Revelation #31: Revelation Chapter 20 Reign of the Messiah and the Final Judgment

Revelation #31: Revelation Chapter 20 Reign of the Messiah and the Final Judgment

Introduction

The message presented here takes us into Revelation 20 , an essential chapter in understanding the Millennial Reign of the Messiah and the Final Judgment. Many people shy away from reading the book of Revelation due to the numerous interpretations available, each claiming superiority. However, this reflection offers a perspective that takes the words of Scripture at face value—simple and understandable for everyone, encouraging the Holy Spirit to convict hearts as He wills.

In Revelation 19 , we see the return of Christ, who brings an end to the Battle of Armageddon, a catastrophic global conflict centered in Israel. This is a battle where all the nations rally against Israel to eradicate them once and for all, only to be defeated by the sword from the mouth of Christ.

Satan is Bound and Christ Reigns for 1,000 Years

In Revelation 20:1-3, we see an angel descend from heaven, carrying the key to the Abyss and a great chain. This angel seizes the dragon—Satan—and binds him for 1,000 years. Satan is thrown into the Abyss, sealed, and unable to deceive the nations until the thousand years are over, after which he will be briefly released.

It is fascinating to consider that a single angel binds Satan, who had deceived nations throughout history. Though he was defeated at the cross, Satan is not yet fully imprisoned today and still has access to God, as seen in passages like Job 1:6 and Revelation 12:12. However, during the Tribulation period, Satan will be cast out of heaven, leading to three and a half years of great tribulation on Earth, as described in Revelation 12:13-17 and Revelation 13:5.

Satan’s binding during the millennial reign of Christ ensures that he no longer deceives the nations. Since the dawn of humanity, Satan’s influence has led to global chaos, starting with his deception of Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:13). The Bible teaches that Satan holds significant power in this world, being called the “prince of this world” (John 12:31), the “god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4), and the “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2).

Satan’s imprisonment marks a profound shift in global dynamics. His absence ushers in the Millennial Kingdom, a time where Christ reigns on Earth, and the planet experiences true peace, justice, and righteousness. The Messiah’s rule brings an end to war, as prophesied by Micah, who wrote that nations would beat their swords into plowshares, and none would learn war anymore (Micah 4:3).

The First Resurrection and Reign of the Saints

Revelation 20:4-6 introduces the thrones of judgment, where those who were martyred for their testimony of Christ during the Tribulation are resurrected and reign with Christ for 1,000 years. These martyrs refused to worship the beast or take its mark, and they are part of the first resurrection—the resurrection of the righteous.

The first resurrection involves those who remain faithful to God throughout the Tribulation. This includes the 144,000 sealed individuals from all the tribes of Israel, mentioned in Revelation 7, who will preach the gospel of the Kingdom during this period. Their ministry results in a great multitude from every nation coming to faith, as described in Revelation 7:9-12.

During the millennial reign, these resurrected saints will serve as priests of God and reign alongside Christ. This period is a time of renewal and restoration, where the earth will flourish under Christ’s perfect rule.

Satan’s Release and the Final Revolt

At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan is released from his prison and once again deceives the nations, gathering them for a final revolt against God. The armies of the deceived nations surround Jerusalem, but fire descends from heaven and consumes them. Satan is cast into the lake of fire, where he is tormented eternally alongside the beast and the false prophet (Revelation 20:7-10).

This last rebellion reveals an essential truth about humanity: even after 1,000 years of peace under Christ’s reign, the human heart, without true transformation, is still inclined to rebel against God. This final uprising demonstrates that a perfect environment cannot change the sinful nature of humanity; only the transformative work of Christ can do so.

The Great White Throne Judgment

Revelation 20:11-15 describes the Great White Throne Judgment, the final judgment of all who have rejected God. John sees the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. Books are opened, including the Book of Life. The dead are judged according to their deeds, and anyone whose name is not found written in the Book of Life is thrown into the lake of fire—the second death.

This scene represents the end of human history as we know it and the beginning of the eternal state. Those judged at the Great White Throne are those who have not received the grace of God. They are judged based on their works, and since no one can be saved by works alone (Ephesians 2:8-9), their deeds will condemn them.

The lake of fire is the final destination of all who reject God. This eternal separation from God is described as the second death—a fate from which there is no return. While many seek comfort in the idea of second chances after death, the Bible is clear: there is no purgatory, no reincarnation. Every person has multiple opportunities in life to turn to Christ, but once life ends, their fate is sealed.

The Great White Throne Judgment is not for believers. Those who have placed their faith in Christ will not be judged based on their works, for they have already received forgiveness through Christ’s sacrifice. Instead, they have eternal life, and their names are written in the Book of Life.

Conclusion: The Millennial Reign and the Importance of Choice

The message of Revelation 20 is clear: Christ will reign on Earth for 1,000 years, bringing peace and justice. Satan will be bound, but even after a millennium of perfect rule, humanity will again rebel, revealing the depth of our need for God’s transforming grace.

The final judgment is a sobering reminder of the eternal consequences of rejecting God. As Christians, we are called to respond to Christ’s offer of salvation. The question each person must ask is: What will I do with Jesus Christ?

If you have not yet made the decision to follow Christ, now is the time. Accept Him as your Savior and Lord, and ensure your name is written in the Book of Life.

-sermon series by Pastor Michel Bohrer