Who Sits on the Throne of Judgment: God or Jesus?
In this article, you will learn how Revelation 20:11 contradicts Matthew 25:31, John 5:22, Hebrews 1:3, Romans 14:10 and Philippians 2:10. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The imagery of the great white throne in Revelation 20:11 is a powerful vision where all creation stands before a supreme authority. This scene, described by John, illustrates a figure whose presence is so formidable that the earth and sky vanish. It's a portrayal of ultimate power and final judgment. Some Christians interpret this figure as God Himself, exerting full control and authority over the universe. However, this interpretation finds intriguing contrasts when compared to other scriptural references.
Matthew 25:31 paints a vivid picture of the Son of Man, understood to be Jesus, seated on the throne of glory, presiding over the final judgment. It presents Jesus as the pivotal figure, which appears distinct from the unknown figure in Revelation. Similarly, John 5:22 emphasizes that judgment is entrusted entirely to the Son, making Jesus, not God the Father, the judge. This idea challenges the assumption from Revelation where the seat of judgment seems less explicitly linked to Jesus.
Further contradictions arise with Hebrews 1:3, which places Jesus at the right hand of the divine majesty, implying a shared, yet distinct authority. Meanwhile, Romans 14:10 and Philippians 2:10 highlight Jesus as the focal point before whom all humans will bow and stand for judgment, bolstering His central role.
Consider the analogy of a courtroom: Revelation might depict a scene with an ambiguous top judge, while the other verses individually highlight Jesus as the clear presiding authority.
These differing accounts provoke a reflective question: who truly occupies the throne of judgment? Is it an undefined divine figure as Revelation implies, or is it clearly Jesus, as other scriptures assert? Exploring these contrasting verses encourages deeper thought about the roles attributed to God and Jesus in the grand narrative of judgment.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Revelation 20:11 | And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. |
| 2. | Matthew 25:31 | When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: |
| 3. | John 5:22 | For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: |
| 4. | Hebrews 1:3 | Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; |
| 5. | Romans 14:10 | But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. |
| 6. | Philippians 2:10 | That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth; |