The Sufferings and Death of Christ in Types/Part 2

The Sufferings and Death of
Christ in Types

by Dr. Lewis Sperry Chafer
Systematic Theology; Vol.III, Ch.V, Pgs. 116-126

Part II

III. MISCELLANEOUS TYPES OF CHRIST'S DEATH

       1. THE COATS OF SKIN (Gen. 3:21). Jehovah undertook in behalf of the first sinners of the human race. It is declared that He Himself clothed them with skins, the implication being that blood was shed. Reason rather than revelation asserts that animal sacrifice was then introduced by God and that it was from this action on Jehovah's part that Abel knew the truth by which he was guided in presenting an accepted sacrifice to Jehovah. Few types are as complete as this. God undertakes for man, the imputation of sin to a substitute is implied, and the covering of the sinner is revealed.
       2. NOAH'S ARK (Gen. 6:14 - 8:19). The history of the flood is replete with suggestions of vital truth. Among these, the safety of those in the ark seems to be a definite preview of the safety of those who are in Christ Jesus. Pitch was used to cover the ark and by it the waters of judgment were resisted. The word translated pitch is from the same word translated everywhere atonement. The significance of the use of this word has been pointed out by many writers.
       3. BREAD AND WINE AT THE HAND OF MELCHIZEDEK (Gen. 14:17-24). Melchizedek bringing forth bread and wine to Abraham suggests two important truths, namely, (a) Abraham throughout the epistles of the New Testament is presented as a pattern of a Christian under grace and not of a Jew under the law. Grace on God's part is made possible only through the death of Christ, who said "Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad" (John 8:56). (b) The partaking of the bread and wine on Abraham's part may have been but dimly understood by either Melchizedek or Abraham - it is but dimly understood by the majority who partake today - but doubtless it all had great significance in the sight of God.
       4. THE OFFERING OF ISAAC (Gen. 22:1-14). In this memorable experience, Abraham appears as the type of the Father offering His son. Abraham was spared the final ordeal, but, according to Romans 8:32, "God spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all." Isaac is the type of the Son who is a willing sacrifice and obedient unto death. The ram caught in the thicket is the type of a substitute offered in the place of another.
       5. JOSEPH (Gen. 37:2 - 50:26). Though Joseph as a type of Christ is exceedingly rich in its vital truth, only the placing of Joseph in the pit - a type of death - and the lifting him out - a type of resurrection - are germane to this thesis. However, to this may be added the truths that, like Christ, Joseph was beloved of his father and was hated by his brethren.
       6. MANNA IN THE WILDERNESS (Ex. 16:14-22). From the use Christ made, as recorded in John 6, of the manna as a type of Himself, none could doubt the typical import of the manna from heaven. Thus Christ as bread come down from heaven has given His life for the world.
       7. THE SMITTEN ROCK (Ex. 17:5-7; Num. 20:7-13). According to 1 Corinthians 10:4, Christ is that Rock. By His death the water of life is released; but He could be smitten but once. The smiting of the rock the second time is estimated by God to be so great a sin that it precludes Moses from completing his task of taking the people of Israel into the promised land. The death of Christ is infinitely sufficient and admits of no re-enactment. It would be difficult to discover the exceeding sinfulness of Moses' sin apart from the antitype - Christ in His death.
       8. THE TABERNACLE (Ex. 25:1 - 40:38). In this one structure with its details, the most extensive typology of the Old Testament is presented and there is much that is related to the death of Christ. The tabernacle itself is a type of Christ as the only way to God; the ark of the covenant sprinkled with blood is the place of propitiation; the shewbread is another type of Christ as the Bread of Life given for the world; all references to silver speak of redemption; the brazen altar represents those judgments against sin which Christ bore in His death; the candlestick is a type of Christ the light of the world; the golden altar represents that aspect of Christ's death which was a sweet incense unto God; and the brazen laver foreshadows the cleansing of the believer-priest through the blood of Christ (1 John 1:7,9).

IV. THE DEATH OF CHRIST ACCORDING TO VARIOUS SCRIPTURES

        It will not only be impressive to, but highly advantageous for, the student to observe the place which the death of Christ - both historically and doctrinally considered - occupies in the Bible. No further reference need be made to the typology which characterizes the early portions of god's Word, nor is there important teaching on this theme in the Old Testament historical books; and only major passages will be cited.
       1. THE DEATH OF CHRIST ACCORDING TO GENESIS. Genesis 3:15 is a preview of the death of Christ. In that Scripture the fact of Christ's death, its relation to angelic authorities, and its relation to sin and judgment are intimated. It is fitting that a recognition of the cross and its final triumph should appear in those chapters where all beginnings are recorded.
       2. THE DEATH OF CHRIST ACCORDING TO OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECY. The Psalms which bear prophetically on the death of Christ are 22:1-21 and 40:6-7. In Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12 the outstanding prediction occurs.
       3. THE DEATH OF CHRIST ACCORDING TO THE GOSPELS. In this portion four extended accounts of Christ's death are found, as well as His own predictions concerning His death.
       4. THE DEATH OF CHRIST ACCORDING TO ROMANS, 1 AND 2 CORINTHIANS, AND GALATIANS. Since the theme of salvation is so dominant in these books and since all salvation rests on the death of Christ, the New Testament doctrine is found largely in these four Epistles. Portions to be observed are: Romans 3:22-26; 4:25; 5:7-10; 6:1-15; 14:9; 15; 1 Corinthians 1:18 - 2:8; 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21; Galatians 1:4; 2:20; 3:10; 13; 6:14-15.
       5. THE DEATH OF CHRIST ACCORDING TO EPHESIANS, PHILIPPIANS AND COLOSSIANS. The following passages present the most vital truth: Ephesians 5:25-27; Philippians 2:5-8; Colossians 1:14, 20, which passage refers to the reconciliation of things and not creatures.
       6. THE DEATH OF CHRIST ACCORDING TO THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. To a large degree, the Epistle to the Hebrews is a treatise on the death of Christ and with special reference to the truth that the old order with its sacrifices has been superseded by the one sacrifice of the cross. The book of Hebrews contributed more on the death of Christ than any other one New Testament book, as Leviticus contributes the most of all the books of the Old Testament. Observe: Hebrews 1:3; 2:9; 5:1-10; 7:25-27; 9:12-15, 16-18; 10:1-21; 12:2, 24; 13:10-13.
       7. THE DEATH OF CHRIST ACCORDING TO OTHER BOOKS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. In this more general classification certain passages are to be noted: Acts 17:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:14; 5:10; 1 Peter 1:18-21; 2:21; 3:18; 4:1; 1 John 2:2; Revelation 5:6, 9, 12; 13:8.