The Significance of Theological Interpretation as Demonstrated in Case Study: Adam-Christ Typology and Categories of Representation

Seminary Commons

To whom are the Scriptures directed? What is their ultimate source? In the study of any given passage of Scripture, how much importance, if any, should be attached to other passages of Scripture, written by different authors, for the purpose of understanding its meaning? Is typology a legitimate hermeneutical methodology, or does it inevitably twist the local meanings of passages away from their historical contexts? This poster will present an argument for the importance of the ways in which theological exegesis provides compelling answers for these questions, and will present a case study of the use of this method in regard to Adam-Christ typology. A canonical, theological, and typological consideration of Scripture reveals at least six titles or concepts linking Adam and Christ: image of God, priest, king of creation, man-son of Man, son of God, and covenant head. There is also evidence that persons with each of these titles and/or concepts are involved in representative, vicarious identification with their people—a theme which is most clearly elucidated and elaborated in regard to Adam and Christ in Romans 5:12–21.