Satan Shall Be Loosed!

If you have ever heard the saying, "Out of the frying pan and into the fire," then you know exactly how this article unfolds. God gives Satan a get out of jail free card and Satan rounds up his crew to lead a worldwide rebellion. As they situated themselves to attach The Lord Jesus' headquarters in Jerusalem, God rains down fire and brimstone and destroys them all. As a result the unsaved dead and Satan end up in the Lake of Fire! Incredible right! Oops...maybe I am getting a little ahead of myself!
This is a continuation of two other posts, "Christ's Kingdom Will Come," and "Reigning With King Jesus Christ." This is part three in the continuing exposition of Revelation chapter twenty.

III. Satan Leads a Rebellion After the Millennial Age (Rev. 20:7-10).

Satan will revolt after his release from the bottomless pit.

A.  THE MASTER OF THE REBELLION (REV. 20:7).  “Satan shall be loosed”

     1.  At the Close of the Millennium, Satan Will Be Released from the Pit.

But, why Satan specifically?

         A.  He will be permitted to lead one last revolt against the Lord. 

         B.  He is loosed to bring cohesive leadership to the world of rebels born to the believers who entered the kingdom at the beginning.

         C.  He is loosed to reveal the character of Christ-rejecting sinners who are brought into judgment for the last time ever.

     2.  This Action Demonstrates That Satan Will Not Repent.

After the Millennium, Satan will be released from the bottomless pit and will make one final desperate attempt to dethrone God but will be utterly defeated and thrown forever into the lake of fire.

B.  THE MANIPULATION OF THE REBELS (REV. 20:8).  “Shall go out to deceive the nations”

     1.  Immediately, Satan Will Deceive the Nations at the Four Corners of the Earth. (Rev. 20:8)

The children born during the kingdom age and after the battle of Armageddon lived throughout the thousand-year reign of Christ, but as soon as Satan is set free, they will be deceived and ready to gather for battle.

         A.  He Will Use Deception to Manipulate Them.

                1.  Deception is Satan’s primary mission and method (Rev. 12 to 18, in particular Rev. 12:9; 13:14; 19:20; 20:3, 10).  No sooner is Satan let loose, than he again begins deceiving the nations, and stirring them up to make war with the saints and servants of God.

John 8:44, Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

               2.  It would be good if the servants and ministers of Christ were as active and persevering in doing good, as his enemies in doing mischief.

         B.  He Will Use Temptations to Manipulate Them. (Rev. 20:8)

The popular phrase, “The devil made me do it” is not actually true.  Actually this excuse has been around since Eve.

              1.  The truth of God's Word is that the devil has never made any person do anything contrary to his or her will.

              2.  The devil is a deceiver and the father of lies. But the devil's only power over people is through manipulation and deceit.

              3.  If he could actually make us do things, he wouldn't need to go to the trouble of deceiving us!

              4.  If Satan could make us sin, the temptation process would be unnecessary.  Let it suffice that we conclude that the devil cannot make us do anything.

2 Cor. 11:3,  But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

     2.  This Shows That People Will Rebel Against God If Given Opportunity.  (Rev. 20:8)

No matter how long or how many chances they are given to repent, it makes no difference at all.

          A.  QUOTE: “Imagine the tragedy of this revolt: people who have been living in a perfect environment, under the perfect government of God's Son, will finally admit the truth and rebel against the King!”   — W. W. Wiersbe

          B.  QUOTE: “A thousand years of confinement does not alter Satan's plans, nor does a thousand years of freedom from the influence of wickedness change man's basic tendency to rebel against his Creator. . . . Neither the designs of Satan nor the waywardness of the human heart will be altered by the mere passing of time.” — Robert Mounce 

     3.  Why? As Final Proof That the Heart of Man Is Desperately Wicked. (Rev. 20:8)

Mankind can only be changed by God's grace.

           — QUOTE: “The phrase total depravity . . . declares that no part of us is untouched by sin, and therefore no action of ours is as good as it should be, and consequently nothing in us or about us ever appears meritorious in God’s eyes. We cannot earn God’s favor, no matter what we do; unless grace saves us, we are lost.

Total depravity entails total inability, that is, the state of not having it in oneself to respond to God and his Word in a sincere and wholehearted way (John 6:44; Rom. 8:7-8). Paul calls this unresponsiveness of the fallen heart a state of death (Eph. 2:1, 5; Col. 2:13)”.  ^— Packer, J. I.

                — QUOTE:   “The understanding is darkened (Eph. 4:18; 1 Cor. 2:14); the heart is deceitful and wicked (Jer. 17:9, 10); the mind and conscience are defiled (Gen. 6:5; Titus 1:15); the flesh and spirit are defiled (2 Cor. 7:5); the will is enfeebled (Rom. 7:18); and we are utterly destitute of any Godlike qualities which meet the requirements of God’s holiness (Rom. 7:18).”   —William Evans

     4.  Rules, Regulation, Religion, Nor Environment Can Change the Human Heart. (Rev. 20:8)

This rebellion proves that a rule of perfect law cannot change the human heart; sinners would rather follow Satan.  The source of rebellion against God comes not from the environment or even from Satan himself but from within the human heart.

         A.  Sin Against God Is Going Beyond the Boundaries Established by God.

               — It is not only a behavioral problem, however—one rooted in attitudes, motives, actions, and patterns of conduct. It is a “nature” problem, an identity or “state of being” problem.

                — Man's sin nature is one of pride, greed, and total self-centeredness and self-will. Every person is born with this sin nature. Behavior is learned; our natural tendency to sin is not.

                — A sin nature is inherent, and it is inherent regardless of the spiritual condition of our parents. It is part of our inheritance as fallen human beings, the descendants of Adam and Eve.

         B.  Now, a Person Might Change His or Her Behavior as an Act of the Will.

But a person cannot change his or her basic sin nature, regardless of how much “willpower” is exerted. We are incapable of transforming our spirits or of altering the core of our spiritual being. We are born with a “sin condition” that only God can correct.

         C.  The Good News Is That While We Were in this Helpless, Ungodly State, God Sent His Son, Jesus!  He came to die for us so that we do not have to experience the consequence of our sin nature—which is separation and alienation from God. We can be transformed and made new in spirit.  (See Eph. 2:1–3; Rom. 5:6, 8, 10).

     5.  The Work of Satan and the Reaction of the Rebellious Nations Prove That Eternal Judgment is Necessary.  (See Rev. 20:11-15).

         A.  It Is No Coincidence That Satan and Fallen Unrepentant Mankind Around the World Rebel Before There Is a Final Judgment of Humanity.  Before mankind appears at the Great White Throne Judgment and is cast into an eternal Lake of Fire, God shows why it is necessary. 

         B.  Satan and Sinners Alike Prove That They Are Rebels to the Core and must Be Rejected from God’s Eternal Kingdom and Reign. (Rev. 20:8)

                    

C.  THE MULTITUDES OF THE REBELLION (REV. 20:8) “four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog . . . the number of whom is as the sands of the sea.”

   1.  The People.  (Rev. 20:8)  “The Nations”

Who are these who will follow Satan?

    

      A.  Those Believers’ Children Who Survive the Tribulation.

These believers will enter the Millennium in their natural bodies, and they will bear children and repopulate the earth (Isa. 65:18-25).

      B.  They Will Live in Ideal Circumstances in Which All Know about Jesus Christ (Jer. 31:33-34). 

Though many will outwardly profess faith in Christ without actually placing faith in Him for salvation.

      C.  Their Shallow Professions Will Become Apparent When Satan Is Released.

The multitudes who follow Satan are evidently those who have never been born again during the millennial kingdom.  

      D.  Rebellion is a matter of choice. The people had to decide whether they would obey the Lord, who had proven his trustworthiness, believe in Christ and be saved, or obey the devil, with his fail coup attempt. 

            — Truthfully the times will come for each of us to choose who or what will control us.

            — The choice is yours. Will it be God, your own limited personality, or Satan?

            — Once you have chosen to be controlled by God's Spirit, reaffirm your choice every day.

   2.  The Populations.   (Rev. 20:8) “in the four quarters of the earth . . . the number of whom is as the sand of the sea”

Satan’s release will produce a worldwide rebellion against the millennial reign of Christ. The armies will be so vast in numbers that they are said to be like the sand on the seashore.  Clearly we are referring to billions and billions of people.

   3. The Portrayal.    (Rev. 20:8) “Gog and Magog, to gather then together to battle”

Who are they?  The question has been raised as to whether this war is the same one discussed in Ezekiel 38-39, where Gog and Magog are also mentioned (Ezek. 38:2).

      

       A.  Whom They Are Not.

            1.  QUOTE: “This is not the battle of Gog and Magog, for that battle takes place about the end of the first half of the Tribulation (Ezek 38-39) and results in the Beast defeating both Russia and Egypt. Rather, this battle involves perhaps Russia (Gog and Magog) as the leading force . . . These armies will attack the millennial Jerusalem, but fire from heaven will devour them.”  —W. W. Wiersbe

            2.  QUOTE: “The naming of "Gog and Magog" (Rev 20:8) does not equate this battle with the one described in Ezek 38-39; for that army invades from the north, while this one comes from the four comers of the earth. This is only the name given to the army of rebels and its leader at the end of the Millennium.”  — John MacArthur

            3.  QUOTE: “These are two different battles, for in the war of Ezekiel 38-39 the armies come primarily from the north and involve only a few nations of the earth. But the battle in Revelation 20:7-9 will involve all nations, so armies will come from all directions.

Furthermore nothing in the context of Ezekiel 38-39 is similar to the battle in Revelation, as there is no mention of Satan or of millennial conditions. In Revelation 20:7 the context clearly places the battle at the end of the Millennium, whereas the Ezekiel battle takes place in connection with end-time events.” — Walvoord

       B.  Whom Are They.

            1.  QUOTE: “They were names of ancient enemies of the Lord. Magog was the grandson of Noah (Gen. 10:2) and founder of a kingdom located N of the Black and Caspian Seas. Gog is apparently the leader of a rebel army known collectively as Magog.”  — John MacArthur

            2.  QUOTE: “Why then is the expression “Gog and Magog” used by John? ... In Ezekiel 38 Gog was the ruler and Magog was the people, and both were in rebellion against God and were enemies of Israel. It may be that the terms have taken on a symbolic meaning much as one speaks of a person’s “Waterloo,” which historically refers to the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo, Belgium, but has come to represent any great disaster. Certainly the armies here come in the same spirit of antagonism against God that is found in Ezekiel 38. ” — Walvoord

   4.  The Place.  (Rev. 20:9).  These two events are related, however, inasmuch as in both battles, Israel is the focal point.

        A.  Jerusalem the Capital City. 

In this case, Jerusalem will be the target ("beloved city," Ps 78:68; 87:2). Jerusalem  will be the capital city during Christ’s millennial reign.

Jeremiah 3:17, At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the Lord; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the Lord, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart.

        B.  This is not the New Jerusalem. 

Which is commonly called “the city of My God” (Rev. 3:12) and “the holy city” (Rev. 21:2). This city is clearly the renewed earthly Jerusalem.

        C. Jerusalem is the Home of the Saints. 

“The beloved city” symbolically refer to the home of God’s people. The saints will be living around the city where Christ reigns.

Isaiah 24:23, Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the Lord of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.

Zech. 14:9-11, And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one. [10] All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepresses. [11] And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.

D.  THE MAULING OF THE REBELLION (REV. 20:9).  “Fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.”

God will fight this last and decisive battle for his people, that the victory may be complete, and the glory be to himself.

    1.  God Will Deal with this Revolt Very Quickly and Efficiently! 

The result is immediate judgment. “Fire” will come down from heaven and devour them.

    2.  In Contrast with Ezekiel 38, There Is No Mention of Earthquake, Hail, or Other Disasters.

The only similarity is that in both cases there is fire from heaven, a frequent method of divine judgment on the earth (Gen. 19:24; Ex. 9:23-24; Lev. 9:24; 10:2; Num. 11:1; 16:35; 26:10; 1 Kings 18:38; 2 Kings 1:10, 12, 14; 1 Chron. 21:26).

    3.  Rebellion Will Ultimately Lead to Judgment.

Jude 1:5-8, I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. [6] And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. [7] Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. [8] Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

        A.  Jude Gave Three Examples of Rebellion:

             (1) The children of Israel -- who, although they were delivered from Egypt, refused to trust God and enter the Promised Land (Num 14:26-39);

             (2) The angels -- although they were once pure, holy, and living in God's presence, some gave in to pride and joined Satan to rebel against God (2 Peter 2:4); and

             (3) The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah -- the inhabitants were so full of sin that God wiped them off the face of the earth (Gen 19:1-29).

        B.  If the chosen people, angels, and sinful cities were punished, how much more would these rebels be severely judged?

E.  THE MISERY OF THE REBEL (REV. 20:10).  “The devil that deceived them was cast into the Lake of Fire”

   1.  Satan Will Be Cast into “The Lake of Fire.”  (Rev. 20:10)

 After Satan’s followers will be destroyed, he will be thrown into the lake burning with sulfuric fires. Being cast into the lake that was prepared for him and his angels is the final judgment on Satan.  The Lake of Fire is the place of punishment God has prepared for rebellious angels and unsaved men (Mt. 25:41; Re. 20:10,15).

   2.  Note That "The Beast" and “False Prophet” Will Still Be Suffering in the Lake of Fire.  (Rev. 20:10) This is after 1,000 years!

      A.  This Is a Significant Support of the Doctrine of Eternal Punishment!

This concluding statement is key, “shall be tormented day and night forever and ever.” This includes the devil, the beast, and the false prophet.

Matthew 25:41, Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Matthew 25:46, And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

2 Thes. 1:9,  Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

      B.  The Lake of Fire Is Not Annihilation!  (Rev. 20:10)

Are the wicked annihilated in hell? No, because the beast and false prophet “are” still there a thousand years after they experienced their final judgment (Rev. 19:20).  

            1.  This proves the punishment is not annihilation, but is eternal torment. the Lord Jesus actually said it would have been better if Judas had never been born (Mt. 26:24).

            2.  Jesus' words make no sense if Judas was only going to be annihilated.

QUOTE: “In one sense, the millennial kingdom will sum up" all that God has said about the heart of man during the various periods of history. It will be a reign of law, and yet law will not change man's sinful heart. Man will still revolt against God. The Millennium will be a period of peace and perfect environment, a time when disobedience will be judged swiftly and with justice; and yet in the end the subjects of the King will follow Satan and rebel against the Lord. A perfect environment cannot produce a perfect heart.

God is now about to "wrap up" human history One great event remains.”  — W. W. Wiersbe

Be sure to look for the next article in this series based on Revelation chapter twenty!

Christ's Kingdom Will Come!

REVELATION 20:1-10

 Christ will rule on earth for a literal one thousand years period. This is one of the greatest and most profound anticipations in the entire Bible! After the Millennium, Satan is finally defeated once and for all and is thrown into the eternal Lake of Fire. But, why bother with understanding all this prophecy stuff? Actually, we need to be fully aware of the terrifying consequence of rejecting God, and the wonderful magnitude of accepting Christ! Such insight will enable us to make a wise decision and help others make wise decisions regarding their eternal destiny. In addition, having trusted Christ for our eternal salvation and glorious future, we can take joy, hope, and strength from a careful look forward to our God-given future.

According to the chronology of The Book of the Revelation, the Battle of Armageddon is now over, and the Beast and False Prophet have been cast into the Lake of Fire (Rev. 19). Christ now lays hold of that old serpent, Satan, and casts him into “the bottomless pit” as a key element to inaugurating His kingdom of righteousness and peace on earth. Note these key observations from related passages:

1.  The Millennium is a term usually referring to a one thousand-year period following the Second Coming wherein Christ and His saints reign over the earth.

    — The kingdom Age is also referred to by several other terms in Scripture:

Daniel 2:44, And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

   — Regeneration is used to refer to the nation Israel and the world when Christ returns.

Matthew 19:28, And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That 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.

   — "The day of the Lord" sometimes refers to the entire period, including the Tribulation, the Second Coming, the Millennial Reign, and the Eternal state following the Great White Throne judgment (Zec. 14).  In this day God will be exalted and rebellious men humbled.

2.  The primary biblical support in the New Testament for this awesome doctrine comes from Revelation 20.

   — QUOTE: “This chapter presents the fact that Christ will reign on earth for a thousand years. If this chapter is taken literally, it is relatively simple to understand what is meant. However, because many Bible interpreters have rejected the idea that there will be a reign of Christ on earth for a thousand years after His second coming, this chapter has been given an unusually large number of diverse interpretations, all designed to eliminate a literal millennial reign. In general there are three viewpoints, each with a number of variations.” — Walvoord, J. F.

   — It would seem that this passage is straightforward enough that there would be general agreement about the Millennium. However, there are a number of different views about how this passage ought to be interpreted and about how these things are accomplished in history.

   — There are three views of the Millennium: the premillennial, postmillennial, and amillennial. These views can be grouped into two pairs. The premillennial view believe that the return of Christ will usher in the Millennium, whereas the postmillennial and amillennial views see Christ's coming as initiating the eternal age to come.

3.  The biblical Millennium will be a period of peace, love, and brotherhood when all nature lives in the harmony originally intended in the Garden of Eden.

   — The Book of Isaiah (11:6–9) speaks of this age.

Isaiah 11:6-9, The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. [7] And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. [8] And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. [9] They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.

It will be a time when the wild animals will live at peace with domestic animals, when the serpents will no longer bite. A little child will be able to play by a cobra's den or lead wild beasts around and not be harmed. Military schools will close, and implements of war will no longer be manufactured. The money and resources that now go into warfare will then be devoted to peaceful pursuits. When this day comes, every person will have his own plot of ground, his own home. All will live in harmony with their neighbors. No one will be afraid that someone will try to steal his belongings. There will be universal peace, for the knowledge of the Lord will cover the Earth as the waters cover the sea.

4.  I believe the Millennium is a period, when Jesus Christ comes back to Earth to reign as king, and the kingdom of God will be established on Earth. There will be a one-world government under the leadership of Jesus with nation-states subject to Him. The Bible says that representatives of the nations of the Earth will come to Jerusalem each year.

Isaiah 9:6-7, For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. [7] Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 2:2-4, And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. [3] And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. [4] And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

Zech. 14:16, And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.

This is the glorious earthly kingdom Jesus Christ will establish upon His return, the kingdom foretold by O.T. prophets. Christ's kingdom will not end at the conclusion of the 1,000 years, but will continue forever (Is. 9:7). The Millennial reign is only one phase to Christ’s eternal rule. But, let’s explore the features of the glorious age.

LESSON:

I.  Satan is Confined During the Millennial Age (Rev. 20:1-3).

Satan will be defeated and jailed (vv. 1-3).

A.  THE PRISON KEEPER (REV. 20:1).

  1.  Not the Lord Jesus Christ. 

     A.  Some feel that since Christ has the keys of “hell and death” this is him binding Satan.

Rev. 1:18,  I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

I tend to believe that he has given the keys to an angel and delegated this responsibility to Him, perhaps this is Michael. 

      B.  Some Bible students feel that the "chaining" of Satan took place when Jesus died on the cross and arose from the dead to ascend to heaven. While it is true that Jesus won His decisive victory over Satan at the cross, the sentence against the devil has not yet been fully affected.

Hebrews 2:14, Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

      C.  Satan Is a Defeated Foe, but He Is Still Free to Attack God's People and Oppose God's Work (1 Peter 5:8).  Throughout the Scriptures Satan is said to exert great power not only against the world but also against Christians (Acts 5:3; 1 Cor. 5:5; 7:5; 2 Cor. 2:11; 11:14; 12:7; 1 Tim. 1:20).

      D.  How Satan Is Active in the Present Age

              — Satan entered Judas Iscariot (Luke 22:3); Satan can cause willing people to do his bidding.

              — Satan filled Ananias’ heart to lie (Acts 5:3); Satan leads people to deceive others.

              — Satan has blinded the minds of non-believers. (2 Cor. 4:4); Satan prevents people from accepting the gospel.

              — Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light. (2 Cor. 11:14); Satan counterfeits goodness and truth to trap people.

              — Satan is at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey the Gospel (Eph. 2:2); Satan inflames the evil desires of those who reject God.

              — Satan obstructed the missions ministry of Paul (1 Thess. 2:18); Satan attempts to block evangelistic efforts.

              — Satan has a number of snares and trap for Christians to distract them (2 Tim. 2:26); Satan uses church controversies and quarrels to lead people astray.

I think it was Dr. James M. Gray who suggested that, if Satan is bound today, it must be with a terribly long chain! Paul was sure that Satan was loose (Eph. 6:10 ff), and John agreed with him (Rev. 2:13; 3:9).

   2.  A Powerful Angel.  (Rev. 20:1)

      — John “saw an angel” coming down out of heaven. This heavenly angel had “the key” to “the bottomless pit” (also called the Abyss ).

      — In Rev. 9:1-12, a fallen angel had arrived with the key to the Abyss and had released the locusts as part of the fifth trumpet judgment. This may not be the same angel.

      — The angel was also carrying “a great chain” that he would use to bind Satan.  Such a chain can bind Satan in spite of the fact that he is immaterial. 

B.  THE PRISONERS (REV.20:2).

   1.  Satan Is Bound.

      A. No Ferocity. “The dragon.” Likening Satan to a dragon emphasizes his ferocity, and cruelty (Rev. 12:3).

      B.  No Deception. “Old serpent.”  A reference to Satan’s first appearance in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:1), where he deceived Eve (2 Cor. 11:3; 1 Tim. 2:14).

      C.  No Slander.  “The Devil” The word devil signifies a slanderer, one who accuses another. Hence that other name given him: “the accuser of our brethren” (see Rev. 12:10).

      D.  No Adversary. “Satan.” The name Satan signifies an adversary, one who lies in wait for or sets himself in opposition to another.  Rev. 12:9. 

These and other names of the same fallen spirit point to different features of his evil character and deceitful operations.  The point that must not be missed is the fact that Satan is bond in such a way as to render his inactive.  Not merely restrained or confined, but deactivated—dormant.

   2.  The Demons are Bound.

This includes not only Satan, but the demons as well. Their imprisonment will dramatically alter the world during the kingdom, since their destructive influence in all areas of human thought and life will be removed.

C.  THE PRISON (REV. 20:1, 3). 

   1.  The "Bottomless Pit" Is "The Shaft of the Abyss."

         A.  In Revelation, it is always the jail where some of the demonic hordes are incarcerated, the place of severest torment and isolation (Rev. 9:1,2,11; 11:7; 17:8; 20:1,3).

         B.  The "bottomless pit" spoken of in Rev 20:1 is not the same as hell; it is the "abyss" that we have met before in our studies.

         C.  Satan is not cast into “The Lake of Fire” immediately, because God still has one more task for him to perform. All 7 times that "bottomless pit" appears in Revelation, it refers to the place where fallen angels and evil spirits are kept captive, waiting to be sent to the lake of fire—the final hell prepared for them.

Matthew 25:41, Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

D.     Rather, Satan is confined in the bottomless pit for 1,000 years. First, Satan was cast out of heaven (Rev 12:9), and now he is cast out of earth!

   2.  This "Pit" Is the Abode of the Demons.

Luke 8:31, And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.

The “Abyss” is the home of demons (Rev. 9:11; 11:7; 17:8; 20:1, 3).  

   3.  Satan Will Be Temporarily "Jailed" There During Our Lord's Reign on the Earth (Rev 20:1-3).

Since Satan will be literally bond at the Second Coming of Christ, the way for a peaceful, joyful, righteous kingdom is made.  This action facilitates the righteous rule of Christ throughout the world.  Spiritual warfare will also cease with regard to Satan’s influence.

   4.  Satan Will Not be Able to Deceive the Nations During Christ’s Reign. (Rev. 20:3)

Before the millennium age, Satan will wreck havoc in the world.  After the millennial period he will again lead a rebellion against God.  The only time in all of human history Satan is not free to execute his plans of deception is during the 1,000 years reign of Christ on the earth.

D.  THE PRISON SENTENCE (REV. 20:3B).  “Till the thousand years should be fulfilled”

   1.  A Thousand Years Prison Sentence.

      — With the human host defeated, an angel chains Satan and seals him in the Abyss for a period of 1,000 years (20:1–3).

      — Having taken care of His enemies, the Lord is now free to establish His righteous kingdom on the earth.

      — QUOTE: “This is the first of 6 references to the length of the millennial kingdom (cf. vv. 3,4,5,6,7). There are 3 main views of the duration and nature of this period: 1) Premillennialism sees this as a literal 1,000 year period during which Jesus Christ, in fulfillment of numerous OT prophecies (e.g., 2 Sam. 7:12–16; Ps. 2; Is. 11:6–12; 24:23; Hos. 3:4,5; Joel 3:9–21; Amos 9:8–15; Mic. 4:1–8; Zeph. 3:14–20; Zech. 14:1–11; Matt. 24:29–31,36–44), reigns on the earth. Using the same general principles of interpretation for both prophetic and non-prophetic passages leads most naturally to Premillennialism. Another strong argument supporting this view is that so many biblical prophecies have already been literally fulfilled, suggesting that future prophecies will likewise be fulfilled literally.” —John MacArthur

   2.  A Brief Release Period.   (Rev. 20:3b) “he must be loosed for a little season.”

Satan will be released so God can make a permanent end of sin before establishing the new heaven and earth. All who survive the Tribulation and enter the kingdom will be believers. However, despite that and the personal presence and rule of the Lord Jesus Christ, many of their descendants will refuse to believe in Him. Satan will then gather those unbelievers for one final, futile rebellion against God. Bear in mind that these people have only be outwardly compliant with the will of Christ throughout His reign.  Also remember they have never experienced the intensity of satanic temptation prior to this period.  They are quite easy prey for Satan’s final rebellion. It will be quickly and decisively crushed, followed by the Great White Throne Judgment and the establishment of the eternal state.

Who Is Targeting America's Youth?

Ever wondered why American youth behave as they do? Could there be a link between their behavior and the advertising industry? According to the article “The Influence of Advertising,” some marketing professionals psychologically manipulate children to increase product appeal and bolster sales (http://www.squidoo.com). In the intensely competitive capitalistic society of America, advertising is a multi-billion dollar (http://www.apa.org) industry and an essential element of business and consumerism. Through various media outlets—television, magazines, the Internet, radio, movies, textbooks, and smartphones—youths are bombarded with slick and powerful appeals (http://www.wakingtimes.com). Children’s natural trust, gullibility, curiosity, absence of objectivity, and lack of critical thinking skills, renders them dangerously vulnerable to marketing manipulations and exploitations. Resultantly, advertising negatively sways American youths encouraging choices detrimental to their nutritional, behavioral, and moral well being. Yes, American youths are not only the targets of many advertising schemes, but also the unwitting casualties in the battles for product sales, and lifelong patronage.

Consider firstly the fast food industry and the negative impact of advertising on the nutritional choices of America’s young people. Obesity and relative inactivity among youths are serious and growing concerns according to the American Psychological Association (http://www.apa.org). They directly attribute these developments to children’s excessive exposure to fast food advertising by stating,

The childhood obesity epidemic is a serious public health problem that increases morbidity, mortality, and has substantial long term economic and social costs. The rates of obesity in America’s children and youth have almost tripled in the last quarter century. Approximately 20% of our youth are now overweight with obesity rates in preschool age children increasing at alarming speed.... Research has found strong associations between increases in advertising for non-nutritious foods and rates of childhood obesity (http://www.apa.org).

Accordingly an article entitled, “The Influence of Advertising” reported, “Some experts indicate that the average American child views over 40,000 television commercials each year” (http://www.squidoo.com). Because America’s young people, “ages 8 to 18,” are being bombarded by fast food commercials from many media outlets and spend more than 44 hours a week engaging the media, obesity has become a national concern (http://www.squidoo.com). 

Figure 1
Source: Covington, W.

Secondly, advertising that glamorizes alcohol has detrimentally influenced lifestyle choices among American youths. The pervasive nature of advertising literally inundates young people with unhealthy ads promoting the use of beer, distilled spirits, and wines (http://pediatrics.aappublications.org). Such exposure likely stimulates and drives early teenagers’ infatuation with alcohol. According to John’s Hopkins Bloomberg School of Health, about 4,700 young people die annually from “excessive alcohol consumption” (http://www.camy.org).  In an article entitled, “Exposure of African American Youth to Alcohol Advertising,” the same university reported, “Alcohol is the most widely used drug among African-American youth and contributes to many health and social problems, including violence, motor vehicle crashes, and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases” (http://www.camy.org). Another critical point they highlighted was the link between African-American youth drinking and advertisements that target them. They write,

At least 14 longitudinal studies have found a significant association between youth exposure to alcohol marketing and underage drinking, even after controlling for other factors that could potentially influence this relationship (e.g., socioeconomic status and parenting style). Specifically, these studies have found that youth exposure to alcohol marketing can increase the likelihood that young people will start drinking at younger ages, and, if they already consume alcohol, that they will drink more, increasing the risk of alcohol-attributable harms (http://www.camy.org).

Research demonstrates that African-Americans are targeted, subjected to, and overexposed to alcohol advertisements considerably more than other ethnic groups. In fact, the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth observed that there is excessive exposure to alcohol through various media outlets within these same communities through radio, billboards, and in magazines (http://www.camy.org). Non-discerning young people take what they see in the media as portrayals of reality. Consequently, they are violently misled by the marketing exploits of the alcohol industry.

Figure 2
Source: Zastrow, C.

Thirdly, advertising unfavorably effects morality, social values, and the culture of American youth. The power of the media and advertising cannot be over stated. Commercials address every facet of life promoting products and creating a perception of value for the potential child customer.  Appealing to the natural desire for significance, they present their toys, games, cars, clothing brands, athletic footwear, accessories, sexy bodies, and soft drinks promising they will make the consumer most special. Appealing to the basic desire to belong and feel love, they parade a seductive concoction of cosmetics, perfumes, jewelry, colognes, spirits, beers, fashion products, and sex (http://www.studymode.com) before their audience virtually guaranteeing universal acceptance if one buys their product. This is done in the hope of lifelong patronage. Their marketing strategies include frequent appeals, product popularity, celebrity endorsement, sensuality, narcissistic indulgence, product placement, and peer pressure. Such ploys are launched anticipating an industry return of nearly one trillion dollars in sales (http://www.aef.com). They appeal directly to children and indirectly through children to parents. Everything from toys, food, magazines, and video games to recreational sex (http://wiki.answers.com) are pandered to non-suspecting youths. Many advertisements invent value for the customer through subtle exaggerations or entire fabrications. Consequently, these morale and social values are projected into the culture shaping and fashioning young consciences. Often this transpires daily; preoccupied parents are disengaged while the advertising industry weaves the fabric of their children’s morals. The saddest truth in all of this is the ‘reality’ marketed to young people is an empty lie and will prove to be disillusioning and frustrating throughout their lives.

Figure 3
Source: Zastrow, C.

Though the intention of the American advertising industry is to sell products in a completely saturated and competitive market, American youth are the unwitting casualties. As the industry strategizes to secure lifelong patrons, youths are daily blasted with advertisements influencing them to choose against their nutritional health. The unintended consequence is escalating childhood obesity. Alluring ads and commercials aimed at teens glamorize the use of alcohol and launch young people into lifestyles plagued with social problems, irresponsibility, and violence. The impact of advertising on the moral values and cultural attitudes of young people is not to be down-played. A culture of materialism, greed, selfishness, consumerism, and sex saturation has been spawned and the forecast for the future is woeful if the trend continues unchallenged. Parents must take charge of their young people’s interaction with much of the advertising industry. One key to restoring perspective, wholesome values, critical thinking, and equilibrium to the lives of young people is their parents shielding them from the barrage of advertisements in many media outlets.

References

Advertising to children (2005). Retrieved March 12, 2013 from the Advertising Educational Foundation website: http://www.aef.com/on_campus/classroom/speaker_pres/data/3005

Committee on Communications (2006, December). Children, adolescence, and advertising. Pediatrics: Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics 118(6), 2563 -2569. doi:10.1542/peds.2006-2698  

Covington, W. (2012, November). [Magazine cover] Stone cold marketing to young African Americans. The Sacramento Observer/ The SacOberserver.com. Retrieved March 15, 2013 from: http://sacobserver.com/2012/11/stone-cold-marketing-selling-alcohol-to-young-african-americans/ (Figure 1)

Dayanahmz (2012, March). Morality and ethicality of using sexual advertising: “effects on teens segment”. Retrieved March 14, 2013 from StudyMode website: http://www.studymode.com/ essays/Morality-And-Ethicality-Of-Using-Sexual-945276.html      

Dittmann, M. (2004, June). Protecting children from advertising. Monitor on Psychology, 35(6). (Print version: p. 58). Retrieved March 14, 2013 from the American Psychological Association website: http://www.apa.org/monitor/jun04/protecting.aspx

Gottesdiener, L. (2013, March). 7 highly disturbing trends in junk food advertising to children. AlterNet.   Retrieved March 15, 2013 from http://www.wakingtimes.com/2013/03/15/7

Impact of food advertising on childhood obesity. Retrieved March 13, 2013 from the American Association of Psychology website: http://www.apa.org/topics/kids-media/food.aspx?item=2

Musemeche , C. (2012, July). Ban on advertising to children linked to lower obesity rates. The New York Times. Retrieved March 16, 2013 from: http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com /2012/07/13/ban-on-advertising-to-children-linked-to-lower-obesity-rates/

The Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth (2010). Exposure of African-American youth to alcohol advertising, 2008 and 2009. Retrieved March 13, 2013 from: John’s Hopkins University website: http://www.camy.org/research/ Exposure_of_African_American_Youth_to_Alc_Advertising_08_09/

The Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth (2010). Youth exposure to alcohol advertising on television, 2001-2009. (Special report). Retrieved March 13, 2013 from The John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health website: http://www.camy.org/research/  Youth_Exposure_to_Alcohol_Ads_on_TV_Growing_Faster_Than_Adults/index.html

The influence of advertising. (2012, April). Retrieved March 13, 2013 from: http://www.squidoo.com

What is the impact of television advertisement on youth?  Retrieved March 12, 2013 from: Answers.com: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_impact_of_television_ advertisement_on_youth  

Zastrow, C. (2009, July). Paris Hilton: Cosmogirl [magazine cover] A long-pent-up rant against youth marketing. Retrieved March 16, 2013 from http://www.learningfirst.org/long-pent-rant-against-youth-marketing (Figure 2)

Zastrow, C. (2009, July). Paris Hilton: Seventeen [magazine cover] A long-pent-up rant against youth marketing. Retrieved March 16, 2013 from http://www.learningfirst.org/long-pent-rant-against-youth-marketing (Figure 3)