The Thrones Of Scripture
Part 5
The King’s Throne: A Throne of Righteousness.
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 32:1-2. Matthew 25:31-34. Revelation 20:1-8. The day approaches when the Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God will be in manifestation, and the Son of God shall sit on the Throne of His Glory: “Unto the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy kingdom” (Heb. 1:8).
There are five reasons for believing in a future millennium, a thousand years of peace and righteousness when Christ Himself will reign over the earth: First, the literal interpretation of Scripture, including the Old Testament, requires this in order to be properly understood. Second, a larger body of Scripture is devoted to this than to any other biblical theme. Third, there is a clear distinction throughout the Bible between Israel and the Church, and this makes the millennium as taught in the Word of God a possibility. Fourth, six times in Revelation 20 the reign of one thousands years, the millennium, is mentioned. Fifth, the prophecy in Ezekiel 40-48 is concerning Israel, her land, her temple, and her priests and sacrifices. This prophecy has not been fulfilled. Hosea 3 and 4 describe Israel’s condition today.
The one thousand years of Christ’s reign on earth will result in mighty and varied changes. First, conditions are imposed: the destruction of the rebel hosts (Rev. 19:16-21), the dealing of God with the nations (Matt. 25:31-46), the deliverance of the nation of Israel from Gentile domination (Zech. 14:1-15).
Second, characteristics are displayed: “When the prophets paint the millennial earth, they dip their pens in the rainbow.” First, righteousness will be established (Jer. 23:6, Jehovah Tsidkenu Isa. 32:1). Second, peace will be enjoyed (Isa. 2:4. Micah 4:3). Third, Creation will be emancipated (Rom. 8:21. Isa. 65:20, etc.). Fourth, Israel the nation will be enlarged (Ezek. 47:13-48:35). Fifth, death will be eliminated (Isa. 65:1922).
Third, the capital and centre of government will be appointed: Jerusalem, called the City of God (Psa. 48:1; 87:3), the City of the Great King (Psa. 48:2. Matt. 5:35), the Throne of Jehovah (Jer. 3:17), Jehovah-Shammah (Ezek. 48:35), and the Source of Living Waters (Zech. 14:8).
Fourth, the covenants fulfilled: The Law given by Moses was a conditional covenant; the following are unconditional: the Abramic Covenant, promising blessing to Israel and the nations through Israel (Micah 7:19-20); the Davidic Covenant, promising a ruler in the line of David (Jer. 23:5); the Palestinian Covenant, promising the land forever and its fertility (Isa. 65:9. Ezek. 36:28); the New Covenant, promising national cleansing, salvation and spiritual blessing (Jer. 31:31-34. This Scripture is quoted in Hebrews 8:8-12).
Fifth, the constitution indicated: the Ruler, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Isa. 9:6), the Son of Man (Matt. 25:30), the Branch of Jehovah (Isa. 4:2), Jehovah Tsidkenu (Jer. 23:6), the Ancient of Days (Dan. 7:13), the Rod of Jesse (Isa. 11:1), the King (Psa. 2:6. Matt. 25: 34), the Sun of Righteousness (Mal. 4:2), the Shepherd (Ezek. 37:24), and the Judge (Acts 17:31).
The Regent will be of David (Jer. 30:9. Ezek. 34:24. Hos. 3:5). The judges will be appointed (Isa. 32:1. Matt. 19:28. 1 Cor. 6:2-3), and also administrators (Luke 19:17-19. Matt. 25:21-23).