Every throne in Scripture points beyond itself — to the One who rules in majesty, judges in righteousness, and welcomes the weary with grace.
A symbol of majesty and authority on which earthly kings and judges sit and rule (Gen 41:40).
In Scripture God is pictured as seated on a throne, displaying His splendor, magnificence and superiority; to Him will be directed praise, honour, glory and power for ever (2 Chr 18:18; Ps 9:7, 103:19; Isa 66:1; Heb 12:2; Rev 5:13, 7:9-10).
Every earthly throne is borrowed authority. Kings rise and fall, but the throne of heaven is established from eternity, and all rule in heaven and on earth is subject to the One who sits upon it.
It is before the throne everyone will acknowledge His right to judge, and it is here we each will receive our verdict. “The Father has entrusted all judgment to Jesus”, and He will judge from His throne along with those who are also appointed (Mt 19:28, 25:31; Rev 20:4). There will be no mistakes in the judgements; they will be just and fair, “with every person receiving according to what they have done” (Gen 18:25; Act 10:34; Rom 2:6).
Those who are not Christians will be doomed to the eternal lake of fire (Isa 66:1; Rom 14:10-12; Rev 4:2-11, 20:11-15). This throne, also called the Judgement Seat of Christ, is where Christians will be judged, not in relation to salvation but their obedience and service to Christ, with rewards given according to the eternal worth of their activity (1 Cor 3:11-14; 2 Cor 5:10).
Another term for God's throne is the Throne of Grace, where God meets with His children. We can approach with confidence, even now, when we are in right relationship with God – through the blood of Christ. He welcomes our prayer and praise and, in His mercy and grace, He will continue to help us in our time of need (Heb 4:16). We can come boldly to the throne of grace for forgiveness and salvation, and as beloved children call Him “Abba, Father” (Jn 1:12; Rom 8:15; Gal 4:6). Accepting the pardon for sins through the sacrifice of Jesus brings us into the very presence of the King.
Who is on the 'throne', the ruling place in my life – God or self? If it is our self we can't call Him Lord (Lk 6:46). Satan aspired to ascend to the throne that only God can legitimately occupy and as a result was expelled from heaven (Isa 14:12-14; Ezek 28:12-19). God will not allow anyone to usurp Him (Ex 20:3).
See also: end times, judgement (divine).