Revelation 20:1-10

Let’s read: Revelation 20:1-10

Introduction

Kids, have you ever sat down to do a big puzzle? You open the box, pour out all the little pieces, and suddenly there are hundreds of tiny shapes and colors all mixed together on the table. It’s a little confusing, isn’t it? Some of the pieces have sky on them, some have part of a face or a tree—but you can’t always tell what it’s supposed to be just by looking at one piece. That’s why the picture on the puzzle box is so important. It shows you what the puzzle is supposed to look like when it’s finished. That picture helps you know where each piece fits.

Well, today we’re going to look at the “big picture” of God’s story. The Bible tells us that all of history is like a puzzle God is putting together. Sometimes our lives feel a little confusing, like one small piece of the puzzle—we might not understand why certain things happen, or where they fit. But when we step back and look at what God is doing—how the story ends—it helps us understand the little pieces too.

So, children and adults, here’s the question for all of us: Where is all of this going? Not just this service—but your life, our world, all of history. What’s the destination? What’s the big picture? Where is history headed? What’s God doing with the world, and how does our story fit into His?

That’s what eschatology is all about. And I want to say from the start: eschatology isn’t just some optional appendix at the back of our theology books, or a final chapter in a doctrinal system we never quite get to. No—the whole Christian faith is eschatological. Christianity is a forward-looking faith. It lives with the end in view. We believe that history has meaning because it has direction. And we believe that our lives as Christians only make sense when we see them as part of a much bigger story—a story that is moving toward a glorious and certain end.

But not everyone sees history that way.

In the ancient Greek world, for example, people believed that history was just a cycle—a great wheel turning endlessly. What had happened before would happen again. There was no ultimate goal, no final destination. Time went in circles, not in a straight line. And salvation, in that mindset, meant escaping history altogether—escaping time. God breaking into history to redeem it? That idea would have sounded absurd to them. To the Greeks, history was something to be endured or escaped, not something that could be redeemed.

But think about what that does to the meaning of life. If everything just repeats, then your choices don’t really matter. There’s no true progress, no real responsibility. And if nothing counts, then nothing really has meaning.

Jump ahead to our modern world, and you’ll find a different—but equally hopeless—view of history in atheistic existentialism. Instead of a cycle, it’s just chaos: no direction, no purpose, no goal. Just a string of random events. And so, people are told to make their own meaning, find their own truth, try to live “authentically.” But in the end, the story is still empty. History, as a whole, has no point.

And here’s what I want to say today: both of those visions—ancient and modern—are completely different from the Christian view. We believe history is going somewhere. We believe God is telling a story. And you and I are part of that story.

Eschatology, then, isn’t about speculation or timelines. It’s about God’s purpose for everything He has made. And that purpose—the end goal, or telos—was in His heart before the very first page of the Bible. Before He said, “Let there be light,” He already had the ending in view. And that end is glory. The glorification of His people. The renewal of creation. The joyful, eternal reign of Christ.

That means your life is not random. It’s not accidental. You are not adrift in a sea of meaningless events. You are a character in a story—a story written by a sovereign and good Author who is bringing all things to a glorious conclusion in Jesus Christ.

And here’s the most remarkable part: the end has already begun. When Jesus rose from the grave, He didn’t just defeat sin and death—He inaugurated the new creation. His resurrection was the first fruit, the first blossom of spring in a world headed for redemption. His resurrection is the guarantee that all of God’s promises are true, and that every part of this story—including your story—is going somewhere.

So yes, Christians may differ on how certain events unfold—whether they lean premillennial, postmillennial, or amillennial. But the real dividing line isn’t between those views. The real distinction is between those who believe history is a story of redemption and glory—and those who think it’s going nowhere.

And today, I want to invite you to see the big picture as begin to study Revelation 20. Let’s lift our eyes above the timelines and debates and remember the hope that drives it all. We live between the resurrection and the return. Between the already and the not yet. And every part of our Christian life is shaped by the end that we know is coming.

So let’s hear what the Spirit is saying through this passage. Because this isn’t just eschatology for the mind—it’s hope for the heart. It’s a call to live now in light of what’s coming.

Let’s start with: What Does John Want Us to See?

One of the most important lessons we’ve learned in our journey through Revelation is this: John is not giving us a chronological newspaper account. He’s giving us a series of visions. The book doesn’t say, “and then it happened, and then it happened.” It says, again and again, “and I saw… and I saw… and I saw.” That matters. Because what John sees next doesn’t always mean it happened next.

This is crucial when we come to Revelation 20. Because we might be tempted to assume that the events in chapter 20 come chronologically after the events of chapter 19—just as one chapter follows another in a book. But John isn’t handing us a timeline. He’s inviting us to see deeper spiritual realities. He’s giving us heaven’s perspective.

In Revelation 19, John had this glorious vision of Jesus riding on a white horse—Faithful and True—coming to judge and make war. The nations gather to resist him. But before any battle can even begin, Jesus wins. He speaks, and with the truth of His Word, it’s over. The beast and the false prophet are thrown into the lake of fire. It’s clear: Jesus is victorious.

Then in chapter 20, John says, “And I saw an angel coming down from heaven…” That’s the cue we’re stepping into another vision—a vision that’s peeling back a different layer of the same reality. John sees Satan bound for a thousand years. The saints come to life and reign with Christ. Satan is eventually released, gathers the nations again, and is defeated—again—by the sheer appearance of Jesus.

Here’s the question: Are there two final battles? Two showdowns between Jesus and the nations? Or is John showing us the same event, from different angles?

I think John is saying: “Let me show you what’s really happening behind the scenes.”

Behind the defeat of the beast, behind the final gathering of the nations, behind the judgment and the victory—what’s actually going on in the spiritual realm? John shows us Satan, the ultimate deceiver, bound. He shows us Jesus reigning. He shows us the Church—those who belong to Christ—coming to life and sharing in that reign.

It’s not so much a when question as a what question. What is really true right now?

John is like a pastor standing before a persecuted congregation and saying, “Look, I know it feels like evil is winning. I know it looks like the church is small and struggling. But I want you to see what’s actually true from heaven’s viewpoint: Jesus reigns. Satan is on a leash. The gospel is going forth. And you, beloved, are not weak and forgotten—you are alive and reigning with Christ.”

This is the message of Revelation: Things are not as they seem.

And Revelation 20 is John saying: “Let me show you what’s really going on.” That’s what John wants us to see.

When Did the Thousand Years Begin?

So now that we’ve asked, What does John want us to see?—we’re ready to take a closer look at one of the most debated parts of Revelation: the “thousand years.” John isn’t just giving us an abstract number or an optional theological detail—he’s showing us something deeply significant about the time we’re living in. Remember, Revelation isn’t just about the future; it’s about helping believers see the present through heavenly eyes.

When we hear about a “thousand years” in Revelation 20, it’s easy to picture a literal future golden age—a time when Jesus returns to reign visibly on earth, ruling from Jerusalem while Satan is locked away. But if we slow down, read this passage carefully, and interpret it in light of the rest of Scripture, a different picture begins to emerge. A deeply encouraging one.

Let’s start with what Revelation 20 actually says—and doesn’t say.

If this were describing a literal, earthly reign of Jesus in Jerusalem, you might expect to read about the physical return of Christ, the rebuilding of the temple, or the restoration of Israel’s land. But none of that is mentioned. What John sees are not physical bodies reigning on earth but souls reigning with Christ. These are the faithful who have died in the Lord. They have been victorious through suffering, and now they live and reign—not on earth, but in heaven—with their risen King.

And that vision fits beautifully with what Revelation has been showing us all along. Throughout the book, true worship, the temple, the ark, the altar, the throne—they’re all located in heaven. The New Jerusalem descends from heaven in chapter 21, not in chapter 20. The heavenly realm is where the true reign of the saints begins.

So, what is this “first resurrection” that John speaks of? It’s not about coming back to bodily life in Jerusalem—it’s about entering into life with Jesus after death. The faithful who die in Christ are not forgotten. They are not asleep in some unconscious waiting room. No—they are alive. They are reigning. They are safe from the second death and enjoying His presence and victory even now.

But that brings us to the key question: When does this thousand-year reign begin?

The best way to answer that question is to look at what happens at the start of the thousand years and ask: When in Scripture do we see these things taking place? Let’s begin with Revelation 20:1–3:

“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years…”

Notice: This vision doesn’t start with Jesus descending to earth. It starts with Satan [the dragon, the ancient serpent] being bound.

Now, this raises a natural objection: How can anyone say Satan is bound now? After all, we still experience temptation, sin, suffering, and spiritual warfare. The New Testament even calls the devil “a roaring lion” (1 Pet. 5:8). So what kind of “binding” is this?

We need to pay close attention to why Satan is bound. Revelation 20:3 tells us:

“…so that he might not deceive the nations any longer…”

This is the purpose of the binding—not to remove Satan from history entirely, but to restrain him in a very specific way: to stop him from deceiving the nations as he once did.

And that should sound familiar, because it’s exactly what Jesus said would happen in His earthly ministry.

Let’s turn to Mark 3:27. This verse is part of a larger episode where Jesus is casting out demons. His critics accuse Him of being possessed by Satan. But Jesus responds with a parable:

“But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house.” (Mark 3:27)

Who is the “strong man”? It’s Satan. And who is the one entering his house and binding him? It’s Jesus. This parable is Jesus’ own description of His mission: He has come to bind the devil, so that He can rescue people from Satan’s grip. Every time Jesus cast out demons, every time He healed the sick, every time He preached the good news of the kingdom, He was plundering Satan’s house.

So when did Satan get bound? According to Jesus—it was happening during His ministry. The victory was already being won, long before the cross. But the decisive moment came at His death and resurrection.

Jesus says in John 12:31:

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

That is, the cross is the moment of Satan’s defeat. He is thrown down. His power to deceive the nations is shattered. That doesn’t mean he can’t still lie, tempt, or stir up trouble. He absolutely can—and does. But it does mean that his ability to blind entire nations from the truth of the gospel has been bound. Before the cross, the nations were in darkness. They worshiped idols. As Paul said in Ephesians 2:12,

“remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.”

But now, through the gospel, the veil has been lifted. And that’s why after the resurrection, Jesus can say (Matt 28:18-19):

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”

That’s not a future claim—it’s a present reality. Jesus reigns now. He has authority now. How could the nations be discipled if Satan still had authority over them? They couldn’t. The reason we can go to the nations is because Satan no longer holds them captive the way he once did. The strong man has been bound (Mark 3:27), and now Jesus is plundering his house—one redeemed soul at a time. Mission exists because Satan is bound.

What about Colossians 2:15? Paul writes that Christ:

“…disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him [or in the cross].”

Again—Satan is not yet destroyed—that will happen at the end (Rev. 20:10)—but he is bound. His ability to blind the nations and keep them in darkness has been shattered. Before Jesus, the nations lived under deception. But now, through the gospel, the veil has been lifted.

This is the millennium—the age of gospel advance. And we are living in it. This is not something that will happen after Jesus returns. It’s what began with His resurrection and ascension and continues now as Christ reigns from heaven.

The apostle Paul says in Ephesians 1:20–22 that God:

“…raised [Christ] from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority… and put all things under his feet…”

That’s not future tense. That’s what happened after the resurrection. Jesus is reigning now. And this reign is what John sees in Revelation 20.

“Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed… They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.” (Rev. 20:4)

This reign is not only for martyrs, but for all who are spiritually united to Jesus. Paul says in Ephesians 2:5–6:

“…even when we were dead in our trespasses, [God] made us alive together with Christ… and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”

That’s the first resurrection—our spiritual resurrection. It’s what happens when we are born again by the Spirit of God. Revelation 20:5 says that those who take part in this resurrection are blessed and holy. They are secure. They live and reign with Christ.

So, it is my understanding that Revelation 20:1-10 is not a literal future event, but as a symbolic description of the present age in which Christ reigns and Satan is bound from stopping the gospel.

And that should bring us great comfort.

Because it means Jesus is on the throne now. The enemy is still dangerous, but he is on a leash. The Church is advancing. Souls are being saved. The kingdom of God is growing—even in places of darkness. The end of the story is already written, and it doesn’t depend on politics or programs or human power. It depends on Christ.

Conclusion

As we come to the end of Revelation 20, John invites us to see what’s really going on behind the scenes. Let’s think back to chapter 12: Satan—the great dragon—is thrown down. From that point on, it’s not the dragon himself doing the deceiving, but his agents. He’s bound, yes, but like a mafia boss behind bars, he’s still pulling strings through others.

Revelation shows us these agents clearly: the beast from the sea and the beast from the earth—symbols of corrupt political power and false religion. The first beast stands for governments that demand total allegiance, that persecute the church and exalt pride over humility. The second beast, later called the false prophet, represents deceptive spirituality—distorted truth that may even wear a Christian mask but serves power, not Christ.

So yes, Satan is bound—he can’t stop the gospel from spreading—but he’s still scheming through the systems and lies of this world. That’s why we must stay awake, discerning, and faithful.

Here’s the good news: the strong man is bound (Mark 3:27), and Jesus is plundering his house. Every person who comes to faith is another victory, another sign that darkness is losing its grip. Satan isn’t “alive and well.” He’s alive, but not well—he’s defeated, furious, and on borrowed time (Rev. 12:12).

Because of that, we don’t retreat—we advance. Now is the time. This is the age for mission, not apathy. Christ reigns. The gospel goes out. The nations can be discipled. Your neighbors, coworkers, and family can hear and believe. Don’t wait for a more convenient moment. This is the moment.

So what does John want us to take away?

Jesus is already King. He reigns now, not just someday.

You’ve already been made alive with Him. John 5:24 says you have passed from death to life.

You already reign with Christ. Ephesians 2:6 says you are seated with Him in the heavenly places.

And how does He reign today? Not as a conquering lion yet, but as the Lamb who was slain. He reigns through suffering, servanthood, and love—and we reign with Him in the same way. Every act of mercy, every time you forgive, every humble step you take—that’s kingdom work. That’s reigning with Christ.

So fix your eyes on Jesus. Not on charts or timelines, but on the Person at the center of it all:

Fix your eyes on the One who bound Satan and shattered deception.

The One who gave you life when you were dead in your sins.

The One who reigns now and invites you to share in His victory.

The One who will return—not to try again—but to finish what He already started.

This is the “millennium” John wants us to see: the reign of the Lamb, the victory of the gospel, and the sure hope of glory.

So, brothers and sisters, don’t lose heart. Keep going. Keep trusting. Keep your eyes on Jesus.

Transition to the Lord’s Supper

As we come to the Lord’s Table, everything we’ve seen in Revelation 20 leads us here. The One who bound the dragon, the One who reigns even now, is the same One who gave Himself for us on the cross. The Lamb who was slain is not only our King—He is our Redeemer.

This Table reminds us that His victory came through sacrifice. That He reigns not by crushing His enemies, but by dying for sinners. And so we come—not because we are worthy, but because He has made us alive. Not because we have triumphed, but because He has.

So if you belong to Jesus—if you’ve turned from your sin and trusted in His finished work—this meal is for you. Come in faith, come with joy, and come remembering: the King who reigns now is also the Lamb who gave His body and shed His blood for you.

Let us prepare our hearts to share in the feast of the reigning Christ.

Prayer (call the elders)

Gracious and victorious Lord Jesus,

We thank You for the truth of Your Word. Thank You for pulling back the curtain and showing us what is really true—that You are King, that Satan is bound, and that Your Church reigns with You even now. Thank You that, though evil still roars and rages, it does so on a leash You hold.

We praise You that You conquered not by force, but by love. Not with a sword in hand, but with nails in Your hands. You reign as the Lamb who was slain—and we worship You.

Father, help us to live with hope. Help us to see the world as You see it, to trust Your sovereign hand when things feel dark, and to walk in the victory that is already ours in Christ. We confess our weakness, our fear, our forgetfulness—and we ask now for the grace to remember. To remember the cross. To remember the empty tomb. To remember who we are in You.

And so, as we come to this Table, would You quiet our hearts? Would You prepare us to receive, not merely bread and wine, but the deep comfort of Christ’s presence?

May this meal nourish our faith, renew our hope, and strengthen our love. May it point us forward to the great banquet still to come.

Come now, Holy Spirit. Make the risen Jesus real to us again.

We pray this in His powerful name—Amen.