Answer
There are several references to the throne of God in the Bible. Jesus calls heaven âGodâs throneâ in Matthew 5:34, recalling Godâs statement in Isaiah 66:1, âHeaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.â Other references to Godâs throne are found in 2 Chronicles 18:18; Psalm 11:4; Hebrews 8:1; 12:2; Revelation 1:4; 3:21; 4:2; and many other verses.
A throne is a special seat reserved for a monarch. When the Bible speaks of Godâs âthrone,â the emphasis is on Godâs transcendence, dignity, and sovereign rule. The fact that His throne is in heaven further underscores the transcendent nature of Godâs existence.
The throne of God need not be thought of as a literal throne. God the Father is incorporeal (John 4:24). Not having a physical body, God does not literally âsit.â References to a divine throne are akin to biblical allusions to Godâs âhandâ or âmouthâ or âeyesâ—they are anthropomorphisms, descriptions of God couched in human terms out of deference to our limited knowledge. God has to describe Himself in ways we can understand.
Isaiah sees the Lord âhigh and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the templeâ (Isaiah 6:1). At that time, the prophet was having an inspired vision. Godâs throne (and His robe) are not to be taken as literal, physical objects. Rather, God was communicating to Isaiah the magnificence, splendor, and exaltation of His Being. Other descriptions of the throne of God are found in other prophetic visions, e.g., in those of Ezekiel and John.
Godâs throne is a place of power and authority. In 2 Chronicles 18:18, the prophet Micaiah relates his vision of Godâs throne room, in which spirit beings stand in attendance. Compare this to Job 1:6, where God demands answers from the angelic beings summoned there.
Godâs throne is a place of majesty and honor. The Bible says that, when Jesus ascended to heaven, He âsat down at the right hand of the throne of Godâ (Hebrews 12:2). There is no higher place than heaven. God is the King of heaven, and Jesus holds the place of honor at Godâs right hand.
Godâs throne is a place of perfect justice. âHe has prepared His throne for judgmentâ (Psalm 9:7; cf. 89:14). The final judgment, described in Revelation 20, is held before âa great white throneâ (verse 11).
Godâs throne is a place of sovereignty and holiness. âGod reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throneâ (Psalm 47:8; cf. 103:19). He does whatever He pleases, and all He does is good.
Godâs throne is a place of praise. Johnâs vision of heaven includes a scene in which a ânew songâ is sung in praise to the One who occupies the throne (Revelation 14:3). Around the throne, the praise of God is surely âgloriousâ (Psalm 66:2).
Godâs 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 (Revelation 14:5).
Godâs throne is a place of eternal life. God is the Source of life. In heaven, John sees âthe river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lambâ (Revelation 22:1).
Godâs 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. âLet us then approach Godâs throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of needâ (Hebrews 4:16). Inside the Jewish temple was the Ark of the Covenant, which was a âcopy of the trueâ (Hebrews 9:24), and it had a âmercy seatâ where Godâs presence would appear (Leviticus 16:2, ESV).
One day, all creation will bow to the majesty of Godâs throne (Philippians 2:9–11). The regal beings surrounding the throne of God will âlay their crowns before the throne and say: âYou are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and powerââ (Revelation 4:10–11).