Terms like “shadow” and “substance” (Colossians 2:17) introduce another key for understanding the Bible. Recall that the Bible’s long timespan allows both ancient prophecies and their later fulfillments. Similarly, that span gives another unique advantage: God drew rough pictures in the Old Testament that pointed to New Testament realities. Think of those pictures as “similes” and “metaphors” that used objects, events and persons, rather than just words. For example, lambs were slaughtered in rituals about salvation (Exodus 12, 29). However, Hebrews 10 shows that animal blood cannot forgive sin. So, why did God require animal sacrifices? He was drawing pictures for us to understand the sacrifice on the cross that truly does save. Old Testament lambs were “shadows” and their corresponding “substance” or “reality” is Jesus, the Lamb of God (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7; Revelation 7:14).
Along with “shadow,” the Bible’s other terms are “copy” and “type” also translated as figure, pattern, example and symbol (Romans 5:14; Hebrews 8:5; 9:9, 23-24; 10:1; 1 Peter 3:21). Even when the terms are not used, the New Testament often links its truths to persons, things or events in the Old Testament. Hebrews has many such links: Jesus is the better fulfillment (the antitype) compared with types such as Moses (3), Joshua (4), priests (5, 10), and the priest-king, Melchizedek (7). Jesus gives rest better than Canaan and the Sabbath (4). He enters the true Holy Place in heaven, compared with the earthly tent or tabernacle, taking to God the sacrifice better than animal blood (9-10).
Old Testament types are physical pictures of New Testament truths. The Old Covenant emphasized the heart (Deuteronomy 6:4; Leviticus 19:18), but it had very detailed instructions about many material things. God was speaking to the people of that time, teaching them to treat Him as holy. But He was also looking ahead, prefiguring the spiritual realities of Christ. Thus, Joshua and later kings waged physical wars; our King leads us in spiritual warfare (John 18:36; Ephesians 6:10- 18). They won land and wealth; in Christ, we win heavenly glory (Revelation 21:6- 7). Solomon built a physical temple; in Christ, we are God’s temple (Ephesians 2:19-22). These distinctions are important for our conduct today. People do great damage by trying to worship or win battles in old ways that no longer apply in the New Covenant. Most “shadows” pointed to Christ. So, listen to Him and follow His lead (Deuteronomy 18:15; Mark 9:7).