A biblical “type” is an Old Testament figure, event, or institution that prefigures a greater reality found in the New Testament, often in the person and work of Christ. These types are not simply symbolic; they are divinely designed indicators of God’s unfolding plan for redemption. In dispensational theology, the recognition of true types, validated by New Testament writers, offers us a unique lens through which we can understand how God’s redemptive work, centered in Christ, was hinted at from the earliest stages of biblical history.
Although some scholars have identified numerous types, only those confirmed in the New Testament can be accepted as true biblical types. C.I. Scofield, in his Reference Bible, highlighted many of these types and helped deepen the study of typology within dispensational theology. His work, alongside others, has enriched many believers, myself included, in understanding the profound unity of Scripture and God’s redemptive work across the dispensations.
In this essay, we will explore both unvalidated types—Old Testament figures that show parallels to Christ without explicit New Testament confirmation—and validated types, which are clearly affirmed by New Testament writers. Through detailed explanations, we’ll connect the dots to show how each type points to Christ, His mission, and His work.
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The Foundation of Types in Dispensational Theology
In dispensational theology, the Bible is seen as a progressive revelation of God’s plan, divided into distinct dispensations where God reveals specific aspects of His relationship with humanity. Types play a vital role in showing how Old Testament figures, institutions, and events prefigure Christ and His redemptive mission. The sacrificial system, the Tabernacle, and the lives of certain biblical characters were not ultimate solutions, but shadows pointing to the fulfillment found in Christ.
Types as Prophetic Markers
The types throughout the Old Testament provide glimpses of the greater realities that would be fully realized in Christ. From the sacrificial lamb in the Passover to the priestly role of Melchizedek, these prophetic markers demonstrate how God was preparing humanity for the coming Messiah. Paul’s description of the Law as a “schoolmaster” guiding us to Christ (Galatians 3:24) illustrates the pedagogical purpose of these types. However, while many patterns may seem typological, not all are explicitly confirmed in the New Testament, so caution is required in determining true types.
The Dispensational View of Typology
Dispensational theologians place significant emphasis on identifying validated types, those that are confirmed by New Testament writers. These scholars stress that types must serve a theological purpose, helping believers see the progression of God’s redemptive work through the dispensations, culminating in the person of Christ. By focusing on true types, dispensational scholars have helped guide us in recognizing the centrality of Christ in the entire biblical narrative.
Unvalidated Types: Parallels without New Testament Confirmation
Many Old Testament figures and events appear to bear striking parallels to Christ. While these similarities may be compelling, without explicit New Testament validation, they cannot be classified as true biblical types. Below is a list of common unvalidated types and how they seem to prefigure Christ’s mission and work.
Unvalidated Types (Not Explicitly Confirmed by the New Testament)
| Type | Old Testament Reference | Unvalidated New Testament Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Joseph as a type of Christ | Genesis 37-50 | Parallels to Christ’s betrayal and exaltation (no NT reference) |
| Noah’s Ark as a type of salvation | Genesis 6-9 | Symbolism of salvation through judgment (no NT reference) |
| Isaac’s near-sacrifice as a type of Christ’s sacrifice | Genesis 22:1-19 | Parallels to Christ’s sacrificial death (no NT validation) |
| David as a type of Christ | 1 Samuel 16–2 Samuel 5 | Parallels in kingship, rejection, and victory (no direct NT validation) |
| Boaz as a type of Christ (Kinsman Redeemer) | Ruth 2-4 | Parallels to Christ’s role as Redeemer (no NT reference) |
| Samson as a type of Christ | Judges 13-16 | Deliverer parallels (no NT reference) |
| Jonah as a type of Christ (beyond the 3 days in the fish) | Jonah 1-4 | Parallels in delivering a message to Gentiles (no full NT validation, except Matthew 12:40 for 3 days) |
Explaining the Unvalidated Types
- Joseph as a type of Christ
Joseph’s life provides numerous parallels to Christ: he was betrayed by his brothers, sold for silver, suffered unjustly, and later rose to a position of power where he saved many lives. These events echo Christ’s betrayal by Judas, His unjust suffering, and His eventual exaltation as Savior of the world. However, while these parallels are fascinating, the New Testament never directly confirms Joseph as a true type of Christ. - Noah’s Ark as a type of salvation
The Ark in Noah’s story serves as a symbol of salvation from divine judgment. Those who entered the Ark were saved from the flood, just as those who are “in Christ” are saved from the judgment of sin. While Peter draws a comparison between the flood and baptism in 1 Peter 3:20-21, the Ark itself is not identified as a type of Christ in the New Testament, leaving it as a striking parallel but not a confirmed type. - Isaac’s near-sacrifice as a type of Christ’s sacrifice
The near-sacrifice of Isaac by his father, Abraham, in Genesis 22 is one of the most vivid Old Testament stories that mirrors the sacrifice of Christ. Isaac carried the wood for the altar, just as Christ carried the cross, and was to be offered as a sacrifice by his father. Yet God provided a ram as a substitute for Isaac, prefiguring the substitutionary death of Christ. Despite these powerful connections, the New Testament does not directly affirm Isaac as a type, leaving this as a symbolic parallel. - David as a type of Christ
David’s role as the shepherd-king of Israel, who was rejected and later exalted to kingship, mirrors Christ’s role as the rejected Messiah who will return as King. However, while the New Testament frequently references Jesus as the “Son of David” (Matthew 1:1), it does not explicitly confirm David as a type of Christ. David remains a significant figure with messianic connections, but not a validated type. - Boaz as a type of Christ (Kinsman Redeemer)
Boaz’s role as the kinsman-redeemer for Ruth offers a powerful parallel to Christ’s work as our Redeemer. Boaz willingly redeemed Ruth and restored her family’s line, just as Christ redeems those who come to Him in faith. However, the New Testament does not explicitly confirm Boaz as a type of Christ, making this a parallel rather than a validated type. - Samson as a type of Christ
Samson, the judge of Israel, was chosen by God to deliver His people from the Philistines. Despite his flaws, Samson’s role as a deliverer provides some parallels to Christ. However, the New Testament does not affirm Samson as a type of Christ, leaving his story as a symbolic reflection of deliverance rather than a prophetic type. - Jonah as a type of Christ (beyond the 3 days in the fish)
Jonah’s time in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights is explicitly referenced by Jesus as a sign of His resurrection (Matthew 12:40). Beyond this, however, Jonah’s role in delivering a message of repentance to the Gentile city of Nineveh mirrors Christ’s mission to bring salvation to the Gentiles. Yet, the New Testament only confirms the three-day period as a type, leaving the broader parallels unvalidated.
True Biblical Types: Validated by the New Testament
True biblical types are explicitly identified by New Testament writers, giving us a clear connection between Old Testament figures or events and Christ’s redemptive work. Below is a list of validated types, along with an explanation of how they fulfill Christ’s mission and work.
Validated Types (Explicitly Confirmed by the New Testament)
| Type | Old Testament Reference | New Testament Validation |
|---|---|---|
| Adam as a type of Christ | Genesis 1-3 | Romans 5:14, 1 Corinthians 15:45 |
| The Passover Lamb as a type of Christ | Exodus 12:1-28 | John 1:29, 1 Corinthians 5:7 |
| The Bronze Serpent as a type of Christ’s crucifixion | Numbers 21:4-9 | John 3:14-15 |
| Melchizedek as a type of Christ’s priesthood | Genesis 14:18-20 | Hebrews 7:1-3 |
| The Tabernacle as a type of Christ’s work of redemption | Exodus 25-27, 35-40 | Hebrews 9:11-12 |
| The Manna as a type of Christ, the Bread of Life | Exodus 16:4-36 | John 6:31-35, 48-51 |
| The Rock that gave water as a type of Christ | Exodus 17:6, Numbers 20:11 | 1 Corinthians 10:4 |
| The Sabbath as a type of rest in Christ | Genesis 2:2-3, Exodus 20:8-11 | Hebrews 4:1-10 |
| The Day of Atonement as a type of Christ’s atoning sacrifice | Leviticus 16 | Hebrews 9:7-12, 24-28 |
| Isaac as a type of Christ (sacrifice) | Genesis 22:1-19 | Hebrews 11:17-19 |
| Jonah’s 3 days in the fish as a type of Christ’s resurrection | Jonah 1:17 | Matthew 12:40 |
Explaining the Validated Types
- Adam as a type of Christ
Adam is directly referenced in the New Testament as a type of Christ, specifically in Romans 5:14, where Paul refers to Adam as “a pattern of the one to come.” Just as Adam’s disobedience brought sin and death to humanity, Christ’s obedience brings life and righteousness. Adam’s role as the head of fallen humanity is contrasted with Christ’s role as the head of redeemed humanity. In 1 Corinthians 15:45, Christ is called the “last Adam,” highlighting His role in restoring what was lost in the first Adam. - The Passover Lamb as a type of Christ
The Passover lamb, whose blood was applied to the doorposts to protect Israel from death during the Exodus, prefigures Christ’s sacrificial death. John the Baptist identified Jesus as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Paul also affirms this typology in 1 Corinthians 5:7, where he writes, “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” Just as the lamb’s blood spared the Israelites from death, Christ’s blood spares us from eternal judgment. - The Bronze Serpent as a type of Christ’s crucifixion
In Numbers 21:4-9, God instructed Moses to lift up a bronze serpent so that those bitten by snakes could look upon it and be healed. Jesus referenced this event in John 3:14-15, stating, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” The bronze serpent foreshadowed Christ’s crucifixion, where those who look to Him in faith are healed from the deadly sting of sin. - Melchizedek as a type of Christ’s priesthood
Melchizedek, the mysterious king-priest who blessed Abraham in Genesis 14:18-20, is identified as a type of Christ’s eternal priesthood in Hebrews 7:1-3. Unlike the Levitical priests, Melchizedek’s priesthood is not based on genealogy, making it a symbol of Christ’s eternal, unchanging priesthood. Hebrews 7 expands on this connection, showing how Melchizedek’s role points to the greater priesthood of Christ, who mediates the new covenant. - The Tabernacle as a type of Christ’s work of redemption
The Tabernacle was the place where God dwelled among the Israelites during their wilderness journey, foreshadowing Christ’s work of redemption. The writer of Hebrews explains that the Tabernacle and its rituals were shadows of the heavenly realities fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 9:11-12). Just as the high priest entered the most holy place with the blood of animals, Christ entered the heavenly sanctuary with His own blood to secure eternal redemption for humanity. - The Manna as a type of Christ, the Bread of Life
The manna provided to the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4-36) was a type of Christ, who refers to Himself as the “bread of life” in John 6:31-35. Just as manna sustained the Israelites physically, Christ sustains us spiritually, offering eternal life to those who partake in Him by faith. - The Rock that gave water as a type of Christ
In Exodus 17:6 and Numbers 20:11, Moses struck a rock, and water flowed from it to quench the thirst of the Israelites. Paul identifies this rock as a type of Christ in 1 Corinthians 10:4, stating that “the rock was Christ.” Just as the rock provided life-giving water, Christ provides the living water of salvation to all who believe in Him. - The Sabbath as a type of rest in Christ
The Sabbath rest instituted in Genesis 2:2-3 and commanded in Exodus 20:8-11 serves as a type of the spiritual rest believers find in Christ. Hebrews 4:1-10 explains that the true rest offered to God’s people is found in Christ, who provides ultimate spiritual rest through His finished work on the cross. - The Day of Atonement as a type of Christ’s atoning sacrifice
The rituals performed on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16) symbolized the removal of sin from the nation of Israel through the blood of a sacrificial animal. Hebrews 9:7-12 and 24-28 explain that Christ’s atoning sacrifice is the fulfillment of the Day of Atonement, as His blood was shed once for all to cleanse us from sin and bring us into the presence of God. - Isaac as a type of Christ (sacrifice)
The near-sacrifice of Isaac in Genesis 22:1-19 is affirmed as a type of Christ in Hebrews 11:17-19. Just as Isaac willingly submitted to his father’s will and was to be offered as a sacrifice, Christ willingly submitted to the Father’s will and was offered as the ultimate sacrifice for sin. - Jonah’s 3 days in the fish as a type of Christ’s resurrection
Jonah’s time in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights prefigures Christ’s burial and resurrection. Jesus directly references this in Matthew 12:40, explaining that just as Jonah was in the fish for three days, He would be in the heart of the earth for three days before rising again.
The Importance of Recognizing True Types
The identification of true biblical types is essential for understanding the unity of Scripture and the consistency of God’s redemptive plan. True types, confirmed by the New Testament, show us how the Old Testament foreshadows Christ and His work, pointing forward to the fulfillment of God’s promises in Him.
Charles Ryrie affirms this idea in his book Basic Theology, writing, “Typology emphasizes the completeness of the Bible as one book. It is not a collection of diverse books but is, in reality, one book with one doctrine throughout.” This unity reveals that types are a vital part of God’s method of progressively revealing His plan. By focusing on types that are explicitly validated by the New Testament, we avoid the dangers of speculative interpretation and remain anchored in the clear message of Scripture.
John MacArthur also highlights the significance of typology in his sermons, stating, “When we see how God set up His types in the Old Testament, we realize that He planned every detail of Christ’s work from the beginning. Nothing was random—each type was deliberate and pointed directly to His Son.” This understanding reassures us of the intentionality and precision with which God has woven His redemptive plan throughout the entirety of Scripture.
Conclusion
Biblical types offer us a window into the consistency of God’s plan, stretching from the earliest days of human history to the fulfillment found in Christ. While many Old Testament figures and events resemble New Testament realities, only those types explicitly confirmed by New Testament writers can be considered true. These types, which point to Christ’s redemptive work, help us see how the entire Bible ultimately revolves around Him.
As Paul wrote, “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come” (1 Corinthians 10:11). The study of biblical types reveals the richness of Scripture, showing that Christ is the fulfillment of all that God has promised, and that in Him, we find the completion of God’s redemptive plan.
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
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