An example (τύπος) represents the broader category, principle, or concept it relates to by providing a concrete and relatable demonstration of quality and characteristics. Therefore, example (τύπος) can also be used for an imprint or pattern.
After some of the disciples saw the resurrected Lord, they informed the others who were not present with them that Christ, indeed, was raised from the dead. Thomas responded to their report by stating that unless he saw the imprint of the nails in Christ’s hands, he would not believe, John 20:25.
While the Israelites were in the wilderness, God gave Moses an example of how the Tabernacle in which God would dwell among His people was to be designed, Acts 7:44. The Tabernacle was a shadow of the real heavenly Temple and, therefore, had to be done in accordance with all that God told Moses, Hebrews 8:5.
Adam was a type of the One to come that would save all those who believe in Him. Through Adam’s sin, he condemned the entire human race, for we all sinned in Adam, Romans 5:14. In contrast to the death that Adam brought, through the one to come, who is Christ, all are made alive, 1 Corinthians 15:22. In Adam we died, but in Christ we live. These two types explain the relationship the human race has to its head. We are not individually created beings; instead, we are propagated and, therefore, subject to the likeness and image of our head. After Adam trespassed and sinned, he had children after his likeness and image, Genesis 5:3. Therefore, his children, including us, are born spiritually separated from God and subject to physical death. All those who believe in Christ’s death for sins and resurrection three days later are taken out of Adam and immersed into the Christ by the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13. The Christ is the new creation God made when He raised Jesus from the dead, 2 Corinthians 5:17. Through Christ’s obedience, the gift of righteousness and the gracious gift of eternal life are attributed to all who are in the Christ, for He is now their head, making them alive unto God, Romans 5:17-18; Ephesians 1:22-23.
When we faithfully follow the pattern of doctrine Paul has given us, we experience victory over our sin nature, Romans 6:17. The imputation of Christ’s death and resurrection enables us to walk in newness of life, Romans 6:5-6; 11; 13. As we reckon this to ourselves, our natural response is to yield to righteousness, for we have been liberated from the sin nature to become slaves to righteousness, Romans 6:18. This transformation is a testament to the inherent ability of following his pattern of doctrine.
All Scripture, including the examples from Israel, is written for the saint today, providing us with healthy teaching and doctrine. A cautionary aspect of healthy teaching is evident in the lessons from Israel, where God left the bodies of those who did not believe in the wilderness as a warning to us. Do not be a fool, we reap what we sow. This example teaches us not to strongly desire wrong things, things that do not align with our character in Christ, for the destruction of those who turned to idolatry and fornication serves as a warning against tempting God or complaining against Him. These examples are for our admonition, on whom the end of the age has come, 1 Corinthians 10:11.
In our Christian life, we are to mimic Paul and scope out those who walk in the pattern that he showed, Philippians 3:17. Many who walk among the Christians are actually enemies of the cross of Christ, bringing in destructive heresies and leading the simple astray. Their end is destruction, for their god is their belly, and a proper opinion of them is shameful, for they set their mind on earthly things. However, we are citizens of heaven, from whom we await our Savior, Jesus Christ, Philippians 3:20. Pastors are to be examples to the flock, not lording over them, 1 Peter 5:3. Their life is to be a pattern for the assemblies they oversee in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity, 1 Timothy 4:12. In all things, let us follow the example of those who do proper works, in sound teaching, dignified, being beyond reproach in healthy words, for they are examples to us in how to live a life of true godliness, Titus 2:7-8.
