Typology
From CreationWiki, the encyclopedia of creation science
Typology is a system or method by which people or things can be classified as a particular type. With most typologies, schemes are used to order multiple types in relational manner, and commonly in a hierarchical manner.
The word typology is derived from the two Greek terms (typo) meaning "type" and (logos) meaning "word." Typologies therefore involve the study of types of almost any nature.
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Typology Uses
The term has at least four distinct uses in the fields listed below.
Archaeology
Archaeology is the systematic organization of artifacts into types on the basis of shared attributes.
Anthropology
The discipline of Anthropology is the division of culture by race.
Creation biology
The very important science for Creation science called Creation biology is the concept that life is created in a number of separate “kinds” (or “types”).
Theology
Theology denotes the authorial use of allusion employing ectypal figures or conditions to represent an archetype. Many use typology to interpret some characters and stories of the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) as allegories foreshadowing the New Testament.
The types of events and people in the Bible can easily be organized by typology in attempt to draw parallels to later events in the New Testament. Most of these types refer in one way or another to the life, work and ministry of Jesus. Extensive Bible study will reveal a huge number of types that help to show the overall divine authorship of the Bible.
Our authority for using typology is found in a number of biblical examples of its use, such as John 3:14 and1Corinthians 10:6,11 .
Examples
Abraham and Isaac
- Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac is a type of God the Father's giving his son to be sacrificed for our sake
- Isaac's submission to his father's will typifies Jesus's submission to God the Father
- The ram which was substituted for Isaac is a type of Christ's substitutionary sacrifice
Moses
- Moses represents the law, whereas Joshua represents salvation through grace. Moses was not permitted to enter the promised land, whereas Joshua led the people into the land.
- Moses lifted up the bronze serpent on a pole so that the people could look to it and be healed. Bronze is a symbol of contact with sin. In the same way Jesus was made sin for us and lifted up on the cross, and all who look to him will be saved.
Jonah
- Just as Jonah was "buried" in the belly of the sea creature for three days and nights, so Jesus was to be in the tomb for three days and nights.
Misuses
Typology should not be used to go beyond what is taught explicitly. It is intended for illustration, not for originating doctrine.
Related References
- Wikipedia Typology (Theology)
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