What is the throne of God?

Answer

There are multiple mentions of God’s throne in the Bible. Jesus refers to heaven as “God’s throne” in Matthew 5:34, echoing God’s words in Isaiah 66:1, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.” Other mentions of God’s throne can be found in 2 Chronicles 18:18; Psalm 11:4; Hebrews 8:1; 12:2; Revelation 1:4; 3:21; 4:2; and various other verses.

A throne is a special seat designated for a monarch. When the Bible talks about God’s “throne,” it highlights God’s transcendence, dignity, and sovereign authority. The location of His throne in heaven further emphasizes the transcendent aspect of God’s existence.

The concept of God’s throne should not be interpreted as a physical throne. God the Father is incorporeal “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”, (John 4:24). Being without a physical body, God does not literally “sit.” References to a divine throne are similar to biblical references to God’s “hand” or “mouth” or “eyes”—they are anthropomorphisms, human-like descriptions of God used to accommodate our limited understanding. God communicates in ways that we can comprehend.

Isaiah sees the Lord “high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple” “In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.”, (Isaiah 6:1). During that time, the prophet was experiencing a divine vision. God’s throne (and His robe) should not be taken literally as physical objects. Instead, God was revealing to Isaiah the grandeur, splendor, and exaltation of His Being. Other depictions of God’s throne can be found in other prophetic visions, such as those of Ezekiel and John.

God’s throne is a place of power and authority. In 2 Chronicles 18:18, the prophet Micaiah relates his vision of God’s throne room, where spirit beings stand in attendance. This is contrasted with Job 1:6, where God demands answers from the angelic beings summoned there.

God’s throne is a place of majesty and honor. The Bible states that when Jesus ascended to heaven, He “sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” «looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. », (Hebrews 12:2). There is no higher place than heaven. God is the King of heaven, and Jesus holds the place of honor at God’s right hand.

God’s throne is a place of perfect justice. “He has prepared His throne for judgment” (Psalm 9:7;cf: 89:14). The final judgment, as described in Revelation 20, takes place before “a great white throne” (verse 11).

God’s throne is a place of sovereignty and holiness. “God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne” (Psalm 47:8;cf: 103:19). He does as He pleases, and all His actions are good.

God’s throne is a place of praise. John’s vision of heaven includes a scene where a “new song” is sung in praise to the One who occupies the throne «and they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. », (Revelation 14:3). Around the throne, the praise of God is indeed “glorious” «Sing forth the honour of his name: MakeHis praise is glorious. (Psalm 66:2).

God’s throne is a place of purity. Only the redeemed, those who have been granted the righteousness of Christ, will have the right to stand before His throne «And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. », (Revelation 14:5).

God’s throne is a place of eternal life. God is the Source of life. In heaven, John sees “the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb” «And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. », (Revelation 22:1).

God’s throne is a place of grace. Not only does the throne of God represent judgment for the unbeliever, but it also represents mercy and grace for His children. “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” «Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.», (Hebrews 4:16). Inside the Jewish temple was the Ark of the Covenant, which was a “copy of the true” «For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: », (Hebrews 9:24), and it had a “mercy seat” where God’s presence would appear «and the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat.»

t, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat. », (Leviticus 16:2, ESV).

One day, all creation will bow to the majesty of God’s throne (Philippians 2:9-11). The regal beings surrounding the throne of God will “lay their crowns before the throne and say: ‘You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power’” (Revelation 4:10-11).