The Binding of Satan: A Figurative Perspective

Let us carefully examine Revelation 20, focusing on the binding of Satan as it is described in the text. The apostle John tells us of an angel descending from heaven, holding a key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. The angel seizes the dragon—identified as Satan—binds him, casts him into the pit, shuts it, and seals it for a thousand years.

Do Angels Have Bodies?

The first question to address is whether angels have physical bodies. Scripture provides clarity: angels are incorporeal beings—spirits without flesh and bone. Consider Jesus’ words in Luke 24:39, where He reassures His disciples after His resurrection:

“Touch me and see. A spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

Jesus demonstrates that spirits are non-material, contrasting with His glorified body. This truth applies to both the angel who binds Satan in Revelation 20 and Satan himself, who, as a fallen angel, is also a spirit.

Is This Passage Literal or Figurative?

This understanding of angelic nature brings us to a second question: Is the binding of Satan described in Revelation 20 meant to be taken literally or figuratively? The symbolic nature of Revelation must guide our interpretation. Elements such as the key, the chain, the pit, and the act of binding are not literal objects or actions but rather represent spiritual realities.

Consider the broader context of Revelation, a book filled with symbolic numbers and imagery. Just as the numbers in Revelation carry symbolic meaning, so do the actions described. None of this passage—keys, chains, physical binding, or sealing—is literal; instead, these symbols depict profound spiritual truths.

The Thousand Years

In verse 3, we are told that Satan is bound “so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended.” If we are consistent in interpreting the book of Revelation symbolically, we must also understand the thousand years as a symbolic number. It represents the fullness of time—the entire church age—rather than a literal thousand-year period.

This interpretation contrasts with certain premillennial and postmillennial views. Premillennialists often assert that Christ will establish a literal thousand-year kingdom on earth following His return. Similarly, some postmillennialists believe in a thousand-year golden age of Christianity before Christ’s return. However, the text itself does not warrant such conclusions. Instead, it points to a figurative understanding of the thousand years as the gospel age.

When Is Satan Bound?

To determine the timing of Satan’s binding, we turn to other passages of Scripture that describe Satan’s defeat and diminished power.

1. John 12:31 – Jesus, speaking of His approaching crucifixion, says:
   

   “Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.”

2. Colossians 2:15 – Paul writes that God, through Christ, disarmed the rulers and authorities, putting them to open shame and triumphing over them in Him.
3. Matthew 12:29 – When accused of casting out demons by the power of Satan, Jesus responds:
   

   “How can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man?”

   Here, Jesus likens Satan to the “strong man” who must be bound before his dominion is plundered. This binding of Satan occurred during Christ’s earthly ministry as He demonstrated authority over demons.

4. Luke 10:17-18 – After the seventy-two disciples return, rejoicing in their authority over demons, Jesus says:
   

   “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”

   This statement reflects the diminished power of Satan as Christ’s kingdom advances.

5. Revelation 12:8-10 – The apostle John describes how Satan is thrown out of heaven during Christ’s incarnation and redemptive work. This event signifies Satan’s inability to accuse the people of God before His throne.

From these passages, it is clear that Satan’s binding began with Christ’s first coming, particularly through His death and resurrection. His defeat is real and ongoing, though it is fully realized at the end of the age.

Interpreting Revelation Chronologically

A major difficulty for premillennialism arises if Revelation is read chronologically. Consider Revelation 19, which describes Christ’s defeat of the beast, the false prophet, and their armies:

“The beast was captured, and with it the false prophet… These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire… And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of Him who was sitting on the horse.” (Revelation 19:20-21)

If chapter 19 is read as preceding chapter 20 chronologically, all unbelievers have already been destroyed. Who, then, would Satan deceive and gather for battle after being released from his binding in chapter 20? There would be no nations left to deceive.

Instead, the better interpretation is that chapter 20 begins a new vision cycle, revisiting Christ’s first coming and describing His binding of Satan. The events of chapter 19 and chapter 20 depict the same realities but with differing emphases.

Satan’s Binding and His Activities

One objection to this view is the apparent contradiction between Satan’s binding and his ongoing activity. 1 Peter 5:8 warns believers that Satan prowls like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. How can Satan be bound if he remains active?

The answer lies in understanding the nature of his binding. Satan is restrained in his ability to deceive the nations and hinder the gospel’s advance. While his power is not entirely removed, his influence is significantly curtailed during the church age. This is why the gospel can go forth to all nations, and the kingdom of God continues to grow.

The Thousand Years as the Gospel Age

The thousand years of Satan’s binding represent the gospel age—the time between Christ’s first and second comings. During this period, Satan’s power is diminished, allowing the church to proclaim the gospel and bring people from every nation into Christ’s kingdom.

At the end of this period, Satan will be released briefly, gathering his forces for a final rebellion. However, this rebellion will be swiftly crushed, and Satan will be cast into the lake of fire, joining the beast and the false prophet in eternal judgment.

Conclusion

The binding of Satan and the thousand years in Revelation 20 are rich in symbolic meaning. This passage depicts the victory of Christ over Satan, the restraint of his power during the church age, and the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom. As we live in this gospel age, we take heart, knowing that Satan’s defeat is assured and Christ’s return is imminent. Let us labor faithfully, proclaiming the gospel to the nations, until the day when Christ’s reign is fully realized.

For the full audio of this article, see https://covenantbaptistnb.com/sermon-audio/the-binding-of-satan/