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The strong objection to the first suggestion would be the multiplication of the miracle
of resurrection so that it rendered the unique character of this mighty event void by
reason of familiarity. Moreover, a type ceases to be a type if it actually accomplishes
that which it is supposed only to foreshadow. The objection to the second suggestion
must be, that without actual death and shedding of blood, the supreme importance and
nature of the one offering of Christ, would not have received sufficient emphasis. The
third alternative is that which has been adopted by Divine Wisdom in setting forth this
twofold work.
Abel dies, but Seth is appointed "in the stead" (Gen. 4: 25). Two goats were
appointed for the day of atonement, one which was offered for a sin offering, the other
"the scapegoat" presented "alive" before the Lord, and "let go" into the wilderness
(Lev. 16:). Two birds were used at the cleansing of the Leper. The one was killed,
the other "the living bird" was dipped into the blood of the dead bird, and then let loose
into the open field (Lev. 14: 1-7).
As to typical persons, while no proof is necessary to demonstrate the fact that David
was a type of the Lord's true Anointed, it may be forgotten that Solomon was "the King's
Son" (Psa. 72:) and the king whose reign is associated with such peace and prosperity
as was never again enjoyed by Israel, he also is required to complete the Scriptural type
of the great reign of the Son of God.
"The death of Moses and the succession of Joshua prefigured the continuance of the
law till Jesus came (Acts 13: 37; Luke 16: 16).
Moses must die, that Joshua may succeed."
"Joshua begins his office at the banks of Jordan; and there Jesus was baptized
and entered upon the public exercises of His prophetical office. Joshua chose there
twelve men out of the people, to carry twelve stones over with them; Jesus thence
began to choose His twelve apostles, those foundations in the Heavenly Jerusalem"
(Bishop Pearson).
"Joshua brought the people into Canaan, after they had been lying, as it were, helpless
under the Law in the wilderness for thirty-eight years after their sin and exclusion at
Kadesh-barnea. Jesus came to the impotent man who had been thirty-eight years in his
infirmity, and lay beneath the shade of Bethesda with its five porches, and bade him rise
and walk" (Chr. Wordsworth, D.D.).
Let us examine these two typical events in order that the light they give may
illuminate our understanding as we ponder the meaning of baptism in Rom. 6: and
Col. 2:
The baptism of Rom. 6: and Col. 2: is not only a burial into death, but in both cases
leads on to fellowship with Christ in His resurrection. The burial into death is that of
Moses at the Red Sea, the rising again is with Joshua at the Jordan. The interval between
these two events is occasioned by Israel's failure and by the interposition of the law. A
further check is administered by the imposition of carnal ordinances that could only be
done away by Christ Himself, and so it was not possible for Moses to fulfil the complete