Wax Seals

Have you ever wondered what it really means when the Bible calls Adam a “type” of Christ, or when it says humans are made in the “image of God”? These ancient Greek words—typos, archetype, image, likeness, and form—hold deep meaning for how we understand ourselves, our destiny, and the story of salvation. Let’s unpack these rich ideas and see how they connect us to both Adam and Christ, using down-to-earth examples along the way.

What is a “Type” (Typos)?

Cookie Cutter

Analogy: The Cookie Cutter and the Cookie - Think of an archetype as a cookie-cutter and a type as the cookie made with it. The cookie-cutter (archetype) is the original shape. Each cookie (type) is made from the cutter, sharing its form, but it’s not the original itself.

In Greek, typos means a pattern, imprint, or foreshadowing. It’s like a stamp pressing into wax, leaving an impression. In the Bible, Adam is called a “type” of Christ (Romans 5:14). This means Adam’s story points forward to Jesus—he’s a prototype, a shadow of something greater that’s to come.

What is an “Archetype”?

Blueprint plan

Analogy: The Original Blueprint - Imagine an architect’s blueprint for a building. The blueprint is the archetype—the original plan. Every building constructed from it is a type. The archetype sets the standard for all that follows.

The word archetype combines “arche” (origin) and “typos” (pattern). An archetype is the original—the ultimate model from which all copies are made. In Christian theology, Christ is the archetype: the true, eternal pattern of humanity. Adam is a copy; Christ is the original blueprint.

Made in the Image (Eikōn) of God

Mirror

Metaphor: The Mirror - We are made in God’s image, like mirrors reflecting His light. The mirror shows the likeness of the person standing before it, but it’s not the person themselves. In the same way, humans reflect God’s character, but Christ is the perfect image—the one the mirror is meant to reflect.

The Bible says humans are made in the image (eikōn) of God (Genesis 1:26). This means we reflect God’s nature, much like a mirror catches the sun's rays. But Christ is more than just an image; he is the perfect image, the exact representation of God (Colossians 1:15).

Likeness: Our Journey

Analogy: Growing into a Family Resemblance - Being made in God’s image is like having your parents’ features—you resemble them from birth. But as you grow, you start to pick up their habits, values, and ways of thinking. That’s ‘likeness’—it’s not just looking like your parent, but also learning to live and love like them.

Early Christians made a distinction:

• Image is our gift—we’re born with the capacity to know and love God.

• Likeness is our journey—becoming more like God in character and love.

In other words, we’re created as reflections, but we’re called to grow into the family resemblance.

Form (Morphē): The Essence Revealed

Analogy: The Blueprint and the Building. A blueprint shows the plan, but the finished building is the real thing. Christ doesn’t just show us a picture of God (the blueprint)—He is the real building, God’s nature in tangible form.

When Paul writes that Christ existed in the “form” of God (Philippians 2:6), he means Christ possesses the very nature of God, not just an outward appearance. And when Christ takes the “form” of a servant, he truly becomes human—sharing our life to the core.

How Does This Shape Our Story?

• Adam is the “type”—a shadow pointing to Christ.

• Christ is the “archetype”—the perfect model and true humanity.

• We are made in the image, with the destiny to grow into God’s likeness.

• The Christian journey is not just about following rules, but about being transformed—becoming what we were always meant to be.

Understanding these ancient words isn’t just an academic exercise—it’s a roadmap for our spiritual lives. We come from Adam, but our destiny is in Christ. We are made in God’s image, invited to become like Him in love and holiness.

So next time you read about “types,” “archetypes,” or “image” in Scripture, remember: You reflect something eternal, and your life is shaped by the greatest pattern of all—Christ Himself.