The Greek word tupos (τύπος) means a model or a copy, a representation of something. The literal translation is “type,” but when it appears in the King James Version of the Bible, it is translated “figure,” “fashion,” “manner,” “pattern,” “example,” and similar words. The ancient meaning is a mark or an impression, and in fact John uses this word to identify the “print” of the nails in the Savior’s hands and feet. (See John 20:25.)
A shadow is a shape created by an object. We can learn about the shape and motion of the object by examining the shadow, but it’s important to remember that the shadow is not the object. The apostle Paul told the Colossians that activities associated with the law of Moses such as holy days and dietary restrictions were “a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ” (Colossians 2:16-17). The author of Hebrews similarly wrote:
The law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
Hebrews 10:1 (see also Hebrews 8:5)
So the law of Moses was a shadow of Christ. His people could learn a lot about Him by following the law, but the law itself could not save them.
Abinadi taught this same principle to the priests of King Noah, who believed that salvation came by the law of Moses (see Mosiah 12:32):
It was expedient that there should be a law given to the children of Israel…, a law which they were to observe strictly from day to day, to keep them in remembrance of God and their duty towards him.
But behold, I say unto you, that all these things were types of things to come.
Mosiah 13:29-31
And Abinadi concluded his message by reiterating this principle:
If ye teach the law of Moses, also teach that it is a shadow of those things which are to come—
Teach them that redemption cometh through Christ the Lord, who is the very Eternal Father.
Mosiah 16:14-15
He also gave them an urgent warning using the same terminology:
This much I tell you, what you do with me, after this, shall be as a type and a shadow of things which are to come.
Mosiah 13:10
As Mormon later pointed out, Abinadi’s words were fulfilled. The descendants of Noah’s priests put other believers to death by fire, until they themselves were hunted and scattered and killed. (See Alma 25:9-12.)
Immediately after pointing out that fulfillment of prophecy, Mormon reiterated Abinadi’s main message. The Lamanites who were converted by the sons of Mosiah “did keep the law of Moses …, considering that the law of Moses was a type of [the coming of Christ] …. Now they did not suppose that salvation came by the law of Moses; but the law of Moses did serve to strengthen their faith in Christ” (Alma 25:15-16).
Today, I will be grateful for the types and shadows in my life which bring me closer to Christ. I will engage in religious practices, but I will remember that my faith is not in those practices, and they have no power to save me. They strengthen my faith in Christ who has the power to save me.
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