Using Typology to Understand Biblical Examples Without Christocentrism
Typology in biblical interpretation involves identifying patterns or correspondences between earlier events, persons, or institutions (types) and later ones (antitypes), often culminating in Christ. However, it is possible to discuss biblical examples using typological thinking without explicitly focusing on Christocentrism, by examining how earlier elements prefigure or illuminate later ones within the broader biblical narrative.
For instance, the concept of sin is typologically developed throughout the Old and New Testaments. The sin of the first pair in Genesis 3:13, characterized by a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude, and disobedience, sets a pattern for subsequent human sinfulness [7]. This initial act of rebellion is echoed in later descriptions of sin as deliberate and arrogant [8]. The Psalms indicate that all humans are born with a sinful nature, though the godly strive against it [6]. The Apostle John further distinguishes between the commission of actual sins and the inherent sin of a corrupt nature [9]. This progression of understanding sin, from its initial manifestation to its pervasive nature, can be seen as a typological development, where earlier instances inform and deepen the understanding of later ones, without necessarily making an explicit Christological connection in every step of the analysis.
Similarly, moral and ethical concepts are presented with typological elements. Liberality, for example, is shown to be pleasing to God and characteristic of saints, with specific instructions for its exercise toward various groups like the poor, strangers, and even enemies [1]. Sincerity is presented as a quality that should characterize love for God and Christ, service, faith, and conduct, and is contrasted with hypocrisy [3]. Diligence is required in seeking God, obeying Him, and cultivating Christian graces [5]. While Christ is presented as an example for sincerity and diligence [3, 5], the principles themselves and their application across different biblical contexts can be analyzed typologically, showing how earlier exhortations and examples set patterns for later ethical living. The warnings against fables and endless genealogies in 1 Timothy 1:4 and against philosophy and empty deception in Colossians 2:8 also highlight a consistent biblical concern for truth over misleading traditions [2, 4]. These examples demonstrate how biblical themes and ethical principles develop and recur, forming a typological framework that can be explored independently of an immediate Christocentric interpretation.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Liberality — Pleasing to God -- 2Co 9:7; Heb 13:16. God never forgets -- Heb 6:10. Christ set an example of -- 2Co 8:9. Characteristic of saints -- Ps 112:9; Isa 32:8. Unprofitable, without love -- 1Co 13:3. Should be exercised In the service of God. -- Ex 35:21-29. Toward saints. -- Ro 12:13; Ga 6:10. Toward servants. -- De 15:12-14. Toward the poor. -- De 15:11; Isa 58:7. Toward strangers. -- Le 25:35. Toward enemies. -- Pr 25:21. Toward all men. -- Ga 6:10. In leading to those in want. -- Mt 5:42. In giving alms. -- Lu 12:33. In relieving the destitute. -- Isa 58:”
- I Timothy “I Timothy 1:4 (ASV) — neither to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questionings, rather than a dispensation of God which is in faith; so do I now.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Sincerity — Christ was an example of -- 1Pe 2:22. Ministers should be examples of -- Tit 2:7. Opposed to fleshly wisdom -- 2Co 1:12. Should characterise Our love to God. -- 2Co 8:8,24. Our love to Christ. -- Eph 6:24. Our service to God. -- Jos 24:14; Joh 4:23,24. Our faith. -- 1Ti 1:5. Our love to one another. -- Ro 12:9; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jo 3:18. Our whole conduct. -- 2Co 1:12. The preaching of the gospel. -- 2Co 2:17; 1Th 2:3-5. A characteristic of the doctrines of the gospel -- 1Pe 2:2. The gospel sometimes preached without -- Php 1:16. The wicked devoid of -- Ps 5:9; ”
- Colossians “Colossians 2:8 (NASB) — See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 58:3: 58:3 All human beings are born sinners (see 51:5); however, whereas the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly fight against it (Rom 7:19-23; Jas 4:1-10).”
- Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 3:13: beguiled--cajoled by flattering lies. This sin of the first pair was heinous and aggravated--it was not simply eating an apple, but a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters--a preference of the creature to the Creator.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 19:13: 19:13 An individual who commits deliberate sins does so with an insolent (86:14) or arrogant (119:21, 69) attitude. • The great sin is rebellion (see 32:1).”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 1:10: Parallel to Jo1 1:8. we have not sinned--referring to the commission of actual sins, even after regeneration and conversion; whereas in Jo1 1:8, "we have no sin," refers to the present GUILT remaining (until cleansed) from the actual sins committed, and to the SIN of our corrupt old nature still adhering to us. The perfect "have . . . sinned" brings down the commission of sins to the present time, not merely sins committed before, but since, conversion. we make him a liar--a gradation; Jo1 1:6, "we lie"; Jo1 1:8, "we deceive ourselves"; worst of al”