What is Typology?

Typology is a method of biblical interpretation that recognizes certain people, events, institutions, or objects in the Old Testament as divinely designed prefigurations, or “types,” of greater fulfillments in the New Testament, particularly in Christ and His redemptive work. It is rooted in the belief that God, as the sovereign author of Scripture and history, intentionally structured the events of redemptive history to point forward to Christ and His kingdom.

Typology differs from mere symbolism or allegory in that it is grounded in the historical reality of the types themselves. A type is not an arbitrary or fictional construct; it is an actual person, event, or institution that God used in history to foreshadow His ultimate purpose in Christ.

Key Features of Typology

Historical Reality

Types are real, historical figures or events. For example, Adam, Noah, Moses, and David are historical individuals, and their lives serve as shadows of Christ’s person and work.

Divine Intention

Typology is not a human invention but is divinely intended by God. This means the connection between type and antitype (fulfillment) is not coincidental but part of God’s eternal plan.

Christ-Centered Fulfillment

Every type finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. For example, the Passover lamb points to Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7).

Progressive Revelation

Typology unfolds progressively throughout Scripture. The types in the Old Testament grow clearer as God’s redemptive plan is revealed, culminating in the person and work of Christ.

Examples of Typology

Adam as a Type of Christ

Adam is described by Paul as “a type of the one who was to come” (Romans 5:14). While Adam’s disobedience brought sin and death, Christ’s obedience brings righteousness and life (Romans 5:12-21).

The Exodus and Redemption

The Exodus, where God delivers Israel from slavery in Egypt, is a type of the greater redemption accomplished through Christ, who delivers His people from sin and death (1 Corinthians 10:1-4; Luke 9:31).

The Tabernacle and Christ’s Mediation

The tabernacle served as a type of God’s dwelling among His people and prefigured Christ, who is the true dwelling place of God with man (John 1:14; Hebrews 9:11-12).

Melchizedek and Christ’s Priesthood

Melchizedek, a priest and king who appears briefly in Genesis 14, is a type of Christ’s eternal priesthood, as expounded in Hebrews 7.

Typology in Redemptive History

Typology is essential for understanding the unity of Scripture and the overarching narrative of redemptive history. It demonstrates how the Bible, though written over centuries by various human authors, has a single divine Author who orchestrates all things to point to His Son (Luke 24:27, 44-45). By studying typology, believers can marvel at the wisdom and sovereignty of God, grow in their understanding of Christ’s work, and be encouraged in their faith.

Conclusion

Typology is not just an academic exercise but a profoundly Christ-centered way of reading the Bible. It reminds us that all Scripture ultimately testifies to Jesus and His kingdom. Through typology, the Old Testament is enriched, showing that God’s promises and purposes have always been fulfilled in Christ.