And tied him up for a thousand years. Christ broke the power of Satan by dying on the cross (Luke 9:31). In the vision, we see Satan tied up with a heavy chain, thrown into the abyss, which is then locked and sealed. His power and influence over the nations is checked. The nations cannot conquer the church! The church conquers (makes them Christ's disciples) the nations. Compare Revelation 11:12-14; Revelation 12:5-12. Satan is bound for a thousand years - the entire Gospel Age. Compare Revelation 11:2-6; Revelation 12:14. Satan is bound by Christ and his sacrifice. Compare Matthew 12:29; Luke 4:1-13; Luke 10:17-18; John 12:20-32; Colossians 2:15; Revelation 12:5-11. "So that he could not deceive the nations any more." Satan is not permitted to destroy the church! He must be set loose for little while. To deceive the nations and persecute the church. Satan is bound, but still permitted to use his evil influence. Again and again we see the events. of Revelation repeat themselves. The church grows, becomes powerful, and Satan once again brings persecution against it. (See Revelation 20:7-10)

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Old Testament