Types From the Old Testament

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Deut 16-18 and Acts 4:23-37.

The passage in Deuteronomy includes the famous prophecy of the arrival of Jesus Christ (Deu 18:15,18). Besides this, let us examine some types in the Old Testament as we see in these passages.

The word "type" is a technical term originally derived from the printing industry. "type" refers to the block with raised letters/figures that is impressed upon a print media to produce the desired copies, which is called the "anti-type". Thus the "type" itself is intelligible but must to transferred to a media for the meaning to come across.

The Greek word is "tupos" and "antitupos" for type and antitype respectively. The bible makes it clear that the Old Testament, at least in part, reveals a series of "types" or examples for us to follow, which is often translated into the antitypes in the New Testament. Paul wrote in 1Co 10:6,11 - "Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted." "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."
And again in Rom 15:4 "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."

Thus it is abundantly clear that, there is a specific purpose for the Old Testament and the old Law, even though we, of the Christian dispensation is no longer accountable to it.

1) Passover
Much can be said of this, if we were to examine the details, but suffice to say, in broad terms the allusion and antitype to us in Christ. Christ is our passover (1Co 5:7). He was the Lamb that was sacrificed, whose blood is smeared that we might receive the hope of salvation, as so did the Israelites on that fateful night in Egypt when the angel of death took away the first born. Notice the setting during the Jewish passover - God chooses the place; they were to eat the lamb and unleavened bread in haste - the account in Exodus tells us they were to be fully clothed and ready to move (Ex 12:11).
God and only God is able to provide the true solution to man's needs. There can be no other sacrifice but of Christ, wherewith man can be justified (1Jn 2:2). This world is not where we linger and truly dwell. We are but pilgrims to a heavenly abode. Wherefore the need for full preparation and haste. Are we prepared to live and die in Christ, as Paul mentioned in Phi 1:21? Where is our sense of urgency when it comes to preparing for that world to come? Having been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, how are we living to give glory to Him? Or do we still lust after the fleshpots of spiritual "Egypt" as did the Israelites?

2) Sacrifice
In Deut 17:1, we read of the requirements of the sacrifices offered by the people. "Thou shalt not sacrifice unto the LORD thy God any bullock, or sheep, wherein is blemish, or any evilfavouredness: for that is an abomination unto the LORD thy God." We are reminded by Paul that WE are indeed to be a "living sacrifice" (Rom 12:1). Hence, whatever that we offer in our spiritual service to God has to be our best. And notice the qualification is not just the quality per se but also the heart behind it. Truly, as David penned, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." (Psa 51:17) Where's our heart in our service to God? In attendance, in bible study, in good works? Or are we even faithfully engaging in such activities??

3) Priests
The Levites had no inheritance from the land! But "the Lord is their inheritance" (Deut 18:2). Peter describes the Christian as a "holy priesthood" (1Pe 2:5,9). The antitype of the Levitical priesthood. Truly, we are "joint-heirs with Christ"! (Rom 8:17). With that ultimately heavenly inheritance that God has promised to His faithful. Wherefore, we shall spare no effort in making sure we stay eligible to lay claim to that right!

The Lord help us all learn of the examples before us and exercise all diligence to make our calling and election sure! (2Pe 1:10)

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him
Paul


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But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. ~ 1 John 3:4