What does the term “type of Christ” mean when used to describe someone in the Old Testament?

Today's Bible Study:

What does the term “type of Christ” mean when used to describe someone in the Old Testament?

Certain persons and practices recorded in the Old Testament serve as hints, clues, and preillustrations of what Jesus Christ would accomplish by His life, death, and resurrection. In most cases, the similarities or parallels are pointed out in the New Testament. The following people are some of those mentioned as representing, in a narrow way, what Christ accomplished perfectly:

(1) Adam (Rom.5:14; 1 Cor. 15:45);

(2) Abel (Gen. 4:8,10; Heb. 12:24);

(3) Aaron (Ex. 28:1; Heb. 5:4, 5; 9:7, 24);

(4) David (2 Sam. 8:15; Phil. 2:9);

(5) Jonah (Jon. 1:17;Matt. 12:40);

(6) Melchizedek (Gen. 14:18–20;Heb. 7:1–17);

(7) Moses (Num. 12:7; Heb. 3:2);

(8) Noah (Gen. 5:29; 2 Cor. 1:5);

(9) Samson (Judg. 16:30; Col. 2:14–15);

(10) Solomon (2 Sam. 7:12, 13; 1 Pet. 2:5).

The following events and practices also prefigure Christ:

(1) Ark (Gen. 7:16; 1 Pet. 3:20, 21);

(2) Atonement sacrifices (Lev. 16:15, 16; Heb. 9:12, 24); 

(3) Bronze serpent (Num. 21:9; John 3:14, 15);

(4) Mercy seat (Ex. 25:17–22; Rom. 3:25; Heb. 4:16);

(5) Passover lamb (Ex. 12:3–6, 46; John 19:36; 1 Cor. 5:7);

(6) Red heifer (Lev. 3:1; Eph. 2:14, 16);

(7) Rock of Horeb (Ex.17:6; 1 Cor.10:4);

(8) Scapegoat (Lev.16:20–22); (9) Tabernacle (Ex. 40:2; Heb. 9:11; Col. 2:9); (10) Veil of the tabernacle (Ex. 40:21; Heb. 10:20).

©BY PASTOR JUDAH OLATUNDE