The Thrones of Scripture
Part 3
God’s Throne: the Throne of Grace.
The cross is the centre of all God’s purposes. It is the mercy-seat of Romans 3:25, in which passage it is rendered “propitiation” in the King James Version.
According to Exodus 25:17-22, the mercy-seat was the place of atonement, there cleansing was effected (Cf. Lev. 16:14 and 15). It was also the place of approach, there communion was enjoyed (Cf. Exod. 25: 22).
Notice in this connection certain salient points about Christ, Jesus the Son of God:
What He is: Our Great High Priest: the ground of our confession. Here we have His ordination (Heb. 5:5), His obedience (Heb. 5:8), and His occupation (Heb. 4:14).
Where He is: In Heaven itself, “within the veil:” the grandeur of our confessional. This is not a little box here on earth but a spacious sanctuary in Heaven. He, the Lord Jesus, opened it (Heb. 10:20); cleansed it (Heb. 9:23); entered it (Heb. 9:24); occupies it (Heb. 10:12-13); and invites us into it (Heb. 4:16; 10:22).
Who He is: Jesus the Son of God. Here are combined His Deity and His humanity; the glory of our confessor. His priestly robes are beauty and glory, as were Aaron’s. (In the Septuagint, Aaron’s are of honour and glory).
How He feels: “Touched with the feeling of our infirmities:” the gentleness of His compassion. The Greek word actually means to sympathize.
Why He is there: to dispense mercy and grace for seasonable help: the graciousness of His counsel.
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16).
Christ bears the names of all His saints,
For them death’s night He braved,
He holds them on His shoulders strong,
And on His heart engraved.
In all His holiness complete,
They stand without a flaw;
Where wisdom, grace and glory meet
In love divine, not law.
The blood, which as a Priest He bore
For sinners, was His own.
The incense of His prayers and tears
Now perfumes Heaven’s throne.
’Tis here my weary soul finds rest,
Though I am frail the while.
I read my name upon His breast,
Enjoy my Father’s smile.