The Great White Throne

The Peacock Throne is considered one of the most luxurious thrones ever built. It served as the seat of the emperors of the Golden Age of the Mughal Empire in India. The jeweled chair was commissioned by Shah Jahan and located in the equally stunning Red Fort of Delhi.

In the last great judgment of the wicked, John sees a “great white throne,” one not noted by jewels or ivory. Thrones are spoken of 37 times in Revelation and emphasize royal power and authority. In today’s passage, Christ is seated on the throne to execute the final righteous judgment (thus, the color white) against the wicked.

Though Satan has been called the “ruler of this world” (John 12:31), here he is about to “be cast out” and destroyed. Jesus has been crowned as the King of kings and is seated on a throne showing His rightful position as ruler of the earth. For the believer, God’s throne has been a source of mercy and grace (Hebrews 4:16), but for the unbeliever, it brings terror. All created beings behold this final judgment. “There was found no place for” the wicked to hide from the eyes of God.

Judgment, we learned in Revelation 14, has been taking place in heaven since 1844. At this point, it has already been determined who has been saved and who is lost. The great white throne judgment is, therefore, administrative and will carry out the punishment of the wicked.

The reference to heaven and earth fleeing away reminds us that the old order of this sinful world will change. “Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You will endure; yes, they will all grow old like a garment; like a cloak You will change them, and they will be changed” (Psalm 102:25, 26).

What a great day it will be when sin is finally put to an end!

Heavenly Father, I pray for the day in which You will make all things new. Please make my heart new today.

For Further Study: Psalm 104:29, 30; Isaiah 51:6; Mark 13:31

Key Bible Texts

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. (Revelation 20:11 KJV)