Through symbols, God brings within the range of our comprehension specific details of Christ's work and character. Thus, in men like Moses, Joseph, and David, and in animals like the lion and lamb, we find characteristics that were completely expressed in Jesus Christ. When working with biblical symbolism, one must follow two cardinal rules. First, understand that several different symbols may represent the same reality in the Bible. Be sure to check the context in which a symbol appears and not force a symbol where it does not fit. Secondly, allow the Bible to interpret its own symbols. Sometimes a symbol is shrouded in mystery and difficult to understand, perhaps because we are unfamiliar with the reality it represents. In the end, we must learn to see symbols as pictures drawn by the hand of God through which He teaches us things that might otherwise be all but incomprehensible. It is important not to take them lightly. In studying symbols, take the time to research their characteristics to deepen and clarify your understanding of God, Christ, and Their purpose.

The subject of Forms vs. Spirituality raises critical questions about the importance of Old Testament laws in relation to the New Covenant. Many practices, such as the Sabbath, Holy Days, tithing, clean and unclean meats, and laws regarding sanitation and quarantine, are often dismissed as mere rituals or forms without spiritual weight. These are seen by some as physical ordinances, carnal in nature, and thus of lesser importance compared to spiritual principles. In the eyes of God, not all laws hold the same level of significance. Spiritual holiness derives from adhering to spiritual laws rather than merely observing physical ordinances. As described in Hebrews 9:10, these physical forms are carnal ordinances, not on the same level as spiritual truths. True religion manifests in loving God and humanity, not through rigid adherence to forms like circumcision, sacrifices, or food laws, but through total devotion to God and practical service to others with the right attitude. The relative importance of these forms is evident when compared to greater principles such as justice, mercy, and fidelity. While meticulously observing forms like tithing is not negated, it does not carry the same weight as embodying justice and mercy. God values fairness, kindness, and mercy toward the weak and sick more highly than strict adherence to lesser regulations. If one can uphold both the forms and the greater principles simultaneously, that is ideal, but the spiritual attributes are of higher priority in His sight.

In the study of Scripture, particularly the Old Testament, the central focus remains on Jesus Christ, the Word of God, as the primary subject. He is not only evident in specific prophecies but is woven throughout as the object of numerous symbols, such as the sacrifices and the Tabernacle furnishings. Many historical figures in the Old Testament serve as types of Him, including Isaac, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, and David, prefiguring His person and work. Types are prefigurations of a person or thing, with the actual fulfillment known as the anti-type. For instance, Adam and Eve represent types of all humanity, while Abel typifies a faithful person who follows God's instructions, and Cain symbolizes one who rejects Him. Manna from heaven serves as a type of the true bread from heaven, which is Jesus Christ, the anti-type. David typifies the anointed king of Israel, and Solomon represents the wise preacher or guide, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Scores of such types in the Old Testament are later fulfilled by Christ directly or through His actions in the world. The holy days, including Pentecost, hold a vital spiritual focus on Jesus Christ. They reveal His character and work as Redeemer, High Priest, and King. In the context of Pentecost, the type of the firstfruits of the harvest points to the anti-type of Christ's resurrection, marking Him as the first and epitome of God's spiritual harvest. Scripture identifies Him as the firstfruits, with the implication that others will follow, as those who are Christ's at His coming will also be resurrected to spirit and glory, in His image, as firstfruits. In the Old Testament, the wave sheaf offering and the Pentecost offering further illustrate this concept of firstfruits. The wave sheaf day begins the harvest and the seven-week count to Pentecost, which ends both the count and the harvest. Both feasts center on the idea of firstfruits, with the wave sheaf representing the barley harvest's firstfruits and the two wave loaves at Pentecost, made of fine wheat flour, also called firstfruits to the Lord. Though not explicitly named the first of the firstfruits in Scripture, Christ is clearly presented as the initiator of this spiritual harvest, being the firstborn from the dead and the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. Christ stands as the preeminent Firstfruit, first in chronological order and in quality. On wave sheaf day, He is the firstfruit chronologically, the beginning of God's spiritual harvest. On Pentecost, He is the model Firstfruit, the standard that the elect must emulate. The two wave loaves, baked with leaven symbolizing corruption, contrast with His sinless nature, highlighting His unique position as the One who came before the Father as the Lamb of God, without need for purification. The call to follow Christ, as seen in His command to His disciples, underscores the duty to imitate Him. This imitation involves serving others, suffering without complaint, and keeping God's commandments, following the path He forged without straying. As the trailblazer, He has cut a path through the wilderness of this world, leading to glorification for those who adhere to His example. His life serves as the way, the truth, and the life, the sole path to the Father's house and the Kingdom of God. On Pentecost, Christ remains the central focus as the Firstfruit who dispenses the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to walk the path He has set. He desires brethren, a bride, to follow along this path, motivated by His love and leadership. The Spirit, given on Pentecost, acts as a tool alongside God's law, empowering believers to live according to His way, guided by His example. Without Him, there is no understanding, overcoming, or growth; abiding in Him is essential to becoming firstfruits. Ultimately, the goal is to be transformed into the image of Christ, the Head and the ultimate Firstfruit. This transformation involves forsaking the human way and embracing the godly way, living i