Some Thoughts From Revelation 20

The 20th chapter of Revelation is the source of much controversy confusion , especially when it comes to the denominational concept of the "millennial kingdom," or 1,000 year reign of Christ on earth. In this short article, I'd like to address this issue.

In the first seven verses of this chapter, we find the SOLE prooftext of the denominationalist's "millennial kingdom," which is the idea that Jesus will one day return to planet earth to set up His physical kingdom (based in Jerusalem) which will last for 1,000 years. Here in Revelation 20, John DOES mention the fact that saints would reign for 1,000 years, and He does say that Satan would be bound during this time. But nowhere does the inspired writer describe this "kingdom" as being earthly or based on earth. Nowhere is it stated that Jesus would reign in Jerusalem or that saints would experience something akin to "paradise" during this period of time. All it says is that the saints would reign with Christ and that Satan would be bound.

First of all, we have to understand that Revelation is a book of symbolism (Rev. 1:1). Those who interpret this book literally, comparing its contents to modern-day news stories are missing the point completely. The seal, trumpet and bowl judgments, the beast coming out of the sea, the sword coming out of Jesus' mouth, the frogs and mutant-locusts...every bit of this is symbolic.

Likewise, there is some symbolism in Revelation 20. Does "1,000 years" literally mean "1,000 years" or is the number symbolic? Is the binding of Satan literal? Is the devil really holed up in some pit, or is this binding symbolic? Sure, there are some literal truths in the book, but as a whole the book isn't literal.

Furthermore, these things were being written to 1st century Christians who were experiencing tribulation of their own (Rev. 1:1, 3-4, 9). To argue that the events of Revelation are yet future is to call John a liar. There may be some things towards the end of the book that have a futuristic application, and certainly the themes of Revelation can be applied and appreciated by Christians of ANY generation, but the primary audience died off thousands of years ago.

Here's the point: we have to keep Revelation 20 in context. Those who use this passage to promote a futuristic, millennial, messianic kingdom on earth are ignoring the nature, purpose, timing and audience of the book.

Furthermore, the Bible indicates that Jesus already set up His kingdom. In Mark 9:1, Jesus made the point that the kingdom would be established in THAT generation. Was Jesus a liar? Of course not. His kingdom was established in the first century, as seen in Acts 1-2. On the day of Pentecost, Peter made it very clear that Jesus had ascended to the Davidic throne, HIS throne, which was in heaven at God's right hand (Ac. 2:23-33). Paul told the Colossians that they were in the kingdom along with the rest of the saved (Col. 1:13-14). John himself, in the beginning chapter of Revelation, testified that he was in the kingdom (Rev. 1:9). Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 14:25-26 that Jesus is reigning NOW, and will reign until He returns. In other words, when Jesus comes back, He will END, not BEGIN His reign.

Somebody might say, "But Jesus isn't reigning now! Where is He?" This question cuts to the heart of the issue and reflects a level of ignorance that even existed among the Jews of the first century. Jesus' kingdom is not physical; it cannot be seen. Notice what Jesus said of His kingdom to Pilate in John 18:36: "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here." No commentary necessary.

Now that I've addressed the issue of the kingdom, let's take a look at the binding of Satan. Yes, Revelation 20 speaks of the binding of Satan in some pit. But is this indicitive of a complete removal of Satan from the world for a definite period of time? No! Jesus Himself in Matthew 12:29 that He came to BIND the "strong man" which is Satan. In other words, Jesus, by bringing salvation to men, overcame Satan and figuratively bound him. The devil is bound even today in that his power and influence have been greatly reduced. Yet he still walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom He may devour (1 Pet. 5:8). Satan still has power, and yet the scriptures indicate that he's been bound by the Lord. The binding, you see, is symbolic. The same is true, I believe, in Revelation 20.

I'm sure much more could be said about this. In fact, tomorrow I'd like to say some more about this wonderful chapter, Revelation 20. Let me know if you have any questions or disagreements. I'd love to discuss this with you.