Symbolism

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Symbolism in the Word of God

While the cross, water, bread, and wine are symbols at the center of the Christian faith and practice, they are not the only symbols mentioned in the Bible. The Word of God is loaded with symbolism; in fact, many of the events of the Old Testament often foreshadow events which occur in the New Testament. For example, the sacrificial lamb in the Old Testament points to the sacrificial death of Christ (see Passover).

Jesus even used symbolic language in talking about Himself and His relationship to persons. He referred to himself as the Living Water, the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, the Good Shepherd, and the Door. When Christ sets up His millennial kingdom here on earth (Revelation 20:4-9), He will replace the symbolic precursors of the Old Covenant: the bronze laver, the table of shewbread, and the golden lampstand, for He is the New Testament fulfillment of the Old Covenant. Jesus is the Living Water, the Bread of Life, and the Light of the World; He is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. We no longer have to sacrifice lambs and rams to atone for our sins, for Christ became our Passover Lamb. It is by His flesh (the veil of the temple) that we are able to enter into the Holy of Holies and commune with our High Priest - Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:20-21). Hallelujah!

Jesus also used symbolism when He spoke in parables. A parable is a brief tale illustrating a moral principle. His 39 recorded parables (stories) connected with the real world of agriculture (sowing, harvesting, growing), the food industry (baking, fishing), real estate (land purchasing, home ownership), and retailing (the sale of pearls). His images and language helped bring His message alive to the common people. It showed clearly that God takes an interest in the workplace and desires people to serve Him in the secular arena. The advantage of stories like these is that they impress the listener with a viv...