repen”
- II Timothy “II Timothy 3:15 (LITV) — and that from a babe you know the Holy Scriptures, those being able to make you wise to salvation through belief in Christ Jesus.”
- Matthew “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. -- Matthew 1:1”
- Hebrews “to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better than that of Abel. -- Hebrews 12:24”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:13: 2:13 Only by being united with Christ Jesus through trust in him can a person be reconciled to God (see Rom 5:10-12; 2 Cor 5:18-21). The blood of Christ—his sacrificial death—makes this possible (see Eph 1:7; Rom 3:24-25; 5:9; Col 1:20; cp. Heb 9:12-15; 1 Pet 1:19; 1 Jn 1:7; Rev 1:5; 5:9).”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 1:1: 1:1–2:23 This account demonstrates that Jesus’ lineage and birth (ch 1), as well as the geography of his early years (ch 2), fulfilled Old Testament expectations, and that attempts to thwart God’s will do not succeed (2:1-15; see also 27:62-66). 1:1 The phrase a record of the ancestors introduces 1:1-17. A similar phrase is used in Genesis to introduce each section of that book. • Jesus . . . David . . . Abraham: These names are repeated in reverse order in the genealogy, an example of a literary form known as chiasm (arrangement of elements in mirror-image). Bein”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 24:44: 24:44 the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms: Jesus referred to the three sections of the Hebrew Scriptures: the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings. The entire Old Testament points to God’s salvation through Christ.”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 22:44: 22:44 The quotation is from Ps 110:1, which is frequently cited by New Testament authors to describe Jesus (see Acts 2:34-35; 1 Cor 15:25; Heb 1:13; 2:8; 10:12-13; Rev 3:21).”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 1:4: 1:4-9 Paul thanks God for the spiritual gifts he sees in the lives of the Corinthian Christians and expresses his confidence that God will keep them safe to the end. 1:4 now that you belong to Christ Jesus (literally in Christ Jesus): Paul frequently uses the phrase in Christ Jesus to refer to the saving relationship believers have with Christ (e.g., Rom 3:24; Gal 2:4; Eph 3:6).”
- Acts (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Acts 2:25: For David speaketh concerning him - The quotation here is made from Psa 16:8-11 (note), which contains a most remarkable prophecy concerning Christ, every word of which applies to him, and to him exclusively. See the notes there.”