The Book of Revelation 3:21-22

In My Throne

“To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” (Rev 3:21 KJV)

The Scriptures talk about two types of thrones – literal and metaphoric. A throne can be the chair of a king as seen elsewhere in Revelation:

“And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.” (Rev 4:2 KJV)

4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”

(Rev 20:4-6 KJV)

A throne can also be used to describe power and authority as in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Colossians:

“Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?” (Isa 66:1 KJV)

“At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the LORD; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart.” (Jer 3:17 KJV)

“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:” (Col 1:16 KJV)

The throne that Jesus is speaking of in Revelation 3:21 is metaphoric. We saw in Revelation 4:2 that there is one throne and one sitting on that throne. If 3:21 is literal then it would contradict 4:2. Jesus is speaking of His human nature being exalted. This is another way of saying Right Hand of God.

“Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;” (Heb 8:1 KJV)

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb 12:2 KJV)

If this were literal, and Jesus is physically sitting next to the Father, that would literally be two separate individuals sitting apart from the other. That would be two God’s. The Scriptures are completely clear that there is one God.

29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:

33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

(Mar 12:29-33 KJV)

Jesus cannot be God and sit next to God at the same time and there still only be one God. If it were literal then it will be one gigantic throne because those that overcome will sit with Him in His throne. This is metaphoric of believers sharing in the power and authority (but not divinity or sovereignty) of Jesus as kings, priests, rulers, and judges.

“And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Mat 19:28 KJV)

“Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?” (1Co 6:2 KJV)

“And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” (Rev 5:10 KJV)

“And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” (Rev 20:4 KJV)

Revelation 3:21 is symbolic of Jesus preparing a throne for all believers that they may partake of His power and authority in His kingdom.

Hath an Ear

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” (Rev 3:22 KJV)

Again Jesus pleads for those that will hear to listen and heed the warnings.

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