The concept of the throne in heaven is one of the most profound and awe-inspiring images found in the Bible. It is a subject that captures the majesty, authority, and holiness of God. To understand who sits on the throne in heaven according to the Bible, we need to delve into various passages across both the Old and New Testaments, exploring the intricate tapestry of divine revelation that speaks to this heavenly reality.
In the Old Testament, the throne of God is depicted as a place of supreme authority and holiness. One of the most vivid descriptions is found in the book of Isaiah. The prophet Isaiah recounts his vision of the Lord seated on a high and exalted throne, with the train of His robe filling the temple (Isaiah 6:1). This vision underscores the transcendence and majesty of God, who is surrounded by seraphim proclaiming, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory" (Isaiah 6:3). The throne in this context is unmistakably the throne of God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things.
Moving to the New Testament, the book of Revelation provides a detailed and symbolic depiction of the heavenly throne. In Revelation 4, the apostle John describes his vision of a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. The One who sits on the throne has an appearance like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow resembling an emerald encircles the throne (Revelation 4:2-3). This imagery conveys the splendor, purity, and covenant faithfulness of God. Surrounding the throne are twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them are twenty-four elders, dressed in white and wearing crowns of gold (Revelation 4:4). These elders likely represent the redeemed people of God from both the Old and New Testaments, symbolizing the completeness of God's covenant community.
Central to the New Testament revelation is the identity of Jesus Christ and His relationship to the throne of God. In Revelation 5, John sees a scroll in the right hand of Him who sits on the throne. No one in heaven or on earth is found worthy to open the scroll or look inside it, except for the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, who has triumphed. Then, John sees a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders (Revelation 5:5-6). The Lamb is none other than Jesus Christ, who is worthy to take the scroll and open its seals because He was slain, and with His blood, He purchased men for God from every tribe, language, people, and nation (Revelation 5:9). This powerful imagery reveals that Jesus, the Lamb of God, shares the throne with the Father, signifying His divine authority and the completion of His redemptive work.
The relationship between the Father and the Son concerning the throne is further elucidated in the epistles. In Philippians 2:9-11, Paul writes that God exalted Jesus to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. This exaltation of Jesus indicates His supreme authority and His sharing in the divine rule.
Additionally, in Hebrews 1:3, it is stated that the Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After providing purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Sitting at the right hand of God signifies a position of honor, authority, and co-regency with the Father. This theme of Jesus sitting at the right hand of God is recurrent in the New Testament, emphasizing His exalted status and His role in divine governance (see also Ephesians 1:20-23, Colossians 3:1).
The book of Revelation also presents a future aspect of the throne in heaven. In Revelation 22:1-3, John describes the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stands the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and His servants will serve Him. This passage portrays the eternal reign of God and the Lamb in the New Jerusalem, where the redeemed will dwell in the presence of God, free from the curse of sin and death.
The unity of the Father and the Son in their reign is a profound mystery that speaks to the very nature of the Triune God. The throne in heaven is not merely a seat of power but a symbol of the divine relationship and the outworking of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. The throne signifies God's sovereign rule, His justice, mercy, and the fulfillment of His promises.
In conclusion, the Bible reveals that the One who sits on the throne in heaven is God Almighty, the Creator and Sustainer of all things. This throne is shared with Jesus Christ, the Lamb who was slain and is now exalted to the highest place. The imagery of the throne in heaven encapsulates the majesty, authority, and holiness of God, as well as the redemptive work of Christ. It is a vision that calls believers to worship, reverence, and hope, as they look forward to the fulfillment of God's eternal kingdom.
