Overview
A type is a divinely ordained representation where Old Testament realities point forward to their fulfillment in Christ. The priesthood, sacrificial system, and key biblical figures all served as types—shadows of the substance found in Jesus. Through types, God wove the gospel throughout the Old Testament, demonstrating Christ's centrality to redemptive history.
Key Scriptures
"For every high priest taken from among men is appointed on behalf of men in things pertaining to God, in order to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins" (Hebrews 5:1, NASB). "So also Christ did not glorify Himself so as to become a high priest, but He who said to Him, 'You are My Son, Today I have begotten You'" (Hebrews 5:5, ESV). "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned—...as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive" (1 Corinthians 15:22, NASB).
Application
Study the Old Testament with Christ in view, recognizing how types reveal His person and work across all of Scripture.