HOLINESS TO THE LORD
EXODUS 25:17-22
What does the Ark of the Covenant look like?
Why might it be called the mercy seat?
Hint: The Holy of Holies represents the Celestial Kingdom, and the mercy seat represents the throne of God.
Heb. 4:16
Rev. 21:16
LEVITICUS 16:2-3, 15
Who was allowed into the Holy of Holies?
Why is the blood of the sacrifice necessary?
Hint: The Priest was allowed into the Holy of Holies only once a year. However, because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can now boldly enter.
Matt 27:50-51
Heb. 9:24-26
Heb. 10:19-22
HEBREWS 9:4
What objects were inside the Ark of the Covenant?
What does each suggest about God's character?
Hint: For the story of Aaron's rod that budded, see Numbers 17.
TOUR CARD
Core Message
Welcome to the Holy of Holies, which is half the size of the Holy Place. To the Israelites, it was the holiest place on earth where God’s presence was. It is a 15x15x15 cube and represents perfection. Only the High Priest entered this room one day each year: The Day of Atonement.
Here is the Ark of the Covenant. It contains three items (Heb 9:4):
God’s law, which was written on stone tablets
Aaron’s budding rod
A pot of manna
The law was given to Moses on the top of Mount Sinai and shares God’s expectations for us, His children.
Why do you think the manna was kept in the ark?
Possible Answer: It reminds us of the ways the Lord provides for our physical and spiritual needs.
You may not know the story of Aaron’s rod. Multiple men wanted to perform ordinances in the Tabernacle, not just the Priests of Aaron. Each put his staff in the Holy of Holies overnight. Aaron’s flowered, indicating that he and his sons were the Lord’s chosen priesthood holders.
The top of the Ark is known as the Mercy Seat. You can see two cherubim. With outstretched wings, they protect this holy space. It represented the throne of God and was where God met with His Prophets.
On the Day of Atonement, the High Priest entered and sprinkled the sacrificial blood on the top of the Mercy Seat.
Can you see Christ in this ordinance?
Possible Answer: Through God’s mercy and Christ’s atonement, if we repent, we can be perfected and enter God’s presence.
Through faith in Christ’s Atonement, we also “receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means”. (Bible Dictionary)
This is still God’s promise to us today. He loves us and He wants us to come home to live with Him.
