Amillennialism

I am curious to know what people who believe in amillennialism believe pertaining to Satan being bound "a thousand" years-I know they say that that refers to the Gospel beings spread into all the world and satan thus not being able to "deceive the nations" any longer-but there are a few other parts of the Bible the refer to Satan being "bound a thousand years"-that I have not heard any amillennialist speak of. Such as the following:

Rev 20: 1 And I saw [b]an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more[/b], till the thousand years should be fulfilled: [b]and after that he must be loosed a little season[/b].

AM's say that it is the Gospel of Jesus Christ that has bound Satan (no doubt, that is a truth of scripture) but pertaining to that being the meaning of Rev 20, how can that be so, when the Scripture says " An angel took hold of Satan and bound him with the great chain, then threw him in the bottomless pit" see not only was the devil bound, but he was thrown into the bottomless pit-my question to the AM's is " What then is this bottomless pit"-is this also symbolic?

The other question I have, is this: Scripture says after the the thousand years are finished, Satan will be loosed a little season-now if in Rev 20 the binding of Satan refers to the Gospel being preached all over the world and that there is nothing Satan can do about this, then when Scripture says that he shall be "loosed a little season"-what does this mean-does this mean that now Satan will begin to prevail against the Gospel of Jesus Christ-because when you get to verse 7 it says:

7 [b]And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 8 And shall go out to deceive the nations[/b] which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.

Apparently after Satan is loosed from his PRISON , there are a group of people whom Satan does once again deceive.

How do AM's reconcile all this, to what they call Amillennialsim?

AM's say that it is the gospel that binds Satan, but John says that it was an angel with a great chain that bound Satan.

Hi, I am a "Loose Amillenlialist" by that I mean that I hold to it more than any other millennial position but I still hold to the fact that it doesn't quite answer all objections.

The first reason why I hold to AM is because Revelation is a book filled with symbolism and Revelation 20 is a good example:

I know of no one who believes that Satan is bound with a literal chain, a literal key, and in a literal bottomless pit with a literal seal over it. This is symbolic language.

Jesus says in Matt 12:29: "...how can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house." The context here is Jesus plundering the strongholds of Satan and this is possible because the strongman (Satan) has been bound by the work of Christ.

With the coming of Christ Satan is bound, not in the sense that he cannot move around, but "that he might not deceive the nations any longer" Rev 20:3)

As for Satan being loosed; God will allow Satan at the end of the age to "deceive the nations". Yes, this will occur while the gospel is being preached. Why does God allow this? I have no idea other than that is my interpretation the events.

So to answer your question, I do not see the prison/bottomless pit as literal but symbolic.

Hope this helps understand how an AM thinks.

Blessings!

Hi BlazedbyGod,

I would wonder the same things that you asked.

Sure we can allow for symbolisim, but with literal meaning, and not that which destroys all the sense and soundness of the words we are trying to understand.

A pit, closed off with a seal, is not a world-sized openair cage from which to still spit and hurl lies(2Co 4:3-4, John 8:44, 1Peter 5:8, 2Co 2:11).

Hello, friends. I'm working on this subject right now, and intend to have a full article in a few months.

My basic belief is that, just as the greater context of Rev. 20 implies, Satan is bound and prevented from inducing a collective, global persecution of the Church, and inducing the final deception by the Man of Sin. The "thousand years" are the time between the ascension and tribulation/return of Christ to judge the World and the Devil.

I heartily recommend:

[url=https://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?sourceonly=true&currSection=sermonssource&keyword=crichbaptist&subsetcat=series&subsetitem=The+Millennium]Chris Hand - 5 studies regarding the Millennium[/url], at sermonaudio... this is the most balanced and generous treatment of all views I've found. Very well stated.

Also, Sam Storm's article:
[url=http://www.enjoyinggodministries.com/article/problems-with-premillennialism/]Problems with Premillennialism[/url]

Pre millennialism will always draw jeers and arguments against, because it is all of Christ and none of man.

Who made all things? Who was all things made for?

Who will do all things for His Body the Church and draw Her to Himself for His Glory and our witness that He is God. He has made us, He has saved us, He has given us life in Himself, we are in Him which is our hope of Glory. Dead to sin, when we were crucified with Him on the Cross, it was me that died on the cross with Him, all my sin all my life, which is now made in Him to be pleasing to the Father just like the first Born beloved Son, In Whom we all move and live and have our being. We are His now by His working in us, we have no works but to do the works of Him that is in us, by Him and through Him, for He is our life, and it is in Him in whom we live.

"It is no longer I who live, but Christ who live in me. By this we know; Colossians 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: New creation race of God's Children, son's and heirs of God and Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Who do we live in by and as Him? It is Christ living in me coming forth as me, if I believe and want His life to come forth through me. I must give Him permission to use my life as His, that He might do greater thing in me than He has already done. It is His working in me mightily to bring forth the kingdom of God in the believers the Father has given Him.

Acts 17:28-31 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised him from the dead.

This is our repentance:

Strong's Greek Dictionary
3340. metanoeo
Search for G3340 in KJVSL
metanoew metanoeo met-an-o-eh'-o
from 3326 and 3539; to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (morally, feel compunction):--repent.

"Feel compunction", to know it is Christ in us that is our life, and may we offer our lives a living sacrifice, Holy and acceptable to Him, which is only our reasonable service for what He has done for us.

Praise God in the Highest on this Easter Day that brought forth a resurrected Savior Jesus Christ who is now our life, He in us and us in Him and the Father in us also with the Holy Spirit in us forever.

There was only one reason Jesus was in that Church House this Easter morning, every believer that walked through the door has Jesus in Him born again in the believer by the Incorruptable Seed of the Father, Jesus Christ, no longer I, but Jesus Christ now lives in me and all who brought Him into that auditorium, new creatures by the Christ in them.

Amen: In Christ:Phillip

JaySaved wrote:
The first reason why I hold to AM is because Revelation is a book filled with symbolism and Revelation 20 is a good example:

I know of no one who believes that Satan is bound with a literal chain, a literal key, and in a literal bottomless pit with a literal seal over it. This is symbolic language.

Jesus says in Matt 12:29: "...how can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house." The context here is Jesus plundering the strongholds of Satan and this is possible because the strongman [b](Satan) has been bound by the work of Christ[/b].

With the coming of Christ Satan is bound, not in the sense that he cannot move around, but "that he might not deceive the nations any longer" Rev 20:3)

As for Satan being loosed; God will allow Satan at the end of the age to "deceive the nations". Yes, this will occur while the gospel is being preached. Why does God allow this? I have no idea other than that is my interpretation the events.

[b]So to answer your question, I do not see the prison/bottomless pit as literal but symbolic[/b].

Blessings!

Jaysaved, if the prison, chain, and bottomless pit are all symbollic, then do you believe that the "ANGEL" that John saw is also symbollic? Because John says that it was angel that bound Satan-so is this referring to Christ as an angel symbollically-and if you believe it is, then why so? Why did not John see the Lamb binding Satan?

Also, if it is with the coming of Christ that Satan is bound-then what does it mean for Satan to be loosed-does this mean that Christ will have to re-ascend back to Heaven so that he can be loosed? AM's say the gospel binds Satan, but then when it comes to Satan being loosed, how can that mean anything else except possibly that Satan began to prevail against the Gospel-but then AM's won't say this? The very nations that he was bound from not deceiving, he is loosed and goes out and deceives them to join his army.

Revelation says that Satan is bound so that the nations will not experience deception for 1,000 years. Paul reminds us presently that Satan is the god of this world, deceiving and blinding many. The gospel liberates man from his tyranny, but, presently the Scriptures remind us that he roams about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. A roaming lion is not a bound serpent!

Who will Satan attack? Only those he knows he can devour. The roaming lion will not attack those that are stronger than he is. Who is stronger that Satan is? 1Jo 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1Jo 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

The only reason that Satan can attack the believer is with God's permission, as with Job, for Job's good and God's Glory.

Job 37:1-24 At this also my heart trembleth, and is moved out of his place. Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth. He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth. After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard. God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend. For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength. He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work. Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places. Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north. By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened. Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud: And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth. He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy. Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God. Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine? Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge? How thy garments are warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south wind? Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass? Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness. Shall it be told him that I speak? if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up. And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them. Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God is terrible majesty. Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict. Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart.

Only the mind will and emotions can be attacked with permission, not the Spirit, For that is Christ and also the Holy Spirit in our minds, which is now the mind of Christ directed by the Holy Spirit's quickening. Satan has no access to the Christ in our spirit or the mind where the Holy Spirit dwells, unless permission is given for our good unto obedience and God's Glory by the Christ in us, conforming us to the Mind and life of Christ that is in us. For as He is so are we in this world.

In Christ: Phillip

Hi again everyone,

Who will Satan attack? Only those he knows he can devour. The roaming lion will not attack those that are stronger than he is.

Phillip, this is contrary to the exhortation of scripture:

James 4:7, Eph 6:10-16, 1 Peter 5:8-9, 1Th 2:18

Chris

[i]Edited to correct a scripture refrence(1Th 2:18 was incorrectly entered as 1Th 2:8)[/i]

There's alot of things that come up with the Amil position that shows its on unstable ground. The explanation of the first resurrection is one of them. Amil argues this is when you are born-again instead of the glorious hope at Christ's return. That is a big red-flag.

Also, all the disciples of the apostles (polycarp, justin martyr, etc) were pre-mil and looked forward to a literal 1000 year reign on earth. There are many things that come down the pipe once you get through the initial layer of just that the millenium is now. Too much 'spiritualizing'. Anyone can say anything about anything then. There are definite things literal and definite things not. All you have to do is get beyond the initial layer and the cracks start to show.

These are some good references.

http://www.answersinrevelation.org/
http://www.olivetdiscourse.com/

Having come from one camp to the other, I am familiar with the counter points being made and can only say there were responses to these which satisfied them for me.

As for what it means for Satan to be bound at present, consider that Christ is really, but not literally, a Lamb who sits upon a throne. Likewise, Satan is really, but not literally "bound with a chain." He is prevented by angelic forces from leading the world in a collective deception and persecution of the Church, the likes which has never been nor shall again be.

As for the first resurrection pertaining to regeneration, this seems fairly apparent from Eph. 2:1-2, and Rev. 20:6 - those who take part in it are holy. The promise given is that those who are regenerated shall not die in vain, but depart to be with Christ the King, as the adopted heirs of God, until the "thousand years" are complete.

luk1:32  He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33  And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

jesus will sit on davids throne and reign.

James says this is fulfilled already:

Acts 15 -

"Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
15And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
16After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
17That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things."

The Jews read Amos 9 and looked for a physical kingdom. James interpreted it by the Spirit and showed that it is already here, as a spiritual kingdom.

BlazedbyGod said:

if the prison, chain, and bottomless pit are all symbollic, then do you believe that the "ANGEL" that John saw is also symbollic?

The angel can be literal or symbolic, it doesn't seem to matter. It could be a literal angel. Just because I see the chain, pit, and seal as symbolic doesn't mean I think everything is symbolic. Some things can be literal, for example Satan.

Also, if it is with the coming of Christ that @ BSatan is bound-then what does it mean for Satan to be loosed-does this mean that Christ will have to re-ascend back to Heaven so that he can be loosed?

Well, Christ is currently in Heaven, seated at the right hand of the Father (Psalm 110:1). Satan is currently bound, but the restraint will be loosed at the end of the age so that Satan can deceive again. Why? I have no idea, we will have to ask God about that. :-(

AM's say the gospel binds Satan, but then when it comes to Satan being loosed, how can that mean anything else except possibly that Satan began to prevail against the Gospel-but then AM's won't say this?

Satan is given the authority to wage war and for a time conquer even the saints Rev 13:7. But, Satan's end is sure and Christ will conquer. Satan will temporarily prevail against the gospel, but this is short-lived.

lovejt:

There's alot of things that come up with the Amil position that shows its on unstable ground. The explanation of the first resurrection is one of them. Amil argues this is when you are born-again instead of the glorious hope at Christ's return. That is a big red-flag.

We have to determine how many deaths are in view according to Revelation 20.
There are two:
First, natural death
Second, eternal death
Look closer at Revelation 20:4-6:

In verse 4-5, we see two groups: 1) The people who die during the Millennium and 2) those who "die" (raptured) at the return of Christ at the end of the age. (This is similar to Paul's writing in 1 Thessalonians 4:17-21).

Those who die during the Millennium reign with Christ in heaven.
Those who "die" when Christ returns do not "come to life" until then.

It is this "coming to life' that is called the First Resurrection. The First Resurrection is just another way of saying "Born again" (John 3) because it basically means that the Second Death has no power over them.

I admit that this is not a rock solid interpreation of this, but as of this moment this is where my study has brought me of this topic.

HI again everyone,

JaySaved,

Satan is currently bound, but the restraint will be loosed at the end of the age so that Satan can deceive again.

Satan has never stopped deceiving(2Co 11:3, Mat 24:5 - 1Jn 4:3, 2Co 11:14, 1Jn 5:19, 2Ti 3:13 - Jn 8:44, Rev 12:9).

The Gospel is not a bottomless pit.

A bottomless pit with a [b]seal[/b] set upon it is not a throne and kingdom from which to devise lies and false religons that sway vast portions of the population of this world(Eph 6:12).

Chris

Hi Michael,

James interpreted it by the Spirit and showed that it is already here, as a spiritual kingdom.

I think this is a good point. But also, I think that spiritual does not have to exclude physical(1 Co 10:3-4, 15:44) or that they should both not be together at some point in the future.

I think that there is more(Mat 25:31, Luke 19:11-17, 1 Co 4:8, Rev 2:26-27,3:21, 1Co 6:2-3, Rev 20:4).

Chris

I think this is a good point. But also, I think that spiritual does not have to exclude physical(1 Co 10:3-4, 15:44) or that they should both not be together at some point in the future.

Indeed, this is a point many forget. Biblically speaking, this is a pattern the Scriptures consistently maintain. The spiritual always has tangible physical counterparts. Part of this is why physical miracles even occur. Such outward demonstrations are demonstrations of a spiritual kingdom. Indeed, the entire story of redemption as laid out in the Scripture is dependent upon this very thing.

That is why though we are redeemed presently, we await the "redemption of our bodies." (Romans 8) That is, the resurrection of the dead and the millennial reign of Christ.

Satan is currently bound,

As somebody who used to lean towards Amillennialism, I can sympathize with this position. But I seriously must ask, where in all of the entirety of Scripture is Satan ever presented as presently bound? So far as I have studied, Satan is presently as the god of this age who is actively blinding the minds of those who do not believe, actively deceiving people, and is the "god of this world." Not only that, but he goes about freely, as a roaming lion, actively devouring whomever he can.

Indeed, the spirit of anti-Christ is ever present in this world. How can this be if Satan is presently bound?

Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Christ is our Armour, and Satan cannot attack unless he is given permission as with Paul, who ask for the messenger to be taken away, that Satan might flee, But God did not for Paul's good and God's glory. To keep Paul from being puffed up. Only with permission can Satan cause any problems for those that have the Armour of God, for who is the Armour of God?

Ephesians 6:10-24 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. Written from Rome unto the Ephesians by Tychicus.

We have Christ, Put Him on and the devil must flee.

We have no power to rebuke Satan, the Christ in us is why He must flee, that is the Armour that cannot be penetrated unless our faith has not Christ in its formation in us. Believe and Satan must flee, it is Christ in you that Satan must flee from, by His Faith in us that the Armour of God is protecting us from, any fiery darts and His lies, trying to get us to acknowledge the he has power us.

Ephesians 6:10-24 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on (Christ) the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you (Christ) the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, (in the liberty where with Christ has made you free) having your loins girt about with truth, (of Christ) and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (Christ who is our righteousness) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (which is Christ) Above all, taking the shield of faith, (The faith of Jesus Christ) Gal 2:16&20:
wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, (the Spirit of Christ) and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (Who is Christ) John 1: 1-4 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. Written from Rome unto the Ephesians by Tychicus.

In a sense, Satan is bound, but bound in Chains in a sealed pit, but bound by the power of Christ in the Believer. This is where Satan does his best work, deceiving believers that he still has power over them. So my brethren, "Stand fast in the liberty wherein Christ has made you free".

Ps 89:28 My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him.
Ps 111:8 They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
Jer 46:14 Declare ye in Egypt, and publish in Migdol, and publish in Noph and in Tahpanhes: say ye, Stand fast, and prepare thee; for the sword shall devour round about thee.
1Co 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
Ga 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Php 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Php 4:1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
1Th 3:8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
2Th 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

In Christ: Phillip