"THE existence of a throne supposes the existence
of a kingdom. As by
the thrones of Europe,
the kingdoms of Europe are understood, so when the
sacred Scriptures speak of heavenly thrones, heavenly kingdoms are meant.
The throne of grace represents the kingdom of grace.
The throne of glory
represents the kingdom of glory.
We here give two texts, side by side, which
speak of the two thrones; one,
of the throne of grace, and the other, of the
throne of glory.
THE THRONE OF GRACE.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain
mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb.4:16.
THE THRONE OF GLORY.
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. Matt.25:31.
The kingdom of grace is God’s plan to save men by grace.
It was established
as early as mercy and grace were offered to fallen man. Adam, Abel,
Noah, Abraham, and Moses were as truly the subjects of the kingdom of
grace as the apostles and martyrs of Jesus were, or as the followers of Christ
now are.
The kingdom of glory is future. In connection with its establishment will be
the second coming of Christ in power and great glory, to raise the righteous dead,
and to change the living righteous. These, all immortal, will be the eternal subjects
of the kingdom of glory. In Paul’s most solemn charge to Timothy, he associates
the coming of Christ and the last Judgment with the immortal kingdom.
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge
the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom: Preach the word.”
2Tim.4:1,2.
The kingdom of grace and the kingdom of glory
are closely related to each other.
The former was established
to prepare subjects for the latter. They
span the time of all the ages from the fall, when the plan of redemption was
instituted, embracing the eternal future."
James White