“Immediately I was in the Spirit;
and behold, a throne was standing in heaven,
and One sitting on the throne” (Rev 4:2)
It is called “the throne of God” (Rev 7:15) and “the throne of God and of the Lamb” (Rev 22:3), for Jesus said, “I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Rev 3:21).
Center of the Universe
The word “throne” appears in 35 verses in Revelation, of which 32 refers to the throne of God (Rev 4:2-3, 9-10; 5:1, 7, 13; 6:16; 7:9-10, 15; 19:4; 21:5):
His throne is IN the temple (Rev 16:17), which is in heaven (Rev 11:19). But, after sin and its consequences have been eradicated from the universe, the throne of God will be in the New Jerusalem (Rev 22:3).
In the CENTER and AROUND the throne are four living creatures; full of eyes (Rev 4:6).
BEFORE His throne are:
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- A sea of glass;
- Seven lamps of fire, which are the seven Spirits of God (Rev 4:5-6; 1:4); and
- The golden altar (Rev 8:3).
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The 144000 sing a new song BEFORE the throne (Rev 14:3). The final judgment is BEFORE a great white throne (Rev 20:11-12).
AROUND His throne are 24 thrones on which 24 elders sit (Rev 4:4). Also around His throne are the angels; myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands (Rev 5:11; 7:11).
OUT OF His throne come flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder (Rev 4:5), a loud voice (Rev 16:17; 19:5; 21:3), as well as the water of life, clear as crystal (Rev 22:1).
JESUS sat down on His Father’s throne (Rev 3:21; 15:5). He is in the center of the throne (Rev 7:17; 5:6). The throne is therefore called the throne of both God and of the Lamb (Rev 22:1).
God’s Authority
Often in Revelation, we find references to God’s throne without a direct reference to God Himself. In such instances, God’s throne is used as a symbol of His authority. For example, when Revelation refers to “the seven Spirits who are before His throne” (Rev 1:4), or the great multitude standing before the throne (Rev 7:9) it is actually saying the seven Spirits and the great multitude are before the Authority of the whole creation; the One that has the right to rule (see also Rev 4:3-6, 10; 5:6, 11; 7:11; etc.).
God is often referred to as the “One sitting on the throne” (Rev 4:2) or “He who sits on the throne” (Rev 4:9, 10; 5:1, 7, 13; 6:16; 7:15; 21:5) or “God who sits on the throne” (Rev 7:10; 19:4). This is equivalent to saying ‘Him Who has authority to rule’. Therefore, just as a throne is a symbol of a king’s authority, God’s throne represents His authority.
Conclusions
God’s throne is the control center of the universe.
God’s throne symbolizes God’s authority.