Christ Revealed Before the Cross — From Genesis to Revelation (KJV) By: Junior Tate Ministries INTRODUCTION: WHY GOD TAUGHT CHRIST IN SHADOWS FIRST God did not wait until the New Testament to reveal His Son. From the beginning, He chose to educate humanity progressively—revealing Christ in advance through history, sacrifice, covenant, prophecy, and pattern. The Old Testament does not merely anticipate Christ; it is designed around Him. Colossians 2:16–17 (KJV) “Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” A shadow tells you three things: The Law, sacrifices, priesthood, kingship, and prophetic promises all existed because Christ was. WHAT ARE SHADOWS, TYPES, AND FORESHADOWS? Before examining specific examples, Scripture defines the concept for us. Romans 5:14 (KJV) “Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.” Adam was a figure—a type—of Christ. Scripture does not invent this connection; Scripture declares it. Hebrews 10:1 (KJV) “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things…” God was not repeating Himself pointlessly—He was teaching humanity how redemption works before redemption arrived. Jesus affirmed this when He taught the disciples after His resurrection. Luke 24:27 (KJV) “Beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” That statement alone requires us to read the Old Testament Christ-centered, because Christ read it that way. UNDERSTANDING BIBLICAL TYPES (NOT HUMAN SYMBOLISM) A biblical type is: This is not allegory. Scripture itself authorizes typology. Romans 5:14 (KJV) “Adam… who is the figure of him that was to come.” Adam was not Christ—but Adam was designed to point forward to Christ. CHRIST IN GENESIS — REDEMPTION PROMISED AT THE FALL The Seed of the Woman (Genesis 3:15) Sin enters the world in Genesis 3, but God responds immediately—not with silence, but with promise. Genesis 3:15 (KJV) “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed…” This is the first gospel message, often called proto-evangelium. Key observations from Scripture alone: The bruising of the heel speaks of suffering.The crushing of the head speaks of final victory. Paul confirms the woman-born nature of Christ. Galatians 4:4 (KJV) “God sent forth his Son, made of a woman…” God revealed Christ as Redeemer before humanity ever offered a sacrifice. Abel’s Sacrifice — Blood Required for Acceptance Cain and Abel both brought offerings. God accepted one and rejected the other. Genesis 4:4–5 (KJV) “The LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain… he had not respect.” Why? Scripture answers elsewhere. Hebrews 9:22 (KJV) “Without shedding of blood is no remission.” Abel’s offering: Cain’s offering: Abel’s sacrifice foreshadows Christ’s innocent blood shed for sinners. Noah’s Ark — Salvation Inside God’s Provision The flood was not merely a natural disaster—it was divine judgment on a corrupt world. Genesis 6:5 (KJV) “Every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” God provided one means of escape. Key details: Genesis 7:16 (KJV) “And the LORD shut him in.” Salvation was not earned—it was entered. Peter directly identifies this as a figure of salvation. 1 Peter 3:20–21 (KJV) “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us…” The Ark preaches Christ as: Isaac on Mount Moriah — The Father Offering the Son Genesis 22 is one of the clearest foreshadows of Calvary. Genesis 22:2 (KJV) “Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest…” Key parallels: Isaac carried the wood, just as Christ carried the cross. Genesis 22:8 (KJV) “God will provide himself a lamb…” Centuries later: John 1:29 (KJV) “Behold the Lamb of God…” CHRIST IN THE LAW — REDEMPTION TAUGHT THROUGH SACRIFICE The Passover Lamb The Passover teaches substitution clearly. Exodus 12:13 (KJV) “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” Important truths: Paul confirms the fulfillment. 1 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV) “Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.” The Bronze Serpent — Healing by Faith Alone Israel sinned. Judgment came. God provided healing—not through effort, but through faith. Numbers 21:9 (KJV) “When he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.” The serpent: Jesus interprets this Himself. John 3:14–15 (KJV) “Even so must the Son of man be lifted up…” Salvation is not achieved—it is received. The Tabernacle — God Dwelling With Man Exodus 25:8 (KJV) “That I may dwell among them.” The Tabernacle was a visible theology lesson. Every element points to Christ: Hebrews 10:20 (KJV) “Through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.” 8. The High Priest — Mediation Between God and Man The High Priest entered God’s presence once a year, never without blood. Leviticus 16:15 (KJV) “Bring his blood within the veil…” Christ fulfilled this perfectly. Hebrews 9:12 (KJV) “By his own blood he entered in once into the holy place…” Earthly priests repeated sacrifices.Christ finished the work. CHRIST IN HISTORY — REDEMPTION ILLUSTRATED Joshua — Bringing God’s People Into Rest Joshua succeeded Moses. The Law could lead—but not give rest. Hebrews 4:8 (KJV) “For if Jesus [Joshua] had given them rest…” Christ brings eternal rest that the Law never could. Boaz — The Kinsman Redeemer Boaz redeems Ruth according to God’s law. He was: Ruth 4:14 (KJV) “Blessed be the LORD… without a kinsman.” Christ fulfills this role completely. Galatians 4:5 (KJV) “To redeem them that were under the law…” CHRIST IN THE PROPHETS — REDEMPTION DESCRIBED The Suffering Servant Isaiah describes Christ’s death in detail. Isaiah 53:5 (KJV) “Wounded for our transgressions…” The New Testament confirms this is Christ. Acts 8:35 (KJV) “He preached unto him Jesus.” Jonah — Death, Burial, Resurrection Jonah 1:17 (KJV) “Three days and three nights…” Jesus applies it to Himself. Matthew 12:40 (KJV) “So shall the Son of man be three days…” CHRIST IN THE PSALMS — THE CRUCIFIED KING Psalm 22:16–18 (KJV) “They pierced my hands and … Read more
