What does God's presence above the mercy seat signify for believers now? The Setting in Leviticus 16 “and the LORD said to Moses, ‘Tell your brother Aaron that he is not to enter the Most Holy Place whenever he chooses; otherwise he will die. For I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.’ ” (Leviticus 16:2) The Mercy Seat: A Concrete Meeting Point • The ark held the tablets, Aaron’s rod, and manna—vivid reminders of covenant and provision. • The mercy seat (kapporet) formed the solid gold cover, flanked by cherubim. • God declared, “I will meet with you there above the mercy seat” (Exodus 25:22; cf. Numbers 7:89). • His appearance “in the cloud” affirmed: He was tangibly there, yet veiled, guarding His holiness while extending mercy through shed blood. The Old Covenant Picture: Holiness and Distance • Only the high priest, and only on the Day of Atonement, could enter—once a year (Leviticus 16:29-34). • Blood from the sin offering had to be sprinkled on and before the mercy seat (16:14-15). • The scene shouted two truths: “God is here,” and “Keep back—sin separates.” Christ, Our Greater Mercy Seat • “God presented Him as an atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood” (Romans 3:25). The Greek word for “atoning sacrifice” (hilasterion) is the same term used for “mercy seat” in the Greek Old Testament. • “But when Christ appeared as high priest of the good things that have come… He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:11-12). • The torn temple veil at Calvary (Matthew 27:51) signaled that access, once lethal, is now open. What God’s Presence Signifies for Believers Now • Immediate access: “For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit” (Ephesians 2:18). • Confidence, not terror: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). • Ongoing forgiveness: “The blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). • Intimate guidance: the same voice that spoke above the mercy seat now speaks by the Spirit through the Word (John 16:13). • Secure love: “He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10). From Barrier to Welcome: Living in the Light of His Nearness • Draw near daily—open Bible in hand, conscience washed by the blood. • Gather with the saints; the corporate temple (1 Peter 2:5) magnifies His dwelling. • Worship with gratitude; mercy received fuels praise. • Walk in holiness; the God who once warned “lest he die” now indwells—His presence motivates purity (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Key Takeaways • The mercy seat showcased God’s holy nearness and Israel’s need for atonement. • Jesus fulfilled and surpassed that symbol—He is both the sacrifice and the meeting place. • Believers stand welcomed where only one man once trembled. • God’s presence above the mercy seat now means open fellowship, assured pardon, and fearless approach in Christ. |
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