Why is Allegory, Symbol and Type Important?
This question is similar to asking the question: Why did Jesus Speak in Parables? And that is exactly the question that the disciples asked the Lord, so lets take a look at his answer:
Jesus’ answer gives us the key insight into why the Bible has so, very much allegory, symbol and metaphor throughout.
Mat 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
Mat 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
Mat 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
So, Jesus deliberately spoke in parables so that only a select few would understand what he was saying. Only those who had the keys to the puzzle would understand him. The rest would hear but not understand.
This is a vital key. The Bible is absolutely packed with symbol, metaphor, type and parable so that only those who have applied themselves to it can hope to gain an understanding.
Jesus also inserted this unusual statement into his explanation of why he spoke in parables:
Mat 13:12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
It is a sober warning and a wonderful promise. Those who understand will increase In understanding, those who do not will lose what little they have.
This is the one great principle aim of Bible Study. Its whole aim is to gain understanding, because understanding is the foundation of faith and faith brings action. (Matt 13:9-23)
A study of Bible Allegory, Symbol and Typology is about understanding the Bibles message. An appreciation and application of these principles in your study will greatly assist in you reaching that “Break Through” ….. the i.e. moment.
Further, an appreciation of Biblical Allegory, Symbol and Type is essential to understand Prophecy. Much of the 3 main prophetical Books, Daniel, Zechariah and the Revelation is, fundamentally, based on Typological and Symbolic principle.
Taken from Workbook on Principles of Bible Symbology of Allegory Type