Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 10 - Monday
Old Testament Types and Their Fulfillment
God often used people, events, and places in the Old Testament as types—patterns that point to greater spiritual truths fulfilled in Christ, His church, and the ultimate end of time. Three major examples are Israel, the Exodus, and the sanctuary. Each has a journey of fulfillment in three phases: Christological (in Christ), Ecclesiological (in the church), and Eschatological (in the final consummation).
This matters to Christians because biblical types show God’s consistent plan of salvation, helping us see how Christ, the church, and the end times are all part of His purpose. Understanding typology strengthens our faith, encourages obedience, and gives hope that God’s promises will be fully fulfilled.
1. Israel
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Christological Phase (Matt. 2:15): Just as Israel was called out of Egypt, Jesus’ early life mirrored this journey. He fulfills the role of the true Israel, living in obedience to God where Israel sometimes failed.
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Ecclesiological Phase (Gal. 6:16): God’s people today—the church—continue Israel’s mission spiritually, carrying God’s covenant and reflecting His character.
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Eschatological Phase (Rev. 7:4–8, 14): In the end, God will gather His faithful from all nations, fulfilling the promise of a holy, redeemed people as He once did with Israel.
2. The Exodus
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Christological Phase (Matt. 2:19–21): God delivered His people from slavery in Egypt; Christ delivers humanity from sin and death. Just as Israel left Egypt, Jesus leads us into freedom through His life, death, and resurrection.
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Ecclesiological Phase (2 Cor. 6:17): Believers today are called to separate from sin and the world, living holy lives as God’s people. The church continues the Exodus spiritually.
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Eschatological Phase (Rev. 18:4): Ultimately, God will rescue His people from the world’s corruption, bringing them to eternal safety, completing the Exodus once and for all.
3. The Sanctuary
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Christological Phase (John 1:14; John 2:21; Matt. 26:61): The sanctuary pointed to Jesus. God dwelt among His people through Christ, and His sacrifice fulfills the sanctuary’s sacrificial system.
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Ecclesiological Phase (1 Cor. 3:16–17; 2 Cor. 6:16): The church is now God’s dwelling place. Just as the sanctuary was holy, God lives in His people through the Holy Spirit.
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Eschatological Phase (Rev. 3:12; Rev. 11:19; Rev. 21:3, 22): In the new creation, God will dwell with humanity fully. The ultimate sanctuary is not a building, but God with His people for eternity.
Reflection
When you struggle to understand a passage, remember that it’s normal—Scripture can be deep and complex. Start by reading it slowly, looking at the context, and comparing it with other verses on the same topic. Using study tools like commentaries, Bible dictionaries, or trusted translations can clarify difficult points. Most importantly, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your understanding, trusting that God will reveal His truth in His timing.
Old Testament types like Israel, the Exodus, and the sanctuary show us God’s plan across history. They teach us that God’s work in Christ, His church, and the end times is connected. What begins in the past finds ultimate fulfillment in Him, reminding us to trust His plan and live faithfully in the present.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for showing us Your plan through the stories and symbols of the Old Testament. Help us to see Christ in every type, live as Your holy people today, and look forward with hope to the day You will make all things new. Amen.
More: The True Joshua- Sabbath School Lesson 10 - The Lessons of Faith from Joshua
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