Here Comes The Bride - Prophetic Gallery SeriesSample

The Return of Jesus - Satan is bound and then judged  

Thoughts on the Passage

This section has two big concepts. The 1000 years (often called the millennium reign of Jesus). The second is the judgment of satan.

The judgment of Satan.

Satan is bound for a season. We do not understand how this binding of satan here differs from his restrictions we read about in Revelation 12. There, his restriction prevented his ability to attack God’s children – he could only succeed by using sinful man.  Mankind that rejected God were given some time to repent, and that opened the door for satan to attack the church. Now, he cannot even deceive the nations – that is a greater restriction. At the end, we see that God Himself judges satan – he is thrown in the lake of fire. The lake of fire (we call it hell) was created for satan and the demonic realm – not people (people who choose to reject Jesus have their destiny there). Here we see God dealing with satan for his rejection and rebellion against God.  That source of evil is removed from the presence of mankind.

The 1000-year reign.

There are two viewpoints of what this means.

First perspective, the 1000 years is seen as a literal 1000 years where Jesus comes on this earth and rules. This is called the pre-millennial return of Jesus. That perspective is quite common today. It takes this passage literally and sees history this way – Jesus comes to this earth, God’s people who have died come alive (and those who are alive meet them) and join Jesus and rule on this earth for 1000 years, at the end of the time satan is released to again cause mankind to rebel, and this results in God’s final battle and eternal judgment for all.

Second perspective, the 1000-year reign is not literal – like most of the numbers in the book of Revelation. The first death is considered the death of our old nature and our new life in Jesus – something only for God’s people. The time of ruling as priests in God’s kingdom is now and not for some time in the future. The final battle and satan’s defeat represent the end of this era and ushers in eternity.

Which of these two is right? Different people believe strongly about both perspectives. There is lots of uncertainty and reasons to accept either one and questions that do not make sense for both of them. 

Remember, that this section is first and foremost a picture of the judgment of satan (and the demonic realm). God will judge them for eternity because of their rebellion. The bride of Christ will enter eternity and never face the attack of satan and the demonic realm again. Hallelujah!

Prayer

Father, there is coming a day when our tormentor, the one who accuses us continually, the one who deceived mankind into sin, the one who hates us because we are the crown of Your creation, and the one who hates everything that we love – Jesus our Saviour – will be judged. I will never have to deal with his attacks again for eternity. It will be a great day for mankind – and especially for Your children. Today, let me be strong to withstand him and be strong to oppose his attacks on mankind. Help me to use the authority that You give to Your Church to bind his work in the lives of people and nations. Help us to be bold and courageous regardless of the attacks that he brings our way. We are more than victors. In Jesus Name, Amen.