Revelation 20:7-10

Satan will be set loose. Any interpretation of this must take into account the fact that there will be Christians alive and waiting when Jesus returns (1 Thessalonians 4:17); and that the "church" does not terminate, but continues on into Eternity (Revelation 19:7-9). These verses present Armageddon - an event which takes place again and again during the entire gospel age. But here they seem to represent one final all-out effort of Satan, just before the Second Coming. But notice the sequence of events! Satan is set loose. He goes out to deceive the nations. He brings them against the camp of God's people. Fire comes down from heaven and destroys them! The Devil is thrown into the lake of fire and sulphur! No BATTLE IS FOUGHT! (Compare Revelation 11:7-13; Revelation 16:12-16; Revelation 19:19-21.) We see Jesus and his mighty angels, with a flaming fire, coming to punish all who do not believe (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10). [Some believe the events of Matthew 24 will be seen again, just before Jesus comes. If so, this must be balanced with the fact that Jesus will come "like a thief" when everything seems quiet and safe (1 Thessalonians 5:1-4).]