Question:
Please explain how Melchizedek can be a type of Christ when a type does not pass away until it meets its antitype, nor the shadow until it reaches its substance. Melchizedek’s priesthood did not reach to Christ. What proof do you have that Melchizedek was a type of Christ?
Answer:
By what authority can our querist say that a type does not pass away until it meets its antitype? A shadow naturally reaches to its substance, but a shadow is one figure, and a type is another. The first Adam was a type of the second Adam, but the first Adam has long passed away. So also, Moses was a type of Christ. “The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken.” Deuteronomy 18:15. But Moses died nearly 1,500 years before Christ came. He was a type of Christ as regards prophet and teacher. So Joshua was a type of Christ; the words “Joshua” and “Jesus” both mean Saviour. Joshua led the children of Israel into the promised land. So Christ leads the faithful into the antitypical promised land. David was a type of Christ in the conquering and casting out of his foes. Solomon was a type of Christ in his reign of peace, among others.
So also, Melchizedek was a type of Christ, as stated in Psalms 110:4: “Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” See also Hebrews 5:6; 6:20; 7:17-21. Levi was a priest; David was a king. Each of these was a type of Christ concerning one thing, but Melchizedek was a priest-king. So also Christ is a priest-king on His Father’s throne. See Zechariah 6:12, 13; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Hebrews 8:12; Revelation 3:21.
If we knew the predecessor of Melchizedek and the one who succeeded him, he could not have been taken as a type of Prophecy and Second Advent Christ; but so far as the records go, his priesthood began with him and will close with him. So also with Christ; He has an age-lasting priesthood. It starts with Him and closes with Him. When that priesthood is over, there will be no other. He will take His own kingdom and throne to Himself and reign forever.
