 Foreward
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
 Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
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The Thrill of Victory And The Agony of Defeat
(a commentary on Revelation)
 Click A Chapter On The Left For A Brief Summary
THE NEW CONDITION FOR SATAN - 20:1-3
The primary and major truth taught here is that Satan is totally defeated in his use of the Roman Empire. Chapter 20 is a word picture of the defeat of death and hell at the cross, and the results in respect to Satan. Chapters 21 and 22 will deal with the results in respect to the saints.
THE NEW POSITION OF SAINTS - 20:4-6
The saints are seen as victorious even though some died in their ministry. They had courage under fire. They were convicted of their cause and were willing to die for Christ. Many did.
So far we know what happened to the harlot, sea beast, earth beast and dragon, but what about the saints? We have not seen what happens to them. Well now, sit back and enjoy how God views you!
THE NEW VIEW OF THE WAR - 20:7-10
Since the cross, Satan is totally powerless against Gods people. He is chained and assigned his place, until such time that God sees fit to use him for His purpose. When he is allowed a little freedom, it is for one purpose - to give God glory, and to assure the saints. The picture is this: While he is loosed, Satan collects an endless number of his allies together and they surround the camp of the saints, the beloved city (the church) ready to destroy it. God sends fire from heaven and devours the enemy and judges the devil again. God let the devil and his followers loose to surround the city (persecution), only to destroy them again.
Historically, Satan utterly and completely failed in his attempt to use Rome to kill the church of God. Saints were victorious (whether dead or alive does not matter) over Rome and the Devil.
THE NEW VIEW OF THE THRONE - 20:11-15
Satan's power is completely bound in respect to the saints. He has power over those who do not belong to Christ, but even then, God regulates that power. Satan's defeat (through the defeat of the Roman Empire) is to let everyone see who wants to see, and everyone hear who wants to hear, that God rules - not Satan!
For the child of God, Satan is dead and powerless! If you have trouble with the Devil, it is because you allow him to be loosed!! 1 John 3:8 "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil." In chapter 20 God is teaching His people that He will protect us against any and all enemies, regardless of what the circumstances look like, and will then judge our enemies for their actions.
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