CHRIST, as the Propitiation or Mercy Seat, is mentioned in 1Jo 2:2. The words mercy seat and atonement come from a root word which means to cover; it is a blessed fact, that not only are our sins forgiven, but we are completely covered by Him who is our Mercy Seat. As illustrating Him, let us look at the mercy seat in the tabernacle.
1. All-gold mercy seat (Exd 37:6). Reminding us that God, and God alone, is the Source and Dispenser of mercy, that Christ alone is the Channel of mercy, and the Holy Spirit the only One that reveals this fact to us.
2. Blood-sprinkled mercy seat (Lev 16:14-15). On the day of atonement the blood was sprinkled once on, and seven times before the mercy seat. This reminds us of what Christ has done, namely, perfectly met the claims of God, and brought us into a perfect standing before God.
3. Firmly-secured mercy seat (Exd 37:12). There was a border or crown round about it to keep it in its place. To remove the mercy seat was death (see 1Sa 6:19), because the ministration of death (the law) was in the ark, but the border would keep the mercy seat on the ark, telling us that not only is Christ our Mercy Seat, but the One who maintains His position as such before God for us, because of what He is in Himself—"the righteousness of God." Thus we see in the mercy seat, mercy, and in the border, righteousness, or "mercy and truth met together, righteousness and peace kissing each other."