Definition and Purpose
Typology in biblical studies refers to a method of interpreting Scripture where an element found in the Old Testament is seen to prefigure one found in the New Testament. The earlier element is called a "type," and the fulfillment is referred to as the "antitype." This interpretive method is rooted in the belief that the Bible is a unified, divinely inspired text, where the Old Testament foreshadows and anticipates the New Testament.

Biblical Basis
Typology is grounded in the Bible itself. Jesus, after His resurrection, explained to His disciples how the Old Testament pointed to Him: "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself" (Luke 24:27). The Apostle Paul also employs typology, as seen in Romans 5:14, where Adam is described as "a pattern of the One to come."

Examples of Typology

1. Adam and Christ
Adam is considered a type of Christ. As the first man, Adam's actions had consequences for all humanity, leading to sin and death. In contrast, Christ, the "last Adam," brings righteousness and life. Paul writes, "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).

2. The Passover Lamb
The Passover lamb in Exodus 12 is a type of Christ, the Lamb of God. The blood of the lamb, which protected the Israelites from the angel of death, prefigures the blood of Christ, which saves believers from eternal death. John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the fulfillment of this type: "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29).

3. The Bronze Serpent
In Numbers 21, the bronze serpent lifted by Moses in the wilderness is a type of Christ's crucifixion. Those who looked upon the serpent were healed, just as those who look to Christ in faith are saved. Jesus Himself makes this connection: "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up" (John 3:14).

4. Melchizedek and Christ
Melchizedek, the king-priest of Salem, is a type of Christ's eternal priesthood. The author of Hebrews elaborates on this typology, stating, "He remains a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 7:17). Melchizedek's unique priesthood, without genealogy or end, prefigures the eternal priesthood of Christ.

Significance in Theology
Typology underscores the continuity and coherence of the biblical narrative, revealing the divine plan of salvation that unfolds from Genesis to Revelation. It highlights the sovereignty of God in orchestrating history and the centrality of Christ in Scripture. Typology also enriches the understanding of biblical prophecy and fulfillment, demonstrating how the Old Testament is not merely a historical record but a theological foundation for the New Testament revelation.

Interpretive Cautions
While typology is a valuable interpretive tool, it requires careful application. Not every Old Testament element is a type, and typological interpretations should be grounded in the text and supported by New Testament revelation. Overreliance on typology without scriptural basis can lead to speculative and allegorical interpretations that stray from the intended meaning of the text.