Matthew 25:31 (Glorious Throne)
The biblical description of Jesus sitting on a glorious throne is often used to support the argument for his divinity. However, a broader examination of scripture reveals that sitting on a throne, even the throne of God, is not an honor exclusive to God alone. This article explores how the Bible uses throne imagery for Jesus, the apostles, and other figures to understand what it signifies about their nature and authority.
Jesus frequently spoke of a future time when he would be seated in a position of supreme authority.
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. — Matthew 25:31 (ESV)
This verse depicts Jesus in a role of judgment and dominion. While this indicates a high status, the context of the New Testament often clarifies that this authority is delegated to him by the Father.
Believers Shared in the Throne
A key counter-argument to the idea that sitting on a throne proves divinity is that Jesus promised his followers a similar honor. If sitting on a throne made one God, then the apostles and all overcomers would also be God.
Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” — Matthew 19:28 (ESV)
And
The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. — Revelation 3:21 (ESV)
This indicates that the throne is a symbol of shared authority and reward for faithfulness rather than an indicator of divine essence. Believers are made to be a kingdom and priests to God, yet they remain distinct from God (Revelation 1:6).
The Elders and the Lamb
In the vision of the heavenly throne room, others are also seated on thrones.
Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. — Revelation 4:4 (ESV)
These elders are distinct from God, who is seated on the central throne. They acknowledge God's unique sovereignty by casting their crowns before Him.
... the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power..." — Revelation 4:10-11 (ESV)
Even the Lamb, representing Jesus, is seen in relation to the throne but is distinguished from the "One seated on the throne" (Revelation 5:6-7). This distinction is consistent throughout the book of Revelation, where Jesus is the faithful witness and the Lamb who was slain, while God is the one who lives forever and ever.
The Throne of the LORD in the Old Testament
The concept of a human sitting on "the throne of the LORD" is not unique to the New Testament. In the Old Testament, the earthly kings of Israel were said to sit on God's throne as His representatives.
Then Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king in place of David his father. And he prospered, and all Israel obeyed him. — 1 Chronicles 29:23 (ESV)
Solomon was not God, yet he sat on the throne of the LORD. This demonstrates that the "throne of the LORD" refers to the seat of authority over God's kingdom on earth, which God permits human agents to occupy.
Addressing the Divine Claim
Critics of this view argue that Jesus' throne is uniquely divine because he is worshiped while on it. However, the worship described in heaven often distinguishes between the one on the throne (God) and the Lamb. While both receive honor, they are honored for different reasons: God for His creation and eternal existence (Revelation 4:11), and the Lamb for his sacrifice (Revelation 5:9). Furthermore, the word for worship often used in these contexts can refer to the homage paid to a superior or a king.
Conclusion
The evidence from both the Old and New Testaments suggests that sitting on a throne, even one described as God's throne, signifies delegated authority and shared honor rather than inherent divinity. Jesus occupies the throne because he conquered and was exalted by the Father, just as he promises that believers will share in his throne for their own faithfulness.