Protection in Christ
Our Recovery Ministry is asking for a blessing for you and your family on this most holy holiday weekend. May your Resurrection Day be filled with knowing all of what God has done at the Cross and in the Resurrection in a greater and more moving way.
Our study of the end times according to the book of Revelation turns back to the significance of the “one thousand year” captivity of Satan. Rev. 20:2 informs of the ancient serpent—symbolic reference to Satan—bound for this period, the period of time from Christ’s resurrection to his return. Rev. 20:7 states, Satan is released “when the thousand years are completed” (v. 7 CSB) to continue his deception and gather his followers. An allusion to Gog and Magog, the prophesy of Ezekiel 38–39 in which the nations “gather for war” against Israel, symbolizes Satan’s preparation to persecute the church and its people. In Rev. 20:9 the “beloved city” (Jerusalem) is the target of Satan’s attack, a symbolic reference to the church (Jerusalem/”beloved city”) under persecution.
Revelation 20:9 (CSB)
9 They came up across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the encampment of the saints, the beloved city. Then fire came down from heaven and consumed them.
John uses “fire” as a symbol for judgement in v. 9. Satan and the people who follow him (“them” in v. 9) will be judged in their unbelief at the time of Christ’s return.
Revelation 20:10 (CSB)
10 The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet are, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
Finally the “unholy Trinity” of the beast, false prophet, and the ancient serpent are judged for their unbelief, leading to evil and persecution of God’s people. They are sent to the lake of fire forever (Rev. 20:10 CSB). While the believers time on earth—and involvement in the church—is not always easy, Rev. 20:7–9 offers a clear presentation of the end times victory and protection available to those who believe in Christ as their Savior and Lord.