The Binding of Satan
Dear Redeemer Church Family,
There are a couple of points from Sunday’s sermon that I want to clarify and expand upon, particularly regarding the binding of Satan as described in Revelation 20:2-3:
"And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while."
Satan’s Ongoing Influence
First and foremost, I want to emphasize that in no way do I believe that Satan no longer has any influence to steal, kill, and destroy. Satan continues to lie and deceive individuals today. He is the father of lies (John 8:44), and his objective is to make us believe his lies over the truth of the gospel. However, his dominion, power, and authority to keep us under his yoke of slavery have been decisively broken through the gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The Binding of Satan: A Theological Perspective
The primary point I aimed to emphasize is that, as stated in Revelation 20:3, Satan no longer has the ability to deceive the nations as he did before. This binding does not imply that he is inactive but signifies a significant limitation on his power to prevent the spread of the gospel to the nations.
Christ’s Victory Over Satan:
Since Christ’s resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father, He has destroyed the works of the devil (1 John 3:8) and has taken His rightful place as the head with all dominion, authority, and power over the earth. When Jesus speaks of binding the strong man in Matthew 12:29, He refers to His victory over Satan, which allows Him to reclaim the nations as His inheritance (Psalm 2:8). Before Christ’s redemptive work, demonic forces had significant authority to keep the nations in darkness and deception. However, Christ’s victory means that Satan’s ability to deceive the nations is now curtailed.
The Great Commission and Our Responsibility:
This victory is foundational for the Great Commission. Jesus states in Matthew 28:18-20:
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Because Satan’s power to deceive the nations has been bound, we are now empowered to go and make disciples of all nations. The binding of Satan ensures that the gospel can advance without the former hindrances. As 2 Peter 3:9 states, God desires that all people from every tongue, tribe, and nation come to repentance and the knowledge of the truth.
Christ’s Authority and Ongoing Reign:
Christ has disarmed the rulers and authorities, putting them to open shame and triumphing over them (Colossians 2:15). This means that Jesus is currently reigning and exercising His authority through the church. We, as His body and bride, are the means through which the gospel reaches the ends of the earth.
Living Out This Truth
Understanding that Satan’s binding limits his ability to deceive the nations should embolden us in our mission. We are part of Christ’s victorious reign, called to actively participate in spreading the gospel, knowing that Jesus has already secured the ultimate victory.
What Does This Mean for Us?
Proclaim the Gospel Boldly: Knowing that Christ has authority over all and that Satan’s power to deceive has been curtailed, we should confidently share the gospel with all nations.
Disciple Diligently: Engage in making disciples, teaching them to observe all that Christ has commanded, assured that His presence and power accompany us.
Live in Victory: Embrace the freedom we have in Christ, recognizing that we are no longer under the dominion of Satan but are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live holy lives.
Pray Fervently: Continue to pray for the spread of the gospel, for the nations to come to the knowledge of the truth, and for strength to stand firm against Satan’s ongoing attempts to deceive and destroy.
Christ has won. Christ is ruling. Christ is reigning.
Let us, as His body, faithfully carry out our mission to make disciples of all nations, assured of His victory and presence with us always.
In Christ,
P. Cody
