The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery states that the image of the “throne” denotes “authority, power, majesty and splendor.”[1]
By far, the most common Biblical reference to a throne… is to God’s throne (close to 60 percent). God’s kingship is affirmed many times in Scripture, and His throne is visible proof of His sovereign rule.[2]
However, of great significance, the Triune God intends to include humans in His divine government and rule. At Matthew 19:28, Jesus taught, “Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Please note that Jesus was speaking to His disciples (students) and followers. If we want to share in Christ’s rule, we must be faithful followers. Additionally, the Greek noun palingenesia translated as “regeneration” in the NASB is a key idea communicated by Jesus. God is going to restore, renew, and renovate all things to a pristine and perfect state. This fantastic restoration and rejuvenation will occur at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
In my opinion, Matthew 19:28 establishes the idea that faithful Jewish believers will uniquely participate in the eschatological Divine Government over the twelve tribes of Israel. However, in the Book of Revelation, John describes how he saw our Lord’s throne and around the Lord’s throne “were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads” (Rev. 4:4). In my opinion, this powerful image teaches that we Gentiles will also share in the Divine Government.
The twenty-four elders represent a special class of mature, faithful believers. At 1 Peter 5:1-4, the Apostle Peter wrote:
Therefore, I urge elders among you, as your fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and one who is also a fellow partaker of the glory that is to be revealed: under compulsion but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not with greed but with eagerness; nor yet as domineering over those assigned to your care, but by proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
So, in my opinion, the “twelve” and “twenty-four” thrones are a powerful and insightful symbol and Biblical Image of certain faithful believers that will uniquely share in the rule of God.
At the return of Jesus Christ to Planet Earth, there will be a glorious and fantastic restoration to God’s intended state. As I have stated on many occasions, every knee will bow and every mouth will praise God (Isa. 45:23; Rom. 14;11; Phil. 2:10). The chaos, violence, and instability of this world will come to an end. This is another reason why we should pray, “Come, Lord Jesus, come” (Rev. 22:20). We will enjoy an eternal, universal, and harmonious existence under God’s authority.
In several verses, the Bible describes a new Heaven and a new Earth, meaning the old relationship between Heaven and Earth is coming and will come to an end (Isa. 65:17, 66:2; 2 Peter 3:13; Rev. 21:1). In case you didn’t notice, there has been a separation between Heaven and Earth. The Earth is a place of sin and rebellion. At Psalm 103:19, we read, “The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.” God is going to fully and completely extend His authority to Planet Earth, an outpost of rebellion. As we read at Isaiah, Chapter 11:
And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat…. They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
(Isa. 11:6, 9)
[1] “Cosmology.” Dictionary of Biblical Imagery, edited by Leland Ryken, et al, InterVarsity Press, 1998, p. 868.
[2] “Cosmology,” p. 869.
