Bible Commentaries
Revelation 20

Verses 1-15

Victory having been gained over the earthly manifestation of godlessness, it remains to deal with the power lying behind. The archenemy is described as "the dragon," "the old serpent," "the devil," and, finally, as "Satan." In this grouping of names is a remarkable unveiling of the very essence of evil.

A brief and the only account of the thousand years follows. It will be a time of perfect earthly government under the King appointed and anointed by God. That government will be administered by those who have lived by faith in the supernatural.

The description then turns to millennial issues. Evidently even during that period there will be those who have never submitted to essential righteousness. Satan is loosed out of prison to gather them together, and once more they act in definite hostility to the reign of righteousness. The issue is that Satan loses his usurped dominion forever. He is nevermore to be god of the world nor prince of the power of the air.

Then follows the account of the great assize. Books are opened, and a book. In the books things are written. Those whose names are in the book enter into blessedness. Those whose names are not found entered there are judged according to the things written in the books.

There comes a final movement. Death and Hades are cast into the lake of fire. Deepest death would seem to consist in the destruction of the possibility of dying. Beyond these words it is impossible to go in speculation, of hope or despair. Whatever that final sentence may mean, it is the sentence of Him who occupies the Great White Throne.