It's vital that believer's understand that:
a) the Law is eliminated for those in Christ (Rom 10:4)
Condemnation because of failures and shortcomings are judged at the Cross, and are no longer applicable to us - we need to embrace His finished work.
b) the Law was originally given directly in result of the children of Israel's claim that they could do all that God required (Exod 19:8) - a deadly mistake for them, and for us today.
The Ark of the Covenent is a beautiful picture of Christ's fulfillment of God's plan in us, our covering of our past failures, and God's knowledge that we cannot live without Him.
The Ark is made of ****tim wood (never rots), reflecting Christ's humanity; and was covered with a solid overlay of gold (His Godly identity). The cherubims facing inward represent God's judgement - notice they look inward at the Mercy Seat.
Inside the Ark are of course the Law, Aaron's rod that budded, and the manna; each represent man's failure to obey (the law), to follow His leadership (Aaron was the priest), and to be thankful for God's provision (the manna).
The Mercy Seat is above all of these, because MERCY TRIUMPHS OVER JUDGEMENT. The judgemental eyes of the cherubims look at the blood sacrifice, not at the failures.
When the yearly sacrifices were given at the temple, the priest would accept the lamb without ever looking at the man who was guilty - what can we learn from this?
Peter, James and John were with the Lord many times during his ministry - significant indeed.
Peter - Cephas (stone, the Law)
James - he who supplants (changes)
John - (grace)
The law has changed to grace.
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