Introduction

The Scriptures warn us that we are living in a world filled with deception and spiritual battles. The final conflict described throughout Bible prophecy is not merely a struggle between earthly nations. It is a great controversy between truth and error, righteousness and sin, Christ and Satan, and those who choose to stand with heaven versus those who follow the rebellion of Satan.

The apostle Paul reminds us:

Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)
“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.”

Revelation gives us a picture of this spiritual conflict in the final days:

Revelation 16:13–14 (KJV)
“And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.”

When studying the Battle of Armageddon and the final chapter in this life long war between Christ and His angel and Satan and his angels, the Battle of Gog and Magog, we must carefully examine what the Bible actually says rather than allowing current events, political speculation, or popular interpretations to determine our understanding of prophecy. There is a massive deception taking place today to throw all Christians off course. The three unclean spirits are working through wickedness, and the Lord is working through His three angels message of Revelation 14 to overthrow the three unclean spirits.

1. THE LAST-DAY DECEPTION

The Bible repeatedly warns that deception will be one of the defining characteristics of the last days. Conflicts of wars and rumors of wars are devised by Satan to restructure his "one mind system" and to confuse the earth and keep control, but just like in Genesis chapter 11, God will confound them and destroy their evil work as it says in Daniel 2:44 - "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever."

The purpose of this study is to examine the biblical evidence concerning Gog and Magog and to challenge interpretations that connect this prophecy primarily with modern political conflicts without first establishing that connection from Scripture.

The final conflict described in Revelation involves the gathering of the nations for “the battle of that great day of God Almighty.”

The central question, therefore, is not merely:

Which nations are involved?

The greater question is:

Whom are we following, and upon whose side will we be on and stand when the final conflict comes in the Battle of Armageddon of Gog and Magog?

2. THE TWO PATHS BEFORE HUMANITY

Solomon wrote:

Ecclesiastes 1:9 (KJV)
“The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.”

History continually demonstrates the consequences of obedience and disobedience.

Every person must make a choice concerning the path they will follow in this battle of Armegeddon. Christ plainly described these two paths:

Matthew 7:13–14 (KJV)
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

The choice is ultimately one of eternal life or destruction. Humanity must choose between truth and error, obedience to King Christ or Satan and his rebellion.

3. THE GREAT CONTROVERSY

The conflict described in Scripture is greater than any earthly military confrontation.

It is a conflict between good and evil, between heaven and Satan's rebellion.

The final events of this conflict culminate in the judgment of the wicked and the destruction of sin.

Revelation declares:

Revelation 20:14–15 (KJV)
“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

Malachi likewise describes the final destruction of the wicked:

Malachi 4:1 (KJV)
“For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.”

And again:

Malachi 4:3 (KJV)
“And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.”

The final judgment demonstrates that Satan's rebellion will not succeed when the fulfillment of Gog and Magog have been completed.

4. THE VALLEY OF DECISION

The world is surrounded by spiritual deception, and many people fail to recognize the seriousness of the conflict taking place around them.

The prophet Joel wrote:

Joel 3:14 (KJV)
“Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.”

The imagery of the valley reminds us of the seriousness of the choices before humanity.

The Scriptures call us to remain spiritually awake and to put on the armour of God rather than allowing ourselves to become spiritually dead and partaking of the dry bones of Ezekiel 37.

The Bible gives us this assurance:

Psalm 91:7 (KJV)
“A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.”

The believer's confidence must be in God rather than in human strength so that we can survive this battle and make it to heaven victorious.

5. THE DANGER OF FALSE PROPHETS

One of the great dangers of the last days is deception through false teachers and false prophets.

Jesus warned:

Matthew 7:15 (KJV)
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”

The Bible also describes those who desire messages that agree with their own desires rather than the truth of God's Word:

Isaiah 30:10 (KJV)
“Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits.”

Christ further warned:

Matthew 15:14 (KJV)
“Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.”

This warning should cause every student of Scripture to examine teachings carefully.

We should never accept a prophetic interpretation merely because it is popular, politically convenient, or widely repeated.

6. THE WORD OF GOD: THE BREAD OF LIFE

The answer to spiritual deception is not speculation. It is the Word of God.

Christ said:

John 6:51 (KJV)
“I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever.”

Jesus also spoke of spiritual water:

John 4:14 (KJV)
“But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

If we want to recognize deception, we must know the truth. The Word of God must penetrate our hearts and minds. We must continually partake of the Bread of Life and drink from the fountain Christ provides. Only through a relationship with Christ and submission to God's KJV Word can we remain spiritually prepared for the final conflict.

7. THE SEVEN TRUMPETS AND THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES

Revelation describes the judgments of God in the closing events of earth's history.

Revelation 8:2 (KJV)
“And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.”

Later, John writes:

Revelation 15:1 (KJV)
“And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.”

The final judgments and execution of God's wrath demonstrate the seriousness of rebellion against God. The justice of God will ultimately be revealed, and every person will reap the consequences of the path they have chosen throughout every generation in this Battle of Armageddon against truth and error.

8. WARS AND RUMOURS OF WARS

Jesus specifically warned His disciples not to mistake wars and political conflicts for the immediate fulfillment of every end-time prophecy.

Matthew 24:6–7 (KJV)
“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.”

Notice Christ's words:

“but the end is not yet.”

Therefore, wars and rumors of wars must be examined in light of the entire prophetic testimony of Scripture. Current events should not be allowed to determine biblical interpretation. Rather, Scripture must determine how we understand current events.

9. GOG AND MAGOG

This brings us to the central subject of this study.

Where do we find the Battle of Gog and Magog?

The answer is found particularly in Ezekiel 38–39 and Revelation 20.

These passages must be studied carefully and compared with one another.

Revelation 16 describes spirits of devils going forth to the kings of the earth and the whole world:

Revelation 16:14 (KJV)
“For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.”

Revelation 20 gives another important description:

Revelation 20:10 (KJV)
“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”

The passage identifies Satan as the great deceiver.

This is essential when studying Gog and Magog because the final conflict is ultimately connected with Satan's deception and rebellion against God with the devil and his host finally being consumed by God's judgment, execution of it and the destruction of the wicked in the final chapter of Armegeddon; Gog and Magog.

10. THE FINAL DECEPTION

Satan's objective is to deceive humanity just as he has been doing from day one in heaven when war broke out as Revelation 12 proclaims.

The Scriptures repeatedly warn that error may be presented in a way that resembles truth.

Therefore, we must be careful when interpreting prophecy and laying down the Biblical rules. 

2 Peter 1:20 (KJV)

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation."

A mixture of truth and error can be more dangerous than an obvious falsehood because it can appear biblical correct while leading people away from the actual testimony of Scripture truth.

The final deception will involve the nations being gathered together against God, His people and the city of God where His saints will be protected in the final stand-off "Gog and Magog" in Armageddon.

The Bible warns us that spiritual warfare lies behind the visible events of the world.

11. THE CHRISTIAN'S RESPONSE TO SIN

The gospel does not give us permission to continue in sin. 

Romans 6:1 (KJV)

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?"

Romans 6:15 (KJV)

"What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid."

We are called to love God and keep His commandments.

1 John 5:3 (KJV)

"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous."

1 John 5:2 (KJV)

"By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments."

John 15:1 (KJV)

"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."

When we fall into temptation, however, we have a Saviour who will pardon our sins.

1 John 1:9 (KJV)

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

1 John 2:2 (KJV)

"And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."

We must turn to God in repentance and seek forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

Acts 3:19 (KJV)

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;"

Acts 26:18 (KJV)

"To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me."

Our relationship with God must therefore include prayer, repentance, obedience, faith, and dependence upon the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 6:1 (KJV)

"Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,"

James 5:15 (KJV)

"And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him."

We cannot overcome deception through human wisdom alone.

1 Corinthians 1:30 (KJV)

"But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:"

1 Corinthians 2:5 (KJV)

"That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."

We need the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we study the Word of God.

John 14:26 (KJV)

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you”

1 John 2:27 (KJV)

“But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him”

12. THE FINAL CONFLICT

The Bible reveals that Satan is building a kingdom of rebellion against God. This final kingdom of Satan will be in one accord and have one mind as Revelation 17 proclaims.

Revelation 17:13 (KJV)

 "These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast." This shows that "one mind" 

But that kingdom will not stand forever because God has already won and will set up his kingdom and that will stand forever as Daniel 2:44 proclaims.

The final conflict in Armageddon - Gog and Magog will demonstrate the complete superiority of God over Satan, his wicked host, sin, and every power that has opposed heaven.

Revelation, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Malachi, Daniel, Matthew 24, Luke 21, and Revelation describes the gathering of the nations for a final battle, while Revelation 20 describes the ultimate destruction of Satan and the wicked in Gog and Magog, which takes place after the 1000 years, the 2nd resurrection, the bowing of the wicked, then Satan gathering the wicked from the 4 corners of the earth to once again sin against God and take the city and the tree of life, then God's wrath pours out and destroys them all both root and branch.

1. The final outcome is certain.
2. God wins.
3. Satan loses.
4. Sin is destroyed.
5. The wicked are judged.
6. And God's righteousness is vindicated before the ALL.
7. The new heaven and earth are rebuilt

13. THE IMPORTANCE OF DISCERNMENT

Because deception is so prominent in prophecy, we must exercise biblical discernment. We should not allow television, radio, the internet, political commentary, or popular prophetic teachers to become our authority. Our authority must be the Word of God. Every interpretation should be tested by Scripture. Every prophetic claim should be examined carefully. Every teaching should be compared with the whole counsel of God's Word.

The apostle Paul gives us the proper principle:

Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)
“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.”

This is why the Christian must remain spiritually alert because we are contending against sin and lies of the devil in this battle of Armageddon. We do not want to be left outside the city of God and be destroyed in the battle of Gog and Magog.

14. THE CENTRAL ISSUE: WHOM WILL WE SERVE?

The final battle is ultimately about worship, allegiance, truth, and obedience. Every person is moving toward one of two destinations. One path leads to life. The other leads to destruction.

Christ said:

Matthew 7:14 (KJV)
“Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

CONCLUSION

The Battle of Gog and Magog must be examined through the Scriptures rather than through speculation concerning current political events.

Ezekiel and Revelation provide the prophetic truth, while the rest of Scripture gives us the spiritual principles necessary to understand the conflict.

The Bible warns that Satan will deceive the nations. It warns us about false prophets, false teachings, spiritual wickedness, and the final gathering of the nations against God to be destroyed.

1. Yet the final outcome certain.
2. The LORD will be victorious.
3. The devil will be destroyed.
4. Sin will come to an end.
5. The wicked will receive judgment.
6. And God's righteousness will be revealed.

The final declaration of Scripture is therefore not about the strength of Satan's kingdom, the power of earthly nations, or the size of an invading army. It is about the glory of God.

Revelation 16:14 (KJV)
“the battle of that great day of God Almighty.”

And ultimately:

Revelation 20:14–15 (KJV)
“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

Therefore, while we study prophecy, we must also prepare our hearts.

1. We must seek truth.
2. We must reject deception.
3. We must study the Word.
4. We must pray.
5. We must repent when we fall.
6. We must keep our eyes upon Jesus Christ.
7. And we must remain faithful until the end.
8. The great controversy will end exactly as God has declared.

The kingdom of Satan will not prevail. The Word of God will stand. Christ will triumph. And the nations shall know that He is LORD. 

Today, the false teachers are turning heads towards the Iran war. They claim that all nations will turn against the literal nation Israel who have rejected Christ as King until this day. These false teachers are using Ezekiel 38 to proclaim this as truth, which it is not. The Iran conflict is the building block to Satan's appearing where he will pretend to be the Christ and the king of the World. But he is not so. The True Son of God, our Lord and King Jesus Christ will NOT step foot on this earth again until the wicked are destroyed in the final chapter of Armegeddon: Gog and Magog.

 

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The LORD’s Judgment Against Gog

Ezekiel 38:14

Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely, shalt thou not know it?

Verse 14 — Israel dwelling safely

God tells Ezekiel to prophesy concerning Gog. The setting is a time when God's people, Israel, are dwelling safely.

The important point is that Gog sees Israel in a condition of security and determines to come against them.

Key phrase:

“my people of Israel dwelleth safely”

God specifically calls Israel “my people.”

Ezekiel 38:15

And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army:

Verse 15 — A great army comes

Gog comes from the “north parts” with many people.

The army is described as:

• riding upon horses
• a great company
• a mighty army

This isn't presented as a small attack. It is an enormous military force coming against Israel.

Ezekiel 38:16

And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.

Verse 16 — The invasion occurs in the latter days

Gog's army comes against Israel:

“as a cloud to cover the land”

That gives us a picture of an enormous multitude.

Then God says:

“it shall be in the latter days”

This places the prophecy in an end-times setting.

But notice something very important: God says He will bring Gog against His land.

The purpose isn't simply military. God says:

“that the heathen may know me”

God intends to reveal His power and holiness to the nations.

Ezekiel 38:17

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Art thou he of whom I have spoken in old time by my servants the prophets of Israel, which prophesied in those days many years that I would bring thee against them?

Verse 17 — God has spoken about this before

God asks Gog:

“Art thou he of whom I have spoken in old time by my servants the prophets of Israel...?”

God presents this event as something that fits within His previously declared prophetic purpose.

In other words, Gog's invasion does not take God by surprise.

Ezekiel 38:18

And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, that my fury shall come up in my face.

Verse 18 — God's fury

When Gog comes against Israel, something dramatic happens:

“my fury shall come up in my face.”

God's anger is directed against the invading force.

The enemy may believe that it is coming to conquer Israel, but the prophecy reveals that the invasion brings the army directly into God's judgment where CHRIST will pour out his wrath as it says in Revelation 20..

Ezekiel 38:19

For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel;

Verse 19 — A great shaking

God declares:

“there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel”

This is associated with God's jealousy and the fire of His wrath.

The picture is one of tremendous supernatural POWER.

Ezekiel 38:20

So that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and all the men that are upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.

Verse 20 — Creation itself shakes

The description becomes enormous in scope.

The fish, birds, animals, creeping things, and people are all affected.

Then:

“the mountains shall be thrown down”

“every wall shall fall to the ground.”

The language describes an extraordinary shaking of the land.

The central idea is that God's presence and judgment are so powerful that the entire created environment is affected.

Ezekiel 38:21

And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man's sword shall be against his brother.

Verse 21 — The enemy turns against itself

God says:

“every man's sword shall be against his brother.”

This is a remarkable detail.

Instead of Israel defeating this enormous army through ordinary military strength, confusion and division come upon the attacking forces themselves.

The enemy begins fighting against itself.

This is consistent with other Old Testament examples where God causes confusion among Israel's enemies and gives Israel victory.

Ezekiel 38:22

And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.

Verse 22 — Pestilence, blood, hail, fire and brimstone

God describes several forms of judgment:

• pestilence
• blood
• overflowing rain
• great hailstones
• fire
• brimstone

The judgment is not described as merely human warfare.

The passage emphasizes God Himself intervening against Gog and the armies with him.

Ezekiel 38:23

Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.

Verse 23 — God's ultimate purpose

This is the great conclusion of the passage.

God says:

“Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself”

And then:

“I will be known in the eyes of many nations”

And finally:

“they shall know that I am the LORD.”

This is the ultimate purpose of the entire event.

God's name is magnified.
God's holiness is revealed.
The nations recognize His power.
And they know that He is the LORD.

Place an anchor here...***************************************************************

Revelation 20 — Verse-by-Verse Breakdown

Revelation 20:1

“And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.”

Breakdown

• “I saw an angel come down from heaven” — John sees an angel sent from God, heavenly Angel to bind up Satan and his rebellion.
• “having the key of the bottomless pit” — The angel has authority over the earth described as the bottomless pit or abyss, after the Lord destroyed Satan's kingdom through the seven last plagues and the seven trumpets or Judgements of God.
• “and a great chain in his hand” — The chain represents this angel's power to place a restraint over satan and his host and confine them all. They will behold their desolate kingdom for 1000 years.

Meaning

God sends an angel from heaven with supreme authority to execute final judgment on Satan's reign. Possessing the key to the abyss, this angel demonstrates that God alone controls the fate of the earth and the bottomless pit. With the great chain, he binds and restrains Satan and his host, casting them into prison.

The earth, made desolate by the judgments of God, becomes the prison-house where Satan is confined for 1000 years. There he awaits his final trial and execution — the second death — where both soul and body will be destroyed by fire until he and his host become ashes under the soles of our feet.

Final Fulfillment: Malachi 4:1-3, Revelation 20:7-15

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Revelation 20:2

“And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,”

Breakdown

The Apostle/Prophet John gives Satan several names:

• “the dragon”
• “that old serpent”
• “the Devil”
• “Satan”

These titles identify the fallen angel Lucifer because of his rebellion.

Then:

• “bound him” — Satan is restrained, placed into prison where he cannot deceive, tempt, cause others to sin, or torture, nor destroy lives no longer until he is released one more time after the 1000 years. 
• “a thousand years” — This period is stated a few times in Revelation 20.

Meaning

The Thousand-Year Restraint

Satan is personally restrained for a thousand years, bound by chains through the sovereign power of God.

The phrase “a thousand years” is commonly referred to in modern theology as the Millennial Kingdom or the Millennium. However, it is critical to note the condition of the earth during this period. Satan’s earthly kingdom will be left utterly destroyed and desolate as a result of the seven last plagues and the seven trumpets. There will be no heaven on earth until the wicked are destroyed in the final chapter of Armageddon: Gog and Magog of Revelation 20.

At Christ’s return, He will not set foot upon the earth. Rather, He will meet His redeemed in the clouds to receive them into the Holy City — the cubed city He has prepared. There, the saints will dwell with Christ for one thousand years, participating in the judgment of the wicked.

1 Corinthians 6:3
“Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?”

As Revelation 20 proclaims, Satan and the wicked, along with sin, hell, and death itself, must be destroyed,

The widespread belief in a false prophetic system that Christ will establish an earthly reign during this thousand years is a deception. The earth will be made a desolation where Satan will behold his kingdom of nothingness. It is perpetuated by the ministers of Satan to condition the world to receive Satan himself as a counterfeit Christ — the central deception of the Mark of the Beast conflict.

For further study, please see our pages on Satan's Appearing and the Mark of the Beast.

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Revelation 20:3

“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, till the thousand years should be fulfilled...”

Breakdown

Four things happen:

1. Satan is cast into the bottomless pit.
2. He is shut up.
3. A seal is placed upon him.
4. His ability to deceive the nations is restricted.

Notice the words:

“that he should deceive the nations no more”

This is specifically connected with Satan's deception of the nations.

Then the Prophet John says:

“till the thousand years should be fulfilled”

His confinement has a specific duration and purpose.

Important point

The verse then says:

“and after that he must be loosed a little season.”

The Purpose of Satan's Release and the Judgment of the Saints

Satan's release is not an accident. It is permitted by God for a short, predetermined season. He is to be sealed and shut up until the one thousand years have expired.

During this millennium, Satan will be given time to contemplate the full extent of the evil he has perpetrated. He will behold his desolate kingdom, and he and his host will stand on trial for all they have done.

Concurrently, while Satan and his angels remain bound, the saints will be in heaven engaged in the work of judgment, reviewing the deeds of the wicked — as the following verse declares and these witnesses proclaim:

Biblical Witnesses: Judgment Committed to the Saints

During the thousand years, judgment is committed to the saints in heaven while Satan remains bound upon the desolate earth.

1 Corinthians 6:3 — "Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?"

1 Corinthians 6:2— "Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?"

Daniel 7:22 — "Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom."

Jude 1:14-16— "And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage."

Luke 22:30— "That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

Revelation 20:4— "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."

Matthew 19:28 — "And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

Revelation 2:26-27— "And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father."

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Revelation 20:4

“And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them...”

John now shifts his attention from Satan to those who reign with Christ.

He sees:

• thrones
• people sitting upon them
• judgment being given to them

Then John says:

“and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God”

These are the children of God who were martyred because of their testimony for Jesus and God's Word.

He continues:

“and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image”

These individuals refused to worship the beast.

They also refused:

“neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands”

This connects Revelation 20 with the events concerning the beast and his mark described earlier in Revelation chapter 14. Please see our mark of the beast page if you do not understand this subject.

Then comes the key statement:

“and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”

Meaning

Alive and Reigning with Christ

These faithful believers are alive and reigning with Christ for the thousand years.

The Central Idea:

Christ reigns, and those who remained faithful to Him share in His reign in heaven. After the saints are called forth from their dusty graves and are caught up together in the clouds to meet the Lord, they receive their eternal reward. From heaven, they shall judge the wicked while looking down upon Satan and his desolate kingdom upon the earth.

Isaiah 14:16-18— "They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?"

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Revelation 20:5

“But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.”

This verse makes an important distinction.

John says:

“the rest of the dead lived not again”

That means there are people who are not included in the 1st resurrection described in verse 4. This means those who are in the second resurrection are not making it into heaven. They have rejected the heavenly invitation throughout their lives 

They do not live again until the thousand years are finished.

Then:

“This is the first resurrection.”

Meaning

Revelation describes a resurrection connected with those who belong to Christ and reign with Him. The others will be judged while they sit in prison of their dusty graves.

The passage then distinguishes this from the resurrection of “the rest of the dead.”

This distinction becomes extremely important when we reach verses 11–15.

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Revelation 20:6

“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection...”

This is a tremendous statement of blessings.

Those who participate in the first resurrection are described as:

• blessed
• holy

Then:

“on such the second death hath no power”

What is the second death?

Revelation later identifies it as being cast into the lake of fire for eternal punishment in the second death where death and hell will be burned up. They will burn forever and ever until both soul and body, root and branch are stubble. References are found as follow:

1. The Two Resurrections and the Final Reward

   Matthew 10:28— "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."

   Malachi 4:1, 3— "For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. ... And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts."

   2 Thessalonians 1:8-9— "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;"

   Revelation 20:14-15— "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."

   Those who participate in the first resurrection have no reason to fear the second death.

   Then it is written:

   “...but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”

   There are two major privileges granted to the redeemed:

   1. They shall be priests of God and of Christ.
   2. They shall reign with Christ for a thousand years.

   There is a reward of eternal blessing for those who take part in the first resurrection. Those who take part in the second resurrection shall be burned up and become as ashes under the soles of the feet of the righteous.

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Revelation 20:9

“And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city...”

The rebellious nations surround:

• “the camp of the saints”
• “the beloved city”

The beloved city translates to the new Jerusalem where the tree of life is located.

The picture is one of an enormous final assault against God's people. The wicked want life, they want the tree of life inside the city of God, even when it does not belong to them. They are thieves and liars who shall be destroyed. The Lord shows to all once again that these evil souls have turned to their unrighteousness and make an assault on the Lord, His people and His kingdom for the last time.

But then something remarkable happens:

“and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.”

Meaning

God does not need a prolonged battle anymore. All cases have been decided, and now the time has come for the execution. All the suffering they caused to mankind, they will reap it all and much more.

The rebellion is ended by divine judgment.

God simply sends fire from heaven and destroys the attacking forces of Satan.

The lesson is powerful:

No rebellion against God can ultimately succeed. Now the battle of Armageddon which began in heaven with Satan's rebellion has come to an end in the battle of Gog and Magog. 

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Revelation 20:10

“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone...”

Now Satan himself receives his final judgment.

Notice the progression of Revelation 20:

Verse 2

Satan is bound.

Verse 3

Satan is confined.

Verse 7

Satan is released.

Verse 10

Satan is cast into the lake of fire.

This is Satan's final destination before we walk on his ashes and his rebellion.

John says:

“where the beast and the false prophet are”

The beast and false prophet is the entire collective body of nations who were working with False Christianity and those who had pushed for Sunday laws to worship the beast and his image of Sunday exaltation over the Seventh Day Sabbath of KING JESUS. 

Then:

“and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” UNTIL both root and branch, both soul and body are consumed like a log does in a fire. Malachi 4.

Meaning

Satan's judgment is described as everlasting punishment of DEATH! Satan and his hosts will burn forever and ever, punished into death. 

His rebellion ultimately ends in complete and permanent judgment of DEATH.

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Revelation 20:11

“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it...”

Now we arrive at one of the most solemn scenes in Scripture.

John sees:

“a great white throne”

The throne represents authority, righteousness, purity, and judgment. It is the throne of God!

Then:

“from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away”

The scene is so overwhelming that heaven and earth even had fled away from the presence of the One sitting upon the throne.

John concludes:

“and there was found no place for them.”

Meaning

The present order of creation is giving way to the followers of Christ.

The focus is now on the final judgment against the wicked.

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Revelation 20:12

“And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God...”

Notice that the dead are now standing before the great white throne of God.

John says:

“and the books were opened”

The imagery is of God's complete record and judgment against every case and name found in this book of death and life.

Then:

“and another book was opened, which is the book of life”

There are therefore two concepts being emphasized:

The books — God's record concerning judgment.

The book of life — the record of those who belong to God.

Then:

“and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”

Meaning

God's judgment is completely righteous and informed. 

Nothing is hidden from God. Everything will be brought to the Judgement. 

The phrase “according to their works” emphasizes that God judges people justly according to what they have done. The very ten commandments that they had rejected will be the very law that condemns them without a Saviour to help them any longer.

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Revelation 20:13

“And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them...”

Nothing prevents someone from appearing before God's judgment. Every single person will stand before God and be blessed or cursed for eternity. 

Even those who died at sea are raised to meet the judgment of God.

Then:

“and they were judged every man according to their works.”

Again, the text emphasizes every individual will give accountability.

Important observation

God's judgment is not limited by:

• where someone died,
• how long ago they died,
• whether their body was preserved,
• or whether they were buried,
• or burned 
• or anything

God has authority over death itself, and he will execute His wrath upon all the wicked dead. 

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Revelation 20:14

“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”

This is an extraordinary statement.

Death itself is ultimately destroyed.

So is hell in the KJV wording of this verse.

Then Scripture explicitly explains:

“This is the second death.”

The second death is the final judgment associated with the lake of fire where both soul and body will no longer exist once it is finished the purpose of God.

First death

Physical death.

Second death

Final judgment in the lake of fire in the battle of Gog and Magog.

The second death is therefore the final and irreversible judgment of God.

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Revelation 20:15

“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

This is the final verse of the chapter.

The determining statement is:

“not found written in the book of life”

Those whose names are not found in the Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire.

Meaning

Conclusion: The Final Separation

Revelation 20 concludes with the Battle of Armageddon --Battle of Gog and Magog. It represents the final and ultimate separation between those who belong to God and those who remain under the judgment of God.

Today is the day to make your life right with God. Repent, and turn to the straight and narrow path. Do not fall for the kingdoms of lies perpetuated by Satan, where the false prophet of counterfeit Christianity is causing the world to worship the beast and his image of lawlessness — a rebellion against the Law of God.

Please explore our website for much more Biblical truth that will prepare you for heaven.

 

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The Big Picture of Revelation Chapter 20

Revelation 20 can be divided into five major events:

1. Satan is bound — verses 1–3

Satan is imprisoned in the bottomless pit for 1,000 years.

2. Christ and His saints reign — verses 4–6

Those who belong to Christ reign with Him for 1,000 years.

3. Satan is released — verses 7–10

Satan is released for a short season and deceives the nations into one final rebellion of Gog and Magog.

God destroys the rebellion.

Satan is then permanently cast into the lake of fire.

4. The great white throne judgment — verses 11–13

The dead stand before God.

The books are opened.

Everyone is judged according to his works.

5. The second death — verses 14–15

Death and hell are cast into the lake of fire.

Anyone whose name is not found in the Book of Life is cast into the lake of fire.

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A Very Important Connection

Revelation 20 becomes much easier to understand when you notice the order:

Satan bound → 1,000-year reign → Satan released → final rebellion → Satan judged → great white throne → final judgment → lake of fire

The order can get much clearer by adding more Scripture verses throughout the Bible. 

And then Revelation 21 begins with:

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth...”

Revelation 20 is essentially the final judgment chapter for the old world because the next chapter is the eternal life state described in Revelation 21–22.

Let's take a look and compare some verses in Ezekiel 38 and Revelation 20 

Ezekiel 38:14–23 vs. Revelation 20:7–10

King James Version (KJV)

Subject	Ezekiel 38	Revelation 20
Time	“In that day” and “the latter days” — vv. 14, 16	“When the thousand years are expired” — v. 7
Main figure	Gog — vv. 14, 16–18	Satan / the devil — vv. 7–10
Gog & Magog	Gog is addressed; Magog is identified in Ezekiel 38:2	“Gog and Magog” are explicitly named — v. 8
Who gathers them?	God says, “I will bring thee against my land” — v. 16	Satan “shall go out to deceive the nations” — vv. 7–8
Who is gathered?	Gog, “many people,” “a great company, and a mighty army” — v. 15	“The nations which are in the four quarters of the earth” — v. 8
Size	“A great company, and a mighty army” — v. 15	“The number of whom is as the sand of the sea” — v. 8
Where do they come from?	Gog comes from “the north parts” — v. 15	Nations come from “the four quarters of the earth” — v. 8
Who is attacked?	“My people of Israel” — v. 16	“The camp of the saints and the beloved city” — v. 9
How are they described?	They come “as a cloud to cover the land” — v. 16	They go “up on the breadth of the earth” — v. 9
Purpose of the event	“That the heathen may know me” — v. 16	Satan's deception culminates in an attack against the saints — vv. 8–9
God's anger	“My fury shall come up in my face” — v. 18	God sends fire from heaven — v. 9
Great shaking	“A great shaking in the land of Israel” — v. 19	No earthquake specifically mentioned
Fire	“Fire, and brimstone” — v. 22	“Fire came down from God out of heaven” — v. 9
Brimstone	“Fire, and brimstone” — v. 22	Satan is cast into “the lake of fire and brimstone” — v. 10
Result	God magnifies and sanctifies Himself — v. 23	The nations are devoured and Satan is cast into the lake of fire — vv. 9–10
Final declaration	“They shall know that I am the LORD” — v. 23	“The devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone” — v. 10

Revelation 20 — KJV Prophecy Chart