Satan Bound

Introduction

One of the most difficult texts in Revelation is found in chapter 20. If one approaches the text believing that Revelation is written for those in the 1st century then chapter 20 is seen in that context. If one approaches the text believing that Revelation is about the end of time, then chapter 20 becomes a map for how the world will end. It is from this text that the belief about Jesus having an earthly 1000 year reign originates. This text has been hotly debated and good honest people disagree about this text. So before we begin there needs to be some disclaimers.

First, no one has all insight into this text. It is a difficult text and one which is almost impossible to come to without some preconceived notions about what it is supposed to mean. Second, our desire is not to dissect the text as much as it is to understand the overall scene. As we have done in previous lessons, the overall scene is the intended point rather than each and every detail. Third, any view of this text opens itself up to additional problems. In other words, every proposal about this text has some objection that adds to the difficulty of the text. This is not a graduate study so we will forego some of the details of the text. My intent this morning is to encourage our walk with God and to capture a biblical view of God’s gracious and righteous care for us in this world.

Chapter 20 must be taken in the context of what transpires before it. In chapter 18, John describes the destruction of Rome called Babylon the Great in 18:2. Chapter 18 is a lengthy description not only of Rome’s fall but God’s righteous judgment and punishment against Rome. What Rome has done to God’s saints will be done double to Rome. To 1st century Christians this would have been encouraging. Again the point is that God’s power is greater than any earthly power.

Chapter 19 begins with exalting God for his judgment against Rome. There are praise songs exalting God’s victory. In verses 6-8, we are introduced to the idea that Jesus and the church are still one. God’s power has not allowed Christ’s bride, the church, disintegrate or dissolve. The bride of Christ, we are told, is given bright and clean fine linen. John tells us that this linen is the righteous acts of the saints. We have two central ideas. God gives the clothing, but the saints have by their deeds demonstrated their faithfulness. The end of chapter 19 is the triumph of Jesus over the beast and false prophet. The King of kings and the Lord of lords is victorious. Both the beast and the false prophet are thrown alive into the lake of burning sulfur. The victory is final and complete. That which ruled with violence finds a violent end.

The Text

Satan, the beast, and the false prophet are often pictured together in Revelation. Chapter 12 is Satan and chapter 13 is the beast and the false prophet. Then in chapter 16 the three are again mentioned together in the Battle of Armageddon. Now again here at the end of chapter 19 and the beginning of chapter 20 they are together. The point as it has been in other places is that Satan, Rome, and the priests of Rome go together. They are working together against the will and people of God. As they work together to overthrow the will and people of God, so they are judged together and Jesus is victorious. In 19:20 the beast and the false prophet are thrown into the lake burning sulfur. In 20:10, Satan is thrown into the lake of burning sulfur. The outcome is the same for all three.

Thus, the point of 20:1-10 should be understood within the context of chapter 19. This is God’s judgment against those who oppose him. Much of the confusion about chapter 20 comes from the detail given to the binding of Satan. The scene depicts an angel taking Satan and throwing him into the Abyss for 1000 years. During Satan’s confinement, we are told that Christ reigns during this time. There are several things to notice, however, about this text.

First, no one denies the much of the language in Revelation is symbolic. While we may not know what the symbols mean, we must have a good reason to read something literally rather than symbolically. For instance, in this text some regard the 1000 years as literal but the chain and key are symbolic. How can we know that for sure? What is there in the text that leads us to believe that the number 1000 isn’t symbolic like most other numbers in the writing?

Second, notice in verse 3 that Satan is kept from deceiving the nations. This is the work of Satan—to deceive, i.e, Satan has deceived the nations in Revelation to worship the emperor and Rome. This will come to an end. I would suggest to you that in connection with verse 8 in which Satan is released to deceive the nations and thus to gather them for a final battle, that in verse 3 the idea that is trying to be transmitted is that Satan cannot call the shots. God does that. He will deal with the world when he is ready and will not bullied or forced to accelerate his plan.

Third, according to verse 4 those who reign with Christ as the ones who have been beheaded or in other words the martyrs. Not all Christians reign in this millennium but only those who did not worship the beast (Rome). Since the martyrs cried out to God in 6:9 asking for him to judge and avenge their death, the answer is given here. There is indeed vengeance and it comes in God’s timing.

While this is not exhaustive study of the text, it is designed to show that the overall theme from chapters 19 and 20 is that God is in control and will in his time bring about the end of Rome, its priests, and in time Satan himself. In other words, the events of this world do not force God to act. Instead, he has carefully planned for Rome’s overthrow and an end to the deceiving of Satan.

Application

There are two things I want us to glean from this intriguing text. First, God has limited the power of Satan. This does not mean that Satan is powerless. Ephesians 6 tells us that he is the ruler of this world, but his power is limited. Peter tells us that Satan is busy trying to devour us. But Revelation teaches us that it is a mismatch when it comes to the spiritual wrestling contest between God and Satan. Satan is limited. Whether we are speaking of the 1st century or the 21st century, Satan does not have all power. We do not have to say “yes” to evil. We are able to choose God’s ways.

Second, God is victorious and those who follow him will share in that victory. We have a clear distinction made between Christ who rides on a white horse and Satan who is chained and bound in the Abyss. We have the white robed King of Kings and Lord of Lords versus the dragon who is kept from deceiving. Those who were faithful to God, the martyrs, share in the victory. So we aren’t always comfortable; so there are times that we take a stand and suffer consequences that are unjust; so we turn the other cheek; so we are honest to the point that it costs us; to share victory with God makes it worth it all. Don’t exchange the comfort of the immediate for the victory of the eternal. But for some it is hard to tell which you may have chosen—the eternal victory or the immediate comfort.

The martyrs did not hide their faith. They took on what the world had for them and in the world’s eyes they lost. But God sets the record straight—when Christians dedicate themselves to God’s way, then no matter what happens in this world, they will share in the victory of Christ. Do not exchange the comfort of the immediate for the victory of the eternal.

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