How can a holy God dwell among sinful people?

The question of how a holy God can dwell with sinful humanity is addressed through the doctrine of atonement and propitiation. The only means by which God can righteously inhabit the presence of sinful people is through an acceptable sacrifice that His holiness requires. As seen in Exodus 25, God's presence among Israel was mediated through the mercy seat, where sacrifices were made to satisfy God's justice. In the New Testament, Christ fulfills this role as the ultimate sacrifice, His blood providing the necessary propitiation that appeases God's wrath. Thus, through Christ's sacrifice, believers can approach God's throne of grace with confidence, knowing that their sins have been dealt with and that God can justly extend grace and mercy to them.