Unveiling the Purpose Behind Satan’s Rule.
The Bible shows that God temporarily allows Satan to govern the Earth, enabling humanity to witness the suffering and deception that result from rejecting God's rule. This provides each person with a clear choice: to either remain under Satan's flawed government or to embrace God's kingdom, which promises peace, truth, and eternal life.
1. Satan’s Government and Humanity’s Choice:
God’s temporary allowance of Satan’s rule serves to expose the true impact of rebellion. Jesus calls Satan “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31), while 2 Corinthians 4:4 describes him as “the god of this world.” Through the pain and injustice present in Satan’s governance, people can witness the stark contrast with God’s kingdom. Romans 8:20-21 notes, “For the creation was subjected to futility... in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption.”
2. God’s Literal Kingdom:
In contrast to Satan’s temporary rule, God offers a literal, real kingdom, represented by His heavenly city, New Jerusalem. Revelation 21:2 describes this city: “And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.” This kingdom, grounded in righteousness and peace, stands in direct contrast to the suffering of Satan’s government, providing humanity with the opportunity to choose eternal life under God’s rule.
3. Jesus’s Return to Gather Believers:
Jesus will return, not to establish a kingdom on Earth, but to gather His faithful people and take them to heaven for a thousand years. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 explains, “The Lord himself will descend from heaven... and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up... to meet the Lord in the air.” This event marks a separation between the righteous and the wicked, as the faithful are taken away from Earth’s suffering to be with Christ.
4. Destruction of the Wicked at Christ’s Coming:
At His return, Jesus will destroy the wicked by the brightness of His coming. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 describes Him returning “in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God.” Likewise, 2 Thessalonians 2:8 says, “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.” This destruction is immediate, not eternal torment, leaving the wicked in death throughout the thousand-year period.
5. The Desolation of Earth and Satan’s Symbolic Confinement:
With the righteous in heaven and the wicked destroyed, Earth will lie desolate for the thousand years. Jeremiah 4:23-26 vividly describes this state: “I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and void... I beheld, and, lo, there was no man, and all the birds of the heavens were fled.” During this desolate period, Satan is metaphorically “chained” by Christ—not with physical chains, but through the circumstances of his isolation. With no one left to deceive or rule, Satan is effectively confined to roam the empty, ruined Earth, symbolically bound in his inability to act. Revelation 20:1-3 uses this imagery to convey Satan’s helplessness during this time.
6. Resurrection and Final Judgment of the Wicked:
At the end of the thousand years, the wicked will be resurrected for a final judgment. Revelation 20:5 explains, “The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.” This resurrection brings the wicked to face judgment, resulting in their complete and final destruction. Revelation 20:13-15 describes this final scene: “Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire.” Here, the lake of fire represents total destruction, the “second death” as described in Revelation 20:14, showing that sin’s final result is permanent death, not eternal suffering.
7. The Nature of Hell as Final Destruction:
In the Bible, hell is not a place of endless burning but rather the ultimate result of sin, which is death. Romans 6:23 explains, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Malachi 4:1 reinforces this, saying, “For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble.” Fire here symbolises total destruction, ensuring that the wicked are consumed completely, not tormented forever.
8. The Recreation of Earth and New Jerusalem’s Descent:
Following the final judgment and destruction of the wicked, God will recreate the Earth in its original beauty. Revelation 21:1-2 describes, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth... And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.” In this newly recreated world, New Jerusalem will be placed at the centre, symbolising God’s eternal kingdom and becoming the everlasting home of the redeemed. Isaiah 65:17 also supports this, saying, “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth.”
9. Only the Righteous in the New Earth:
Only those who have chosen God’s way will live in this newly created world, free from sin, suffering, and death. Deuteronomy 30:19 encourages this choice, saying, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live.” Those who reject God’s way are finally separated from life itself, while the faithful dwell in peace under God’s perfect government.
In summary, God allows Satan’s temporary rule to expose the consequences of sin, while offering His literal kingdom as the perfect alternative. When Jesus returns, He will destroy the wicked and take the righteous to heaven for a thousand years, leaving Earth desolate. During this time, Christ binds Satan symbolically, as he is left with no one to deceive. After the final judgment and destruction of the wicked, God will recreate the Earth, with New Jerusalem at its centre, where only the righteous will live eternally in God’s kingdom.
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