Bible Basics

The Victory

In our discussion of Revelation 20, we have seen the figurative binding of Satan in a bottomless pit only to be “released for a little while” after a thousand years (Rev. 20:1-3). In contrast to this, we see Christ and martyred souls resurrected to reign during this thousand year period (20:4-6). This figurative language shows the cause of Satan being crushed while the cause of Christ is resurrected. Satan was using the Roman Empire and emperor worship in an attempt to destroy the church of the Lord. Revelation was written at a time when it seemed this might actually happen. But God wanted persecuted Christians to know that Satan would fail, that Rome would fall and their persecutors would be brought to an end. Therefore, this great vision figuratively describes the saints’ triumph over Satan. Their faith would be victorious as Satan would be bound, Rome would fall and they would be joyously rewarded. This figurative language is similar to that describing Israel’s triumph over idolatry and the Assyrian captivity (Isa. 26:19; Hos. 13:14) and Judah’s return from Babylonian captivity (Ezek. 37:10-14). Never again would God allow a world power to deceive the nations and unite them against the church in an attempt to annihilate His people. Satan cannot destroy the church of Jesus Christ!

                                                                                                               -- Clark Dugger

Bible Basics