This is what John said and what he wanted his readers to grasp. Those early Christians appear to have been somewhat troubled by all that the throne of the Caesars meant. At times it must have appeared to them as if that idolatrous, persecuting throne was supreme and unchallengeable. Johns message was that there is a throne above every human throne from which God sovereignly dispenses His purpose.
Forty-seven times in this book John uses the word throne. Clearly it is something of supreme importance to Gods people. Surrounded by the apparently dominant power of sin and Satan, we need to have Johns vision of our God upon His throne. He is doing His will. He has a purpose of grace in the world through the gospel. He has a purpose of government whereby He will by powerful interventions in the natural world show His sovereign authority. Of course, ultimately His purpose is a purpose of glory that will be completed only when in the dispensation of the fulness of times he [gathers] together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth (Eph. 1:10).
We desperately need to have this vision of the total sovereignty of God. This is no mere academic truth. Nor is it only a theological position of those called Calvinists. It is a truth that is vital to inspire Christians with confidence and courage. Having once gazed on the throne of God, will we ever be intimidated by any show of the power of man? Will we ever despair to pray and preach? Behold the throne set in heaven today, and you will walk on earth in the light of its purity and power.
Copyright – All Rights Reserved.