Topical Encyclopedia Justification before God is a central theme in Christian theology, representing the act by which God declares a sinner to be righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ. This concept is richly illustrated through various typologies in the Old Testament, which foreshadow the New Testament revelation of justification by faith.Abraham's Faith and Righteousness One of the most profound typologies of justification is found in the life of Abraham. In Genesis 15:6, it is written, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness" . Abraham's faith, rather than his works, was the basis for his justification. This typology is expounded upon in the New Testament, particularly in Romans 4:3, where Paul cites this event to demonstrate that righteousness is credited apart from works, emphasizing faith as the means of justification. The Sacrificial System The sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law serves as another typology of justification. The sacrifices, particularly the sin offering and the Day of Atonement rituals, symbolized the covering and removal of sin. Leviticus 17:11 states, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life" . These sacrifices pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose blood would not merely cover sin but remove it entirely, providing a basis for justification. The Passover Lamb The Passover lamb is a significant typology of justification. In Exodus 12, the Israelites were instructed to sacrifice a lamb and apply its blood to their doorposts. This act of faith spared them from the judgment of the firstborn. The Apostle Paul draws a parallel in 1 Corinthians 5:7, stating, "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed" . The blood of the lamb typifies the blood of Christ, which justifies believers and spares them from divine judgment. The Bronze Serpent In Numbers 21, the bronze serpent lifted by Moses in the wilderness serves as a typology of justification through faith. When the Israelites were bitten by venomous snakes, they were instructed to look at the bronze serpent to be healed. Jesus refers to this event in John 3:14-15, saying, "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life" . This typology illustrates that justification comes through looking to Christ in faith. The High Priest's Garments The garments of the high priest, particularly the breastplate of judgment, typify the righteousness imputed to believers. In Exodus 28:29, it is described that Aaron would bear the names of the sons of Israel on the breastplate over his heart when he entered the Holy Place. This symbolizes Christ, our High Priest, who bears our names and represents us before God. Hebrews 4:14-16 highlights Christ's role as our High Priest, through whom we receive mercy and find grace. Conclusion These typologies collectively point to the profound truth of justification by faith, a doctrine that finds its fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through these Old Testament shadows, believers are given a deeper understanding of the grace and righteousness that come through faith in the Savior. Torrey's Topical Textbook Zechariah 3:4,5And he answered and spoke to those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And to him he said, Behold, I have caused your iniquity to pass from you, and I will clothe you with change of raiment. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity God's Testament and Promise in ... Of Christian Liberty. Fifth Sunday in Lent Christ Rightly and Properly Said to have Merited Grace and ... Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision Scriptural Types. How to Make Use of Christ for Taking the Guilt of Our Daily Out ... They Shall be Called the Children of God How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. " Christ Our Passover Resources What are internalism and externalism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Keswick movement, and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org Is the New Perspective on Paul biblical? | GotQuestions.org Justification: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Justification Before God by Faith: Does not Make Void the Law Justification Before God by Faith: Excludes Boasting Justification Before God by Faith: Revealed Under the Old Testament Age Justification Before God is the Act of God Justification Before God: Abraham Justification Before God: Illustrated Justification Before God: Paul Justification Before God: Promised in Christ Justification Before God: The Wicked Shall not Attain To Justification Before God: Typified Justification Before God: Under Law: Man Cannot Attain To Justification Before God: Under Law: Requires Perfect Obedience Justification Before God: Under the Gospel by Imputation of Christ's Righteousness Justification Before God: Under the Gospel by the Blood of Christ Justification Before God: Under the Gospel by the Resurrection of Christ Justification Before God: Under the Gospel in the Name of Christ Justification Before God: Under the Gospel is by Faith Alone Justification Before God: Under the Gospel is not of Faith and Works United Justification Before God: Under the Gospel is not of Works Justification Before God: Under the Gospel is of Grace Justification Before God: Under the Gospel: Blessedness of Justification Before God: Under the Gospel: Ensures Glorification Justification Before God: Under the Gospel: Entitles to an Inheritance Justification Before God: Under the Gospel: Frees from Condemnation Justification: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms Righteousness (442 Occurrences) Reconciliation (11 Occurrences) |
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