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The Holy Of Holies
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In the most holy inner sanctum of the Tabernacle was a room. This room was divided, in two, by a large heavy tapestry on which the images of the cherubim were embroidered. The room created behind the veil represents what is in heaven. This room was called the Holy of Holies and was the holiest place in the Tabernacle where the Ark of the Covenant rested. It's lid the Mercy Seat a depiction of the description of Genesis 3:24. "...and placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
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[ illustration (c) 2005 Cactus Game Design Inc. Used with Permission ]
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The "mercy seat" is the lid of the "ark of the covenant". The word "mercy seat" & the phrase "lid of covering" mean the same thing. The Hebrew word "kapporeth" is used in the original Hebrew text and in the KJV it was translated as "mercy seat"; however, the original word in the Hebrew text, "kapporeth", means "lid of covering"
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In Leviticus 16:13-16, the high priest goes into the "Holy of Holies" once a year to sprinkle blood on the "mercy seat", for the sins of the people, "to make an atonement for the holy place because of the uncleaness of the children of Israel". And in Hebrews 9:7 it says, "But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, & for the errors of the people".
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The "ark of the covenant" contained the "law of God". When the blood was applied to the "lid of covering", it became effective and the "law" could not testify against the people.
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Paul in his letter to the Romans 3:25 uses the Greek word "hilasterion", which the KJV translates as propitiation; however, the word means atoning sacrifice, atonement cover, or the place where sins are forgiven. In I John 2:2 & 4:10, John uses the Greek word "hilasmos", which the KJV tranlates as "propitiation"; however, the word means atoning sacrifice, or the means of forgiveness. In both cases, it is applied directly to Jesus Christ. And so, Jesus Christ having fulfilled the law is our "mercy seat".
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Jesus Christ is our atoning sacrifice. Jesus literally covers our sin so the law can not accuse us. Where there is no law, there is no sin. The shed blood of Jesus Christ changes the "judgement seat" into a throne of "mercy"; literally, the "mercy seat".
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The "mercy seat" is a depiction of Genesis 3:24. "... & placed at the east of the garden of Eden, Cherubims & a flaming sword which turned every way to keep the way to the tree of life." The "ark of the covenant" is also a communication device. The Word declares, "And there I will meet with thee & I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony", Exodus 25:22.
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All the trappings of the "tabernacle" are a symbolic shadow of what Jesus Christ is and what He does for us. Jesus Christ is our Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14) "who performeth all things for us", Psalm 57:2. Jesus Christ is our sacrifice - the Lamb of GOD sacrificed for our sin (ICorinthians 5:7). Jesus Christ is our "mercy seat". He literally covers all our sin.
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For the next subject, "The Holy Place", please click on the Tab, "The Menorah", which is located below the "Links" & "E-mail address", at the very bottom of the page.
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