TYPE

A "type" (tupos) is a prophetic, pictorial preview, which finds its fulfillment in an "antitype." Types are grounded in historical events, but they are symbolic in import. These forms of figurative "prophecy" are found in the O.T., and they point to Christ and his new covenant regime. Some examples are: (a) The passover lamb was a picture of Christ (Jn. 1:29; 1 Cor. 5:7). (b) Moses, as a great prophet and leader, was a symbol of Jesus (Dt. 18:15ff). (c) Jonah's deliverance from the great fish's body was predictive of the resurrection of Christ (Mt. 12:40-41). (d) The tabernacle (and later the temple) were types of the church and heaven (Heb. 9:1ff; 1 Cor. 3:16). See ANTITYPE.