The binding of Satan is a process. Consider Revelation 20:1-2, “And I saw an angel (Jesus) come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years.” Verse 2 shows there are different dimensions to Satan’s evil control. Presently, the Lord is working to destroy (bind) the unjust governments, blasphemous church systems, unequal social systems and greedy economic powers. 

How does this process work?

When Jesus returned, he brought a great increase of knowledge (Daniel 12:4) and these truths are opening men’s eyes to liberty, equality, righteousness, justice and love which is God’s plan for all mankind. This knowledge (along with Christ fighting and binding Satan in spiritual dimensions) is causing people to clamor for their rights. As is evident, discontent, wars and even anarchy are spreading around the world. This will grow until Satan’s old order destroys itself. Satan will be completely bound at the end of Armageddon.

What acts need to be accomplished before Satan is fully bound?

  1. Israel must be reestablished as a nation. Jesus gave the Parable of the Fig Tree in Luke 22:29-32. The fig tree (Israel) and all the trees (dependent colonies of powerful nations) must shoot forth leaves (begin to show life as independent countries) before the full summer of Christ’s kingdom reign is operational. 
  2. The seven last symbolic plagues of Revelation 16 occur over a period of time. The glorified Christ (Jesus having returned to earth with his bride – his true church, the most faithful followers) brings about the final destruction of Babylon in Armageddon. Again, when Satan’s order is destroyed, Satan is bound.
  3. Revelation 19:11,14, 9 (NKJV), 11 “Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And he who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he (Jesus) judges and makes war. 14 And the armies (the glorified saints) in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed him on white horses. … 19 And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him who sat on the horse and against his army.”

 At Jesus’s return, Satan’s evil kingdom battles our Lord until Christ overcomes Satan (Satan is bound). Then Christ fully establishes God’s kingdom. “And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set (a process) up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed…” Daniel 2:44.

Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1185: “What Are the True Reasons for Jesus’ Return to Earth?”
Uncovering the remarkable and inspiring mission of Jesus’ return
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

Episode #1194: “Could Jesus Return Without You Knowing?”
Revealing the three scripturally progressive phases of Jesus’ return
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

PDF Booklet: Our Lord’s Return