Bulletin Articles
The Four Seats of Jesus
THE FOUR “SEATS” OF JESUS
Ephesians 1 speaks of the coronation of Jesus as King, which took place when the Father, “raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Ep.1:20-23). As King, Jesus is “seated” upon His throne. I want to look at the throne or “seat” of Jesus from four perspectives; hence, the four “seats” of Jesus.
First, there is the teacher’s seat (Prophet). In Luke 4:16-22, when Jesus came to Nazareth, the Bible says, “He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.” After reading a section from Isaiah, “He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down… And He began to say to them, ‘Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.’” Notice that when Jesus began to teach, He assumed the sitting position, as customary in that time. We see that one of the seats of Jesus is “the teacher’s seat.” He is our “Master” (Teacher), and we are His “disciples” (students). The Hebrew writer expands on this, by saying that Jesus came and taught us personally, and through His chosen apostles (cf. Hb.2:3). As His disciples, we must “hear” Him (cf. Ac.3:22-23).
Second, there is the mercy seat (Priest). Romans 3:24-25 says that we are “being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation (literally, a mercy seat) by His blood, through faith.” The idea of “the mercy seat” comes from the Old Testament. The High Priest would enter the Holy place on the Day of Atonement, and sprinkle blood on the mercy seat (cf. Lv.16:15). When that atoning blood was offered, mercy was extended (hence, the name, “mercy seat”). According to Paul, CHRIST is our “mercy seat” – His blood was shed, and mercy is offered to man. The Hebrew writer said it like this: “But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption” (Hb.9:11-12). But don’t forget: we access His mercy seat “through faith” (Rm.3:25). Obedient faith applies His atoning blood to me (Mk.16:16; Ga.3:26-27; Col.2:11-12).
Third, there is the ruler’s seat (King). As noted earlier, Paul told the Ephesians that Christ was “seated” at God’s right hand, “far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come” (Ep.1:20-23). Notice that Christ took the ruler’s seat at His ascension; and that His rule extends to all people, places, and times. No one is outside the sphere of Christ’s rule (Dn.7:13-14). This truth devastates the notion of Premillennialism, which has Christ ruling at some future time. And, it devastates the notion that Christ is only King of the church. The truth is that Christ is King over ALL – right now! Those who willingly accept His rule become “the church” (Ac.2:36-38,41,47); those who reject it will face judgment (Jn.12:48).
Fourth, there is the judgment seat (Judge). “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2Cor.5:10). If this is not true, then we may as well do as we please in this life, for there will be no accountability. Further, since we will be judged by what we have done, it is an inescapable conclusion that our “works” matter! Our works don’t earn salvation, for that would require perfection (cf. Ga.3:10). But do not be deceived, our works will make or break us in the final judgment! It absolutely matters whether or not we live in obedience to God! (Rm.2:5-11)
The four “seats” of Jesus are just another way of expressing that "Jesus is the Christ" (Jn.20:30-31). He is our Prophet, Priest, King, and Judge. Do YOU believe in Him? If so, then yield to His authority by being baptized “for the remission of sins” (Ac.2:38), and remaining faithful all the days of your life (1Cor.15:58). We would be more than happy to help you obey the Lord!
--Lanny Smith
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