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
320 pages.
“I am delighted to see Vern Poythress’s book on biblical typology. His knowledge of the Scriptures and the interpretive principles necessary to handle them responsibly is unsurpassed. He presents the complex topic of biblical types clearly and simply so that laypeople and scholars alike will benefit. This is a book that you will not want to miss.” Richard L. Pratt Jr., President, Third Millennium Ministries
“As readers learn how the New Testament relates to the Old, they will encounter the subject and language of typology. I’m grateful for Vern Poythress providing this accessible resource so that interpreters can think about how the patterns and shadows of the Old Testament point to Christ, the church, and the new creation. The divine author of Holy Scripture is summing up all things in his Son. Let Poythress help you identify key symbols and types along the storyline of redemption.” Mitchell L. Chase,Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; author,Short of Glory: A Biblical and Theological Exploration of the Fall