Biblical Typology: How the Old Testament Points to Christ, His Church, and the Consummation

How to Study the Old Testament for Signs of Christ

Believers read Scripture to follow Christ and deepen their relationship with him. But since a majority of the Bible was written before Jesus’s life and death on the cross, many people rely on the Old Testament for historical context and moral guidance alone. However, when studied in detail, we see how even the Old Testament reveals Christ as the center of God’s plan for redemption.

Biblical Typology examines how the Old Testament foreshadows Christ, the church, and the consummation through types--or symbols--pointing toward fulfillment. Well-known for his academic yet accessible writing, Vern S. Poythress not only provides examples of types and analogies found in God’s word but also teaches readers a practical framework and diagram for effectively examining them throughout Scripture. Readers will learn how to identify and interpret biblical typology for themselves as they deepen their understanding of the Bible and the wisdom of God.

• Great for Bible Teachers: Teaches pastors, Bible study leaders, and thoughtful lay people how to effectively study biblical typology in the Old Testament
• Practical How-To: Not only examines Scripture for examples of Christ in the Old Testament but teaches how readers can find types for themselves
• Uses Helpful Tools: Introduces a practical framework and diagram to effectively interpret typology within the Old Testament
• Academic yet Accessible: Written by scholar, professor, and author Vern S. Poythress

Vern S. Poythress (PhD, Harvard University; ThD, University of Stellenbosch) is Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Biblical Interpretation, and Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he has taught for four decades. In addition to earning six academic degrees, he is the author of numerous books and articles on biblical interpretation, language, and science.