[grip_daddy]

Mohammad_4,

In Christian theology we have the terms type and antitype. Type means that which stands for the true, or which represent the real, or which foretells the actual. When the true, or the real, or the actual appears, that real, or actual, or true becomes the antitype in the sense of replacement, or substituting, or in place of the type. The Greek word translated anti before Christ to make Antichrist had the said meanings which literally mean a substitute for Christ, true Christ, actual Christ etc. In this sense, you can figure out an blasphemous intent (the beast of Revelation 13 had blasphemy written on his head, same to the woman in chapter 17 which both constitute the antichrist).

In foretelling the coming of Christ, many OT systems were a representation of the true heavenly system (see Hebrews 7-10) which in theology are called types. Some of these systems included the ceremonial sacrifices, the ceremonial days e.g. the day of passover, the new moon festivities, the sabbaths, etc. The the ceremonies (types) that were foretelling the coming of Christ met their fulfilment on the Cross at Christ's death which made them to cease (see Ephesians, Galatians and Colossians) thereby implying that the death of Jesus was the antitype.

Deeper study of the OT reveals also that not only were the sacrifices offered were the types, but also some names. Three examples of the names should suffice:

1. Joshua - This is the same root name that we get Yeshua commonly translated to Jesus. The meaning of this name is literally Savior. As you know the history of Israel, Joshua led the children of Israel from wilderness into the promised land and settled them there. This was a foreshadow of how Jesus will lead the true Israelites (Israelites by faith) from this earth (wilderness) into a place He has promised He will prepare for us. This fact though, does not mean that the OT Joshua is the true Christ.

2. Emmanuel - To mean God with us. This was a son prophesied in Isaiah 8 which was to be an assurance that even if Assyria will attack, a son shall be born in that time and his name shall be God with us. Jesus is also given that name to signify that He is the true God with us as was given in that Isaiah's prophecy.

3. Melchisedec - This man was a high priest even before the priesthood of Aron was established. He was also a king before the kingdom of Israel came into existence. He represented the coming work of Messiah both as our heavenly high priest (expounded in Hebrews 8-10) and His promised everlasting kingdom. So the same way the name Joshua applied to Jesus' work of salvation, the same way Emmanuel applied to Jesus' being the God with us, so did the name Melchisedec represent the priesthood and eternity of Jesus. This was so important especially to Abraham who was to become the father of all believers (the father of faith), and as other believers, he foresaw and understood the coming priesthood and kingdom of Christ as was prophesied in the work, priesthood and kingship of Melchisedec, who, as others, was not the true Christ.