Biblical Typology Examples (2)
Categories: Bible Study LessonsBiblical Typology Examples
10) The high priest, with a perfect body, free from every blemish, was a “type” of Christ. It took both Moses and Aaron to “typify” Christ in His “official” capacity. Moses was the lawgiver, and Aaron was the high priest and intercessor (Ephesians 2:18; Hebrews 4:14-16; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 10:21; cf. Romans 8:34; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 John 2:1). The high priest went into the most holy place but once a year (Exodus 30:10; Hebrews 9:7). Christ entered into the holy place (heaven) once (Hebrews 9:12). The high priest entered the most holy place once a year with the blood of animals (Exodus 30:10; Leviticus 16:13-16; Hebrews 9:7), while Christ entered heaven “through his own blood” (Hebrews 9:12).
11) The two goats for which the high priest cast lots (Leviticus 16:8) were “types” of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The scapegoat on which Aaron laid his hands and confessed the iniquities of the children of Israel (Leviticus 16:20-22) was “typical” of Christ who gave Himself for us that He might “redeem” us from iniquity. The goat killed for the sin offering was also “typical” of Christ who was killed for our sin offering (Isaiah 53:6-10; Hebrews 9:12,28; Hebrews 10:7-22; 1 Peter 2:24-25). The “fit man” (marginal reading – “a man of opportunity”) who was sent away to assist the scapegoat in its escape in the wilderness (Leviticus 16:21) has been referred to as “typical” of the Holy Spirit in assisting Christ in His escape from the grave. The “fit man” releasing the scapegoate by giving it freedom and liberty was also “typical” of the Holy Spirit releasing Christ from the Roman guard and liberating Him from the power of man.
12) When God sent fire down from heaven to consume the offering on the brazen altar (Leviticus 9:24), He showed His approval and acceptance of the offering made for the Israelites which served God’s purpose throughout the Mosaic dispensation. When God sent down “cloven tongues like as of fire” (the “antitype” of fire sent down on the altars) on the apostles on the day of Pentecost after the Lord’s resurrection (Acts 2:3), He again showed his approval and acceptance of an offering for every nation (Acts 2:21,39; Acts 3:25; Gal. 3:8; cf. Genesis 12:3; Matthew 28:19-20) rather than only one nation. This offering was made to serve God’s purpose throughout the Christian dispensation (age), or until the end of time (Matthew 28:20).
Let us now summarize what we have studied:
1) If we carefully study the location of each item used in the court, we will see God’s purpose in placing each thing where He did. Animal sacrifices were made on the brazen altar by the gate. Christ, our “sacrifice”, was offered outside the gates of Jerusalem (Exodus 29:14; Leviticus 4:12,21; Hebrews 13:11-12).
2) The laver where the priests were washed and cleansed was situated before the entrance of the tabernacle. To enter the holy place unwashed and unclean meant “certain death”. Baptism, an “antitype” of the laver, is placed outside the church, an “antitype” of the holy place. To try to enter the church unwashed, and therefore unclean (baptism), will mean eternal punishment to the believer who refuses to be baptised in order to “wash away his sins” (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; Hebrews 10:22). Once a believer is buried in baptism, he becomes a “priest” in the Lord’s service (1 Peter 2:5; Revelation 1:6). His service becomes “typical” of the pattern Moses received in the Mount (Exodus 25:40; Numbers 8:4; Acts 7:44; Hebrews 8:5). Moses’ first duty was to trim the lights of the candlestick. As the candelstick provided the only light the priests had in the tabernacle, so the Bible is the only light the Christian has (or needs) in his performance of duties in the church.
3) The priests were to remove the bread from the table of shewbread each Sabbath. As fresh loaves were replaced, the old loaves were eaten. The Christian priest observes the memorial of the Lord’s death by eating the bread and drinking the fruit of the vine, each Lord’s day “in memory” of the Lord’s body and the blood He shed (Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
4) The frankincense placed on the loaves is representative of our cheerful gifts unto God each Lord’s Day (2 Corinthians 9:7).
5) The sweet incense was burned on the golden altar morning and evening and is a “type” of the prayers Christian priests send up to God day and night (Leviticus 16:12-13; 2 Corinthians 2:15; Ephesians 5:1-2; Revelation 8:3). The “fruit of our lips” (Hebrews 13:15) is more important than the fruit of our hands, because our effectual prayers show the true nature of our being. We must “talk” to our Heavenly Father often and earnestly. We must “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
6) Just as the common priest could not enter the most holy place during his lifetime, neither does the faithful Christian priest serve “outside” the church during his lifetime. The faithful priest will be permitted to enter heaven (the Holiest Of Holies) only after a lifetime of faithful service (Revelation 2:10).
7) Moses received instructions as to how common priests, as well as the High Priest, were to dress. Their garments were to be clean, modest, and appropriate for the service they performed. They were God’s representatives. They were examples to the children of Israel. God named ways the priests could “defile” their garments, and He also gave remedies for them to become clean again. The same is true today. Christians often “defile” their garments by sin, but God provides a way for the pentitent priest to cleanse his garments (1 John 1:6-10). We must dress the part of a Christian both physically and spiritually!
Conclusion
Brethren, let us carefully obey the biblical typology examples God gave His servant Moses on Mt. Sinai. Then, as we become more educated by the study of God’s Word, we will also become more dedicated in saving souls, which is our real purpose on earth (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16).
Our consecration to Christ will be the “example” others will want to follow (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12). When our lifetime draws to a close, it will still parallel God’s chosen people as they crossed into the Promised Land under the leadership of faithful Joshua. Then truly, we can sing that old hymn, “I Won’t Have To Cross Jordan Alone” as Jesus, our spiritual Joshua, takes our hand and leads us into that eternal city that is foursquare (Revelation 21:10-27).