Blogger of Jared

All Things . . . are the Typifying of Him (Part 1)

Posted by Wade on July 19th, 2006

My first real introduction to symbolism came while I was serving my mission. It was in my last area (Aurora Colorado), and I was with my last companion. I was lucky to have a dedicated companion during my final months.

This companion happened to bring along an audio tape that would end up changing my general perspective about God and the Gospel of Christ. It was an obscure recording of a CES instructor, Todd B. Parker. I have tried to find a copy of the tape; my efforts have been in vain. However, the lecture impressed me so much that I took notes. Moreover, I have been able to find parts of this lecture on-line (in a FARMS publication).

This post will serve as part one in a series of posts in which I plan to share insights from the lecture.

I was reminded again of these insights when I visited Tyler’s blog earlier today. In the thread to one of his posts, an anti-mormon attempted to argue that Joseph Smith “fabricated [the Book of Mormon] out of thin air.” My first thought in response to this was: if he fabricated it out of thin air, he must have been a genius inspired by either God or the devil himself. Indeed, the lecture by Brother Parker reveals that Joseph would have to be a genius on many levels!

To begin, Joseph brought forth two verses of scripture that reveal this basic truth: all things are created to bear record of, and to symbolize/typify Christ. (See 2 Nephi 11:4; Moses 6:63).

Of course everyone knows the Book of Mormon testifies of Christ — its subtitle declares it “Another Testament of Jesus Christ”. But the coming forth of the book typifies Christ in a different manner, or from a different perspective. The manner in which it does this, you will see, is not coincidental. A simple list of the physical characteristics of the Book’s coming forth will show what I mean:

  • The coming forth of the Book was declared by an angel (Moroni)
  • Christ’s coming forth was declared by an angel (Gabriel)
  • The Book came forth in a time of apostasy to restore truth
  • Christ came in the meridian of time to restore truth
  • It was taken from the receptacle by a man named Joseph
  • Christ was put into the receptacle by a man named Joseph (of Arimathaea)
  • An angel was there to see the coming forth of the plates (Moroni)
  • An angel was there to see the coming forth of Christ from the tomb
  • The first to see the plates (Joseph) was forbidden to touch them
  • The first to see Christ (Mary Magdalene) was forbidden to touch him
  • The book was attested to by 12 special witnesses (the 8, the 3, and Joseph himself)
  • Christ had 12 special witnesses
  • The Book of Mormon is the Word of God
  • Christ is referred to as the Word of God
  • The Book of Mormon teaches the fulness of the gospel
  • Christ taught the fulness

So, if Joseph did fabricate the book out of “thin air”, he was a genius like the world had never seen, nor seen since. He would of had to consider all of these intricate types and shadows, on top of writing the book without extensive resources. And on top of it all, for some reason he decided not to expound upon his masterpiece; for I’ve never read of Joseph discussing these types.

Truly Joseph was the servant of God and brought forth this ancient record under the direction of the Almighty. This record, known as the Book of Mormon, testifies of Christ in more ways than one.

10 Responses to “All Things . . . are the Typifying of Him (Part 1)”

    Thanks, Wade.

    Elder Talmage talks about two general types of evidence for the veracity of the Book of Mormon: internal and external. I have always been impressed by the external evidence: chiasmus and the rest. Recent reading and pondering, however, have led me to be more impressed with the internal veracity of the Book of Mormon (I’m not sure, exactly, if the evidence of which Wade speaks here is internal or external).

    I have, in particular, found it quite enlightening to study the Book of Mormon by prophet, searching for themes. I kind of like to pretend that I am compiling a “teaching of the living prophets” book for Nephi, or Jacob, or Mormon. My favorite, though, is Alma. A quick review of his sermons shows a wonderful consistency–no other prophet of whom I am aware gives more touching and profound insights into the process of rebirth effected by the Atonement of Jesus Christ. What is striking, of course, is how naturall this theme flows from his life experience–being snatched from the flames of hell by angel in accordance with the prayers of his Father prepared Alma for his beautiful testament to the saving power of the Christ.

    Comment # 1 left by tyler on July 19th, 2006

    I have never taken the “study by prophet” approach. Even though reading through the separate books is kind of like doing this, I haven’t consciously separated the focus of each individual BoM prophet.

    It is interesting how an objective look into the evidence reveals so much veracity!

    Comment # 2 left by Wade on July 19th, 2006

    Wade,
    So, I see the title of your post and I’m all ready to talk about Brother Parker’s talk because of the impact on me…only to find out that your post was inspired by that talk! You beat me to the punch, as I had thought about posting on it sometime at Roxcy. Can’t wait to hear more of what you are going to share! :)

    Comment # 3 left by mullingandmusing on July 19th, 2006

    (I actually heard him give part of that talk in a religion class I audited a few years ago. Awesome.)

    Comment # 4 left by mullingandmusing on July 19th, 2006

    M&M:

    I wondered about whether some in the bloggernacle had also heard the talk/lecture. I’m glad it inspired you as it did me; there is a lot of good stuff in it.

    Comment # 5 left by Wade on July 19th, 2006

    I have always prefered the content as evidence in regards to the BofM.

    So much of this BofM leads people to take an extreme position. The claims are to great to stay neutral. Prophet or fraud. Genius or fool.

    Comment # 6 left by Eric Nielson on July 20th, 2006

    Wade, can you email me?

    Comment # 7 left by mullingandmusing on July 20th, 2006

    M&M:

    If I had your e-mail address I could; send one to me first at wpoulson@gmail.com and I’ll reply.

    Comment # 8 left by Wade on July 20th, 2006

    [...] Again, tied to the existence and movements of planets and stars is the importance of the need to know the meaning of it all; the general meaning is that God’s majesty is revealed in it. I have mentioned before that scripture is replete with statements that all things testify of Christ. One such scripture specifically states that “things in the heavens above” exist to testify of Christ. So, the question is whether astrology, as it exists today, has any particle of truth in it? I have adopted Brigham Young’s approach of treasuring truth where ever it may be found. And I’m beginning to think there is some truth in astrology in general (I’ve never been a fan of horoscope reading etc.). [...]

    Comment # 9 left by Blogger of Jared » Blog Archive » Astrology: Pseudoscience or Ancient and Hidden Truth? on August 28th, 2006

    [...] A few years ago, I attended a BYU Religion class taught by Todd B. Parker. He gave a lesson that has always stuck with me. It was based on 2 Nephi 11:4, which teaches us that “all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him.” This is something Wade touched on in a post in July (well worth the read). I wanted to expand upon Wade’s post to discuss how not only elements of the gospel, scripture and so forth testify of Christ and His life and mission, but also how we can find Him in our day-to-day lives, and in the world around us. Life can teach us about His life–which encompasses not only His years in mortality, but includes His characteristics, and His eternal roles and mission. It is my hope that in reflecting on this topic, we might find it easier to keep from having the Savior be “a stranger … far from the thoughts and intents of [our] heart[s]” (Mosiah 5:13). Looking for symbols,types, and shadows in daily life can help us “always remember Him.” [...]

    Comment # 10 left by Blogger of Jared » Blog Archive » Mortal Life Teaches of Christ’s Life on December 19th, 2006

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