Topical Encyclopedia The institutions ordained by Moses in the Old Testament serve as profound typological foreshadowings of the Saviour, Jesus Christ. These divinely instituted practices and structures were not only central to the religious life of ancient Israel but also pointed forward to the redemptive work of Christ. Each institution, in its own way, prefigures aspects of the Messiah's person and mission.1. The Tabernacle The Tabernacle, as described in Exodus 25-40, was the dwelling place of God among His people. It symbolizes the incarnation of Christ, who "became flesh and made His dwelling among us" (John 1:14). The layout and furnishings of the Tabernacle, from the outer court to the Holy of Holies, represent the progressive revelation of God's presence and the access to Him through Christ. The veil, which separated the Holy of Holies, was torn at Christ's crucifixion (Matthew 27:51), signifying the new and living way opened through His sacrifice. 2. The Priesthood The Levitical priesthood, established in Exodus 28-29, serves as a type of Christ's eternal priesthood. Aaron and his descendants were appointed to mediate between God and Israel, offering sacrifices for sin. This foreshadows Jesus, our great High Priest, who "has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). Unlike the Levitical priests, Christ offered Himself once for all, securing eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). 3. The Sacrificial System The sacrificial system, detailed in Leviticus, prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. The offerings, including the burnt offering, sin offering, and peace offering, illustrate various aspects of Christ's atoning work. The Passover lamb, in particular, is a direct type of Christ, "our Passover lamb, who has been sacrificed" (1 Corinthians 5:7). The blood of the lamb, which protected the Israelites from the angel of death, points to the blood of Christ, which redeems believers from sin and death. 4. The Day of Atonement The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, described in Leviticus 16, is a significant type of Christ's atoning work. On this day, the high priest entered the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the people. The scapegoat, which bore the sins of Israel into the wilderness, symbolizes Christ bearing our sins away. Hebrews 9:24-26 explains that Christ entered "heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence," offering Himself once to "do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself." 5. The Feasts of Israel The feasts ordained in Leviticus 23 serve as types of the redemptive work of Christ. The Feast of Unleavened Bread, following Passover, signifies the sanctification of believers. The Feast of Firstfruits, celebrated at the beginning of the harvest, points to Christ's resurrection as the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" (1 Corinthians 15:20). The Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost, anticipates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church. 6. The Law The Mosaic Law, given at Sinai, reveals the holiness of God and the sinfulness of humanity, pointing to the need for a Saviour. While the Law itself could not save, it served as a "guardian until Christ came" (Galatians 3:24). Jesus fulfilled the Law, embodying its righteous requirements and offering His righteousness to those who believe. These institutions, while historical and specific to the covenant community of Israel, find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. They are shadows of the good things to come, with Christ Himself being the substance (Colossians 2:17). Through these types, believers gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted work of the Saviour, who is the culmination of God's redemptive plan. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 26:54But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? Nave's Topical Index Luke 24:25-27,44-47 Colossians 2:14-17 Hebrews 10:1-14 Library The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ... The Ordination of Paul and Barnabas; their Missionary Tour in Asia ... Translated from the Greek. Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566. Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Nature of Covenanting. Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200 On the Interpretation of Scripture Covenanting a Duty. Resources What are the different types of fasting? | GotQuestions.orgHow should Christians view the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)? | GotQuestions.org Does the Enneagram of Personality contradict the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Types of Christ: Ark of the Covenant Types of Christ: Atonement, Sacrifices offered on the Day of Types of Christ: Brazen Serpent Types of Christ: Burnt offering Types of Christ: Cities of Refuge Types of Christ: Golden Candlestick Types of Christ: Jacob's Ladder Types of Christ: Laver of Brass Types of Christ: Leper's offering Types of Christ: Morning and Evening Sacrifices Types of Christ: Peace offerings Types of Christ: Rock of Horeb Types of Christ: Table and Show Bread Types of Christ: Trespass offering Types of Christ: Vail of the Tabernacle and Temple Types of the Saviour: High Priest, Typical of the Mediatorship Types of the Saviour: Melchizedek Types of the Saviour: The Bronze Altar Types of the Saviour: The Bronze Laver Types of the Saviour: The Bronze Serpent Types of the Saviour: The Cities of Refuge Types of the Saviour: The Curtain Types of the Saviour: The Institutions Ordained by Moses Types of the Saviour: The Mercy-Seat Types of the Saviour: The Morning and Evening Sacrifice Types of the Saviour: The Paschal Lamb Types of the Saviour: The Red Heifer Types of the Saviour: The Sacrifices Types of the Saviour: The Tree of Life Types: Miscellaneous: Bride, a Type of the Body of Christ Types: Miscellaneous: The Sanctuary a Type of the Heavenly Sanctuary Types: Miscellaneous: The Saving of Noah and his Family, of the Salvation Through the Gospel Related Terms |
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