Topical Bible: Man: Created: A Type of Christ

◄ Man: Created: A Type of Christ ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the creation of man holds profound theological significance, serving as a type or foreshadowing of Christ. This typology is rooted in the understanding that Adam, the first man, prefigures Jesus Christ, the "last Adam" (1 Corinthians 15:45). The creation of man as a type of Christ is explored through various dimensions, including the image of God, dominion, and the role of headship.

Image of God

The creation account in Genesis reveals that man was made in the image and likeness of God: "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness'" (Genesis 1:26). This divine image-bearing sets humanity apart from the rest of creation and points to the ultimate revelation of God in Jesus Christ. As the perfect image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15), Christ embodies the fullness of what it means to be made in God's image. The creation of man, therefore, anticipates the incarnation, where God would take on human form in the person of Jesus.

Dominion and Stewardship

In Genesis, man is given dominion over the earth: "Fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth" (Genesis 1:28). This mandate to rule and steward creation reflects the authority and kingship of Christ. Jesus, as the King of kings, exercises perfect dominion over all creation. The initial dominion given to Adam serves as a type of the ultimate reign of Christ, who will restore and perfect the created order.

Headship and Representation

Adam's role as the head of the human race is another aspect of his typology of Christ. As the first man, Adam represents humanity, and his actions have consequences for all his descendants. Similarly, Christ, as the head of the new creation, represents all who are in Him. The Apostle Paul draws this parallel in Romans: "For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous" (Romans 5:19). Adam's failure and Christ's obedience highlight the contrast between the two, with Christ succeeding where Adam fell.

Life-Giving Spirit

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the typology of Adam and Christ in 1 Corinthians: "The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam a life-giving spirit" (1 Corinthians 15:45). While Adam was given life, Christ imparts life. This distinction underscores the transformative power of Christ's resurrection, offering eternal life to all who believe. The creation of man as a living being points forward to the greater reality of spiritual life found in Christ.

Conclusion

The creation of man as a type of Christ is a rich theological theme that underscores the continuity and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Through the image of God, dominion, headship, and life-giving spirit, the first Adam prefigures the last Adam, Jesus Christ, who brings to completion the purposes for which humanity was created.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 5:14
Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

State in which Man was Created. The Faculties of the Soul --The ...
... figment of Osiander, [121] Adam was formed after the model or type of the man Christ. ...
in the imagination of those who interpret that Adam was created in the ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 15 state in which.htm

Christ, to Perform the Office of Mediator, Behoved to Become Man.
... Man, therefore, was created in the image of God (Gen.1 ... so the dignity which was
conferred on man belonged to ... is entitled to infer that the primary type of the ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 12 christ to perform.htm

St. Ambrose Returns to the Main Question, and Shows that Whenever ...
... is in respect whereof the writer calls Him created: "In so ... as some Jewish triflers
do), but a holy man and priest ... but the one we regard as the type, the other ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xi st ambrose returns.htm

Christ the Water of Life.
... Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let ... reason why the first should
be a type of Christ ... is equaled only by admitting that God created the heavens ...
/.../iii christ the water of life.htm

Conformity to Type
... be a more accurate expression of the Law of Conformity to Type than this: "Put on
the new man, which is ... in knowledge after the image of Him that created him ...
/.../drummond/natural law in the spiritual world/conformity to type.htm

Types of the Death of Christ Isaac; Joseph; Jacob against Simeon ...
... shown to be the Son of God, Who created the world ... devil was vanquished,"whereby also
to every man who was ... may not obstruct the course of the type," by taking ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xviii name of the.htm

The Sacred Name Jesus Most Suited to the Christ of the Creator. ...
... is shown to be the Son of God, Who created the world ... for Christ is a rock (or stone),
therefore that great man, [3318] who was ordained as a type of this ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xvi the sacred name jesus.htm

The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ...
... the Brazen Serpent in the wilderness as a type of His ... of the earth, but it was also
the history of man. In the beginning he was created by God"created in the ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter six the typical significance.htm

The Old Prophets and Righteous Men Knew Beforehand of the Advent ...
... manner, while, [as regards] man, he is created skilfully. ... of His just judgment is
the ungrateful man, who both ... observances had been given as a type of future ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xi the old prophets and.htm

Interview of Christ with Nicodcmus.
... the lifting up of the Son of Man with the ... of expression belonged to the peculiar
type of Christ's ... in such expressions the new dialect created by Christianity ...
/.../section 119 interview of christ.htm