What is the meaning of Revelation 20:7? When the thousand years are complete Revelation 20:7 opens with, “When the thousand years are complete”. • Scripture treats the thousand-year reign (Revelation 20:4-6) as a literal, defined span in history. • During this Millennium, Christ rules on earth with perfect justice (Isaiah 2:2-4; Zechariah 14:9). • Satan is bound throughout those years (Revelation 20:2-3), ensuring a time of unparalleled peace (Isaiah 11:6-9). • The phrase “are complete” underscores that God has set a fixed, unalterable timetable (Acts 1:7; Galatians 4:4). When God’s calendar reaches the exact end of that thousand-year mark, the next event unfolds precisely as foretold. Satan will be released The text continues, “Satan will be released.” • The devil is a real, personal being (Job 1:6-7; 1 Peter 5:8). His release is not symbolic; it is an actual event in time and space. • God alone authorizes the release, proving His absolute sovereignty even over evil (Romans 9:17-18; Revelation 17:17). • Purpose: – To expose the hearts of those living under Christ’s perfect reign who have never faced external temptation (Revelation 20:8-9). – To demonstrate the unchanging wickedness of Satan (John 8:44) and the final need for his eternal judgment (Revelation 20:10). • This moment reminds believers that genuine faith must flow from the heart, not merely from ideal surroundings (Matthew 7:21-23). from his prison Revelation 20:7 concludes, “from his prison.” • His “prison” is the abyss referenced earlier (Revelation 20:1-3), a real place of confinement for fallen angels (Luke 8:31; 2 Peter 2:4). • The fact that Satan can be locked up and then let out shows he is a creature, not an equal rival to God (Isaiah 14:12-15). • Even hell’s gates cannot move without divine permission (Revelation 1:18). • Knowing that Satan’s activity is limited by God encourages believers today to resist him confidently (James 4:7), trusting the Lord who holds the keys. summary Revelation 20:7 teaches that after a literal thousand-year reign of Christ, God will purposely release Satan from the abyss to carry out His final plan. The verse highlights God’s precise control over history, the unchangeable evil of the devil, and the necessity of personal faith even in ideal conditions. Ultimately, it sets the stage for Satan’s permanent defeat and the ushering in of the eternal state (Revelation 20:10-15; 21:1-4). |
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