CHRIST the MERCY SEAT: “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood” (Rom 3:24-25). The word “propitiation” (hilasterion) can also be translated “mercy seat.” The mercy seat was the solid gold lid of the ark of the covenant, considered God’s throne on earth. It was the place where the blood of the sacrifice provided a meeting place between God and His sinful creatures. Christ IS that meeting place! “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself” (2 Cor 5:19). What a salvation we have! God Himself thought it (Gen 3:15). Christ alone bought it (Col 1:14). The Holy Spirit wrought it (Titus 3:5). The devil has always fought it (2 Cor 4:4). But many sinners have sought it (Jn 12:21; Acts 13:42). And, by faith, believers have caught it (Jn 5:24). Therefore the true Church has taught it (Gal 1:8). And His witnesses have brought it—to the uttermost parts of the world (Mk 16:15; Acts 8:4). Saved! Saved! Saved!
