Biblical Typology

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the important role that typology has to play in proper scripture interpretation. It discusses a brief history of the use of typology in the understanding of scripture. It then looks at the strengths and weaknesses of this form of interpretation. Finally, the paper presents examples of the use of typology in understanding a number of events from the Bible.

Table of Contents:
Typology: A Definition
Introduction
Importance of Types
Types & Allegories
A Brief History
Introduction
Early Church Fathers
Reformers
Weaknesses
Allegories
Over-analyzing
Strengths
Deeper Understanding
Typology: An Example
Introduction
The Exodus Story
The Moses - Jesus Connection
The Egypt - Sin Connection
The Passover - Crucifixion Connection
The Manna - Christ Connection
The Mount Sinai - Justification Connection
The Kadesh-Barnea - Crossroads Connection
The Wilderness - Sanctification Connection
The Canaan - Spirit Filled Life Connection
Conclusion
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"This exaltation of Jesus Christ above Moses is the capstone on this Exodus-Hebrews typology pyramid. Comparing the two occurrences doesn't really have much of a point without the mention that the work of Christ is better than the work of Moses. Moses freed the people from an earthly bondage. Christ freed them from spiritual slavery. The Passover kept the firstborns from a physical death. The crucifixion keeps Christians from a spiritual death. The Red Sea was a physical show of faith. A baptism is a faith promise - a public display of an internal decision. Manna sustained the Israelites physically, while Christ sustains Christians spiritually. The wilderness was a time of testing for the Israelites. The sanctification process is a time of testing for the Christian. Mount Sinai provided the Israelites with laws to live by; justification for a Christian doesn't involve laws, but faith. Kadesh-Barnea was a time of testing when the Israelites have to choose whether to stand for God or waiver in their faith. Each Christian reaches a crossroad in their life when they have to make a similar decision. The Israelites who stood firm with Christ were rewarded, eventually, with Canaan. Christians who stand firm with Christ will be rewarded with the spirit-filled life."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Anderson, Robert. Types in Hebrews. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1978.
• Bercovitch, Sacvan. Typology and Early American Literature. Massachusetts: University of Massachusetts Press, 1972.
• Bruce, F.F. The Epistle to the Hebrews. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company,1990.
• Burgess, Margaret "From Archetype to Antitype: A Look at Frygian Archetypology." Semeia 89 (2002):103-125.
• Fairbairn, Patrick. The Typology of Scripture. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1975.

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