p. 4 | J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH by John Norton Loughborough

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 30, 1910

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH

By John Norton Loughborough

The Two Thrones—No. 4

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH

In our search for Bible truth it is as important that we start right as in working out an arithmetical problem. In the case of figures, if I start by saying that twice two is six, I am bound to have a wrong conclusion, even if my after-figures are correct. So in the matter of Christ’s kingdom, if a wrong position be taken in relation to the nature of that kingdom, our after-conclusions in reference to it will be incorrect.

Those who claim that there will be a priesthood and a period of probation for sinners during the first thousand years of the eternal kingdom, take as their starting-point and basis of reasoning two Scripture texts, and combine them as one. The first of these is what is said of the Lord’s people who are resurrected at the beginning of the one thousand years: “And they lived [came to life] and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” Rev. 20: 4. The second is what is said by the four and twenty elders: “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” Rev. 5: 10. These two texts they combine as one, as if it read, “We shall reign on the earth a thousand years.”

Let us see, by the connection, when and where those who sing that song are priests. “And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” Rev. 5: 8-10.

This scene represents what John saw occurring in heaven, when he had his vision, in the year A. D. 96. These twenty-four elders, like the twenty-four courses in the Levitical priesthood (1 Chron. 24: 1-19), act a part with Christ in his priestly reign upon his Father’s throne. They have the crowns upon their heads; therefore they are there reigning jointly with him in his priestly kingship. Of course when that reign of Christ upon his Father’s throne ceases, their priestly service—the position they now occupy—will end. But they speak of what will be, “We shall reign on the earth.” It does not say we shall be priests on the earth. Of their position at that time they did say, “Thou hast made us unto our God kings and priests.” That was their work, in which they were then and there occupied. When Christ’s kingdom is established, he comes as King of kings. Then they will reign, not as kingly priests, but simply as kings.

Of the thousand years’ reign it is said, “They lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” What is the nature of this reign of one thousand years in the beginning of Christ’s kingdom? Of it we read, “Ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Matt. 19: 28. This marks the first work of the reign of Christ. It is a work of judgment. Not of judging righteous Israel; for their cases were decided in the cleansing of the sanctuary service, and they are made immortal at Christ’s appearing. It must, then, relate to the ungodly of those twelve tribes.

Again we read of it: “And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Luke 22: 29, 30. Of this work we read in the psalms: “Let the saints be joyful in glory [after they have

got into heaven]: let them sing aloud upon their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; to execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; to bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute upon them the judgment written: this honor have all his saints.” Ps. 149: 5-9.

With this also agree the words of the apostle Paul, “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels [fallen angels]? how much more things that pertain to this life?” 1 Cor. 6: 2, 3. Again, he says: “Judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come [showing that when he shall come, they will enter upon a work of judgment. Then they can do it effectually, because it is said], who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” 1 Cor. 4: 5.

Of this judgment we read: “I beheld till the thrones were cast down [some translations read, “Until the thrones were set”], and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.” Dan. 7: 9, 10. These books contain a record of men’s lives, and as these books are opened in the judgment of the ungodly, how appropriate that those of God’s people who lived on earth contemporaneously with such individuals should have a part in the judgment work.

Lodi, Cal.