Revelation 4:2 – And One Sat On The Throne
John was caught up into heaven and there he saw one seated on the throne; at least in reference to (Revelation 4:2) where only one throne is mentioned. Some argue that this throne belonged to God therefore only God existed and Jesus must be God since a second throne was not mentioned. Unfortunately they omit several things that must be made clear.
(1.) First, we seem to be limiting the seating capacity of this throne (which belonged to God the Father), for Jesus was allowed to sit with God, on his Father’s throne (Revelation 3:21).
(2.) Second, Jesus did not have to be God to have a throne given to him by God. Nothing precluded God from having a throne for his Son Jesus, who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords and it was God who gave Jesus the throne of his father (or ancestor) David (Luke 1:32). The only criteria was for Jesus to overcome. Jesus said for those who overcome (as he did) they will be allowed to sit with Jesus on his throne (Revelation 3:21). Whether the thrones are literal or figurative is irrelevant, for a distinction is made clear nonetheless, God has a throne and Jesus has a throne given him from GOD. We can only speculate if the throne Jesus refers to as “my throne” is actually that which King David physically ruled from, or is it a metaphor or a different type of throne.
(Revelation 3:21) “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.”
(Luke 1:32) “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David”
(Revelation 1:4-6) “Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his [God] throne; 5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood [Jesus], 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.”
“My Lord and my God”
The phrase “My Lord and my God” is one many misinterpret to be indicating something that it isn’t. Theologians have said, The Apostle Thomas calls Jesus God: “And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God” – John 20:28. When we intentionally isolate this one verse from its entire passage of scriptures (John chapter 20), it’s done so as to present it incorrectly or out of context. We can only speculate as to why Thomas said what he said, but being dubbed “doubting” Thomas it is understandable that his statement was made in a moment of shock/disbelief (Jesus appearing out of nowhere), similar to someone saying “Oh my God” where did you come from? (even though you are not God).
Nonetheless, even those who do attempt to present doubting Thomas’ words out of context (My Lord and my God) cannot honestly claim that the apostle John believed Jesus was God. When you continue reading the rest of his passage (John 20:30-31) it is clear from the authors’ writing (the Apostle John who was also present when this all took place), “these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God”, it was NOT written so you would believe Jesus was God.
John 20:27-31 –Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. 30And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.