In observing the natural universe, we see patterns from the expanding universe to a single atom. Each of the different features of the universe has characteristics that make them all alike, while their size and shape vary greatly. The galaxies in the universe are in constant motion and controlled by the laws of physics. Looking at the Milky Way Galaxy, stars with their planetary systems revolve around a central point. The planets and asteroids of a planetary system orbit around a central star. In like manner, the outer particles of an atom orbit around a central nucleus. Looking at any one system gives insight into the others and helps our understanding of the whole. Similarly, the study of a type provides insight and helps understand the antitype or antitypes if there is more than one application like the tabernacle, temple, church, and heaven.
Reading through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, we find recurring themes or subjects. For example, water appears first in (Genesis 1:6) “Then God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” Water flowed out of Eden into the garden where the Tree of Life grew (Genesis 2:9-10). In Genesis 6 -9, Water is used to save faithful Noah. Water formed a barrier between Egypt and Israel at the Red Sea, Genesis 14. Water continues to be used in cleansings through the Law of Moses and is finally seen as the Living Water given by Christ and the baptism for removing sins. In prophecy, it flows from the throne of God in Ezekiel and Revelation. Understanding the application in each of these passages helps us understand the whole plan of redemption in God’s Word.
One of the first examples of types is found in Genesis one and two. God’s Word reads, “The LORD God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden; and there He placed the man whom He had formed” (Genesis 2:8). The picture is one of a territory called Eden, receiving a garden planted within its boundaries. The implication is that the Garden of Eden is a portion of land separated from the rest of the land for a specific purpose. It was a perfect place prepared for God’s ideal man and woman, Adam and Eve. The garden was where God walked and talked with His creation and guided them in the work He had planned for them. It contained the Tree of Life, and Adam performed his tasks as a priest serving his God. We see later that Israel was brought out of Egypt and placed into a land where they would serve God as priests. As Moses led Israel from Egypt, God told him, “Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel” (Exodus 19:1-6). Not only the tribe of Levi but all of Israel would serve God and worship Him.
We see then that through Israel, God continued the type. People were separated from the world to worship and serve him as we are separated to serve Christ (Romans 12:1-2). Finally, “looking to Jesus, the author, and finisher of our salvation” (Hebrews 12:1-2), We can visualize the church as the antitype. “But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY” (1 Peter 2:9-10). From a man and woman made and sanctified to serve God in the Garden, through a nation of slaves brought into a sanctified land to serve God, to a church of people called out of the world to be part of the body of Christ and serve God, the similarities are apparent.
Another example is the layout of the meeting place between God and man through time.
In (Genesis 3:8) we read that God could be heard walking in the garden. Earlier, God had talked pleasantly with Adam, but after sin entered, Adam tried to hide from God. Because man was separated from God by sin, Adam and Eve were driven out of the garden (Genesis 3:23-24). With Israel, God needed a place to meet with His chosen people. God commanded Moses to build a Tabernacle, a meeting place, for God to be with His people “According to all that I am going to show you, as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture, just so you shall construct it” (Exodus 25:9). When The Son of God came to dwell with men, the physical meeting places had to be replaced with spiritual meetings. The church that Jesus built (Matthew 16:18) fulfills that need. In future blogs, we will continue to look at the types and antitypes through the Tabernacle, Temple, and Church.
