Problem: The author of Hebrews writes, “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Heb. 1:3 ESV). Amillennial interpreters teach that this passage proves that the author of Hebrews denied a literal and physical throne for Jesus on Earth. Instead, he is sitting on a spiritual throne in heaven. In this way, he is abrogating or spiritualizing the literal OT teaching about Jesus sitting on a literal throne. Is this the case?
Solution: While Jesus is currently sitting on a heavenly throne, the Davidic covenant states that he will sit on an earthly throne. God’s throne is in heaven (Ps. 11:4), but David’s throne is on Earth. In Luke, we read, “And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end” (Lk. 1:30-33 NLT). Notice that it is the angel that is speaking here—not Mary. We have no reason to believe that the angel’s theology was wrong! Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Mt. 19:28 NLT). Jesus believed that he would sit on a throne, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. This has not happened in heaven. It will happen on Earth.
“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: (Heb 1:3)”
