Let’s read those three verses.  Revelation 20:1-3 says, “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.”  I rejoice in this portion because it confirms the all-important truth that God is in control.  He can tell us what He will do, because He is sovereign and He is all powerful.  Speaking of Abraham, we read in Romans 4:21, “And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.”  Our faith in the Lord should be even as Abraham’s was.  If the Lord says it…He will do it!  When the proper time comes, the Lord will send His angels to bind Satan and cast him into the bottomless pit.

LET’S CONSIDER A FEW POINTS CONCERNING THIS EVENT:

When will this happen?  Chapter 19 is when the Marriage Supper of the Lamb takes place, the time when the Lamb will properly and eternally joined to His bride, the church.  The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in 2 Corinthians 11:2 where he said, “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.”  This event happens towards the end of the seven year Tribulation period. Chapter 20 occurs almost immediately before the Lord Jesus comes in judgment and to establish His thousand year kingdom on the earth.  Most of you who often read this page realize that AFTB teaches that there is a ‘Rapture’ of the church and then a seven year Tribulation period that follows.  For a little more about these two topics please click on these links:

https://answersfromthebook.net/what-is-the-difference-between-the-rapture-and-the-second-coming/

https://answersfromthebook.net/please-explain-matthew-243-14/

Notice, too, that it is not the Lord who captures and chains Satan; it is an angel of the Lord.  Does this not speak of the great strength of the Lord?  He is powerful enough to send an angel to accomplish His purpose in chaining Satan.  We see that Satan is bound for 1000 years.  Looking ahead a little, we read in Revelation 20:7-8, “And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations…”  As the end of the Lord’s earthly reign draws to a close, Satan will be released from his prison and immediately goes about to practice deception once again.

Why will Satan be set free after his imprisonment?  This question has been debated for centuries.  I will just say that I believe that sin must run its course.  Sin that is in the world must be exposed, so the Lord in His sovereignty will use Satan to expose the sinful ones in the world, so they can be judged.  His proper end is told to us in Revelation 20:10, “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”

Reading of these things, we are thankful to see that the Lord is victorious over Satan, who is also called the Dragon, that old Serpent, and the Devil in this portion.  My friend, I hope you have put your trust in the One who will defeat Satan.  Satan, although he doesn’t realize it yet, will be defeated by the Lord.  I encourage you to come to the Lord in faith and receive that precious gift of eternal life that He gives to ALL who come to Him.  What happens to those who do believe on the Lord Jesus as savior and Lord?  Revelation 21:4 assures us, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”  Praise the Lord for His ultimate victory, and for allowing us to be a part of His great victory!  (194.8)