In Exodus 37:1-5 we read of the construction of the Ark of the Covenant.  The Ark, sometimes called the Ark of testimony, was located in the most holy place of the tabernacle (Exodus 26:34).  It was made of acacia wood (ASV) and overlaid within and without with gold (vs 2). On top of the Ark, between two Cherubims was the mercy seat.  The mercy seat was made of pure gold (vs 6). The scripture says that God would meet man and commune with him from above the mercy seat, between the two Cherubims (Exodus 25:22).

The word used for mercy seat in the Greek Old Testament is the same word used in the New Testament for propitiation (atonement).  Christ is said to be the propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:10). God meeting man at the mercy seat was a type of man meeting God in and through Christ.  To be in Christ is to be in his body, which is to be in the Church (1 Cor. 12:12-13, Col. 1:18, Gal 3:26-28).  Hence God, in this dispensation, meets man in the Church.

Do we want to remain in the presence of God?  If so then we must be faithful to Him in the Church.

God is there.  Are we doing our part?

How Does God Save — Keep the Faith