Question for Amillennialists

[1Tonne]

I have a question that I have not been able to figure out.
Amillenialist believe that we are in the 1000-year reign right now.
If this is correct, why is there so much evil in the world? Why are their false religions deceiving people, murder, rape, theft and many other things.
In the 1000 reign of Christ, satan was not only bound but he was also put into a pit and sealed so that he was unable to deceive people until the 1000 years were up. But many are being deceived right now.
In Rev 20:1-3 "Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he took hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he threw him into the abyss and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were completed; after these things he must be released for a short time."
So, how does the Amilleniall viewpoint reconcile this?

 

[TribulationSigns]

Amillenialist believe that we are in the 1000-year reign right now.

Symbolically, of course. Not literal 1,000 reign like premillennialists and her cousins.

If this is correct, why is there so much evil in the world? Why are their false religions deceiving people, murder, rape, theft and many other things.

You are making the "typical" mistake of most non-Amillennialists, who always talk "as if" Satan was bound for everyone so that there will be worldwide peace. Or that when God (not Paul) speaks to the Church he is always speaking of the election who cannot fall. Nothing could be further from the truth. He is speaking of the visible Church, within which are both sealed Christians and pseudo-Christians. And the Devil is not bound that he cannot deceive any professing Christian. Just not the election. Deception of pseudo Christians happens every day as Peter warned:

1st Peter 5:8

• "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"

Certainly, this is not to say Satan is bound for those who are being deceived by him. Not at all, he is only bound for the sake of the election. A remnant of the external covenant Church. Thus, make your calling and election sure and you will never fall.

In the 1000 reign of Christ, satan was not only bound but he was also put into a pit and sealed so that he was unable to deceive people until the 1000 years were up. But many are being deceived right now.
In Rev 20:1-3 "Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he took hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he threw him into the abyss and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were completed; after these things he must be released for a short time."
So, how does the Amilleniall viewpoint reconcile this?

The bottomless pit is not a literal place. It is to signify Satan being restrained from deceiving the nations. The verse Revelation 20:3 is illustrating that when The Messenger came from Heaven, He bound Satan, and cast him into a fathomless void to bind spirits so that he would not be allowed to deceive the nations as he was doing at the first advent of Christ. Now is come salvation and strength, because the accuser of the nations has been cast down, and we are free from the death that hung over us as a result of his having us in bondage. God has sealed him, or literally "secured" him that he cannot be loosed upon the Church until all those who are to be sealed of the nations have been sealed (secured) in their foreheads. The Purpose is clearly that God keeps him bound till the appointed time after the testimony of the saints is finished and all Israel is saved.

When the Lord sets His seal upon something, you can be sure that it won't get out until "the time" the Lord alone releases him. So like everything else here, this seal is "symbolic" of something being "secured of God". No one secured or sealed of God can loose themselves. And my friends, that includes us, the believers. We are eternally secure (sealed) by God. And since it wasn't by our own good that we were secured, it cannot be by our own good we are held secured. Grace!

I also want to add that Isaiah the Prophet spoke of a time when the Gentiles (nations) would come into the kingdom of God (Isaiah 9:1; 42:6; 49:2,22) when the Messiah come to free the captivity, and this was fulfilled in Christ's first advent. Therefore, the basis upon which the gospel can now go unto all the nations of the world is that Satan’s deceiving hold upon the Gentiles (same word as translated nations) has now been bound as all power is given to Christ to evangelize the world.

Matthew 28:18-19

• And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
• Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"

Because of this Messenger [aggelos] from heaven Satan cannot thwart the building of the lord's Temple with the chosen of the nations, because he has been bound from doing so. That power of binding is in the symbolism of the key, the chain, and the Messenger from Heaven.

See...Satan CANNOT be bound with a literal Chain of iron, or locked in a literal place of pit with a literal brass Key. Satan is a spirit being which cannot be bound by any literal earthly devices. The words here of keys and chains have spiritual significance. The Lord uses these symbols to illustrate a spiritual (but very literal) picture for us. Once we understand this, half the battle of understanding His Word is won. The Key here symbolizes that the Messenger has the right and authority to bind and loose. This messenger come down from Heaven holds the right and authority and means (key) to bind Satan. The signification being, "He who holds the key, holds the ability and authority to restrain Satan". That would also include ability and authority to loose Satan from that restraint. The Chain symbolizes the power (force or energy required to do the holding) to bind. It is a "Great" Chain because Satan is a spiritual and strong adversary (strong man, Matthew 12:29, Mark 3:26, and Luke 11:20-23, upon whom only a great or special binding from God will restrain. The bottomless pit is symbolism for a boundless void (or Abyss) of nothingness. Satan (a spirit being) is held in idleness, that his ability to deceive the gentiles whom God is now also drawing by the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, is stopped. For example, Satan cannot prevent this while God's church is being built... that is, UNTIL God finish secured all of His people He intended to seal has been sealed. Only then Satan will be loosened to deceive the nations again so that there will be no more salvation as a judgment for a short season until Christ return. That is where there will be few Elects on Earth left who will be "alive and remain" to be raptured out, else there is no saved elect on Earth to be raptured out at the Last Trump.

 

[HTacianas]

I have a question that I have not been able to figure out.
Amillenialist believe that we are in the 1000-year reign right now.
If this is correct, why is there so much evil in the world? Why are their false religions deceiving people, murder, rape, theft and many other things.
In the 1000 reign of Christ, satan was not only bound but he was also put into a pit and sealed so that he was unable to deceive people until the 1000 years were up. But many are being deceived right now.
In Rev 20:1-3 "Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he took hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he threw him into the abyss and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were completed; after these things he must be released for a short time."
So, how does the Amilleniall viewpoint reconcile this?

Firstly, Christianity itself is amillennialist. Google "condemnation of Chiliasm". Anything else is something that came later. That being said, that Satan is bound means only that he is restrained. It doesn't necessarily mean he is completely without power at all. That also being said, people don't need Satan to be evil. People can be evil enough on their own. All those things such as pride, greed, lust, etc., exist without any need for Satan. Even with all of that being said, there is nothing to suggest that evil itself will not exist during the millennium, only that Christ will reign on the earth. Christ reigns today through his Church and has for some time now.

 

[TribulationSigns]

I like to add that yours is a lack of knowledge about the doctrine of Amillennialism, as we have no beef with any scripture which shows Satan active in the world and deceiving people. He has been for the last 2000 years. No one denies that, indeed we bear witness to it. But what we also do is what a lot of other eschatologies do not do, which is to consider the whole Bible, and compare scripture with scripture, wherein we do not deny what is also very plainly stated. Namely, the binding/restraining of Satan until God's work of sealing is done. The very same work accomplished by the cross. But in order to receive what God says, we have to first "listen" to what God says. If we ignore it, then of course we will not come to truth.

2nd Thessalonians 2:6-9

• "And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
• For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth (RESTRAINETH) will let (RESTRAIN), until he be taken out of the way (midst).
• 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:
• Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,"

If we are truly listening to God's word that we will receive it, we see that it "unambiguously" says that iniquity was already working in the world then when Paul was writing this. But it also qualifies that by saying that it also was being restrained. The question is restrained for who? Moreover, it says that it would continue to be restrained "until" He who restrains it was taken out of the midst. And that this is at the end, when Christ would then come and consume Satan with the brightness of His appearing.

So, what do we know as absolute truth from these scriptures?

#1. Satan is still working in the world.
#2. Yet still, Satan was somehow restrained.
#3. After a while, that restraint would be removed
#4. And The wickedness of Satan revealed
#5. And then Christ will come and destroy Him.

I rest my case. In a court of law, they would call that indisputable evidence. But I have heard enough lawyers and lived long enough to learn that with Christians, nothing is indisputable, not even Christ's very own words.

 

[TribulationSigns]

I don't know if you don't believe in election, or you don't understand it, but the problem seems to lie in that some people think Satan was bound for the whole world. ...that would mean God was seeking a righteous utopia, which was never prophesied, nor will ever happen on this earth. It's wishful thinking. Christ is not out to save the world but to save all the world whom God has chosen. (Elect).

John 17:9-10

• "I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
• And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them."

See? Christ doesn't pray for the whole world, but only for the chosen that are given Him out of the world. This is why Satan was bound FOR THEM, not for anyone who mouths the sinner's prayer or says a novena or starts a fellowship in Ghana. He died and paid for the sins of specific people and those "ALONE" are whom Satan was bound against! Satan is a defeated foe "as far as the Elect" who was held captive by him are concerned. So after Christ's building of His church with all Gentiles be coming in, even so, ALL ISRAEL SHALL BE SAVED. Then, and only then, Satan will then be loosened for a short season to be used by God to judge his unfaithful church before He returns.

Hope this helps, 1Tonne

 

[Timtofly]

I don't know if you don't believe in election, or you don't understand it, but the problem seems to lie in that some people think Satan was bound for the whole world. ...that would mean God was seeking a righteous utopia, which was never prophesied, nor will ever happen on this earth. It's wishful thinking. Christ is not out to save the world but to save all the world whom God has chosen. (Elect).

John 17:9-10

• "I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
• And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them."

See? Christ doesn't pray for the whole world, but only for the chosen that are given Him out of the world. This is why Satan was bound FOR THEM, not for anyone who mouths the sinner's prayer or says a novena or starts a fellowship in Ghana. He died and paid for the sins of specific people and those "ALONE" are whom Satan was bound against! Satan is a defeated foe "as far as the Elect" who was held captive by him are concerned. So after Christ's building of His church with all Gentiles be coming in, even so, ALL ISRAEL SHALL BE SAVED. Then, and only then, Satan will then be loosened for a short season to be used by God to judge his unfaithful church before He returns.

Hope this helps, 1Tonne

Since Revelation 20 is not about the gospel nor salvation, all your rhetoric is pointless. No one is denying the power of the Cross bringing light into darkness. Making Revelation 20 all about salvation, is totally sidestepping what Revelation 20 even says.

Satan was bound at the same time the beast and FP were tossed into the LOF. Have you enjoyed those LOF views since the first century? How many people have you seen getting tossed into the LOF because they disobeyed God? Are you saying that not a single human has disobeyed God since the Cross?

Yes the LOF is around during the entire time of Revelation 20. It does not suddenly pop up at the end. Obviously you have failed to take the entirety of Scripture into consideration, even though you claim you do over the rest of us posters.

 

[TribulationSigns]

Since Revelation 20 is not about the gospel nor salvation, all your rhetoric is pointless. No one is denying the power of the Cross bringing light into darkness. Making Revelation 20 all about salvation, is totally sidestepping what Revelation 20 even says.

Yes, it does. You need to compare Revelation 20 with the rest of the SCripture to find out why Satan, the strong man, needs to be bind in order for God to build his church:

Mat 12:27-29
(27) And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges.
(28) But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
(29) Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.

Satan was bound at the same time the beast and FP were tossed into the LOF.

Satan will be cast into the Lake of Fire where the beast and false prophet are. You got the timing wrong.

Rev 20:10
(10) And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Have you enjoyed those LOF views since the first century? How many people have you seen getting tossed into the LOF because they disobeyed God? Are you saying that not a single human has disobeyed God since the Cross?

What are you talking about? Was there a lake of fire going on in the first century? Bible please?

Yes the LOF is around during the entire time of Revelation 20. It does not suddenly pop up at the end. Obviously you have failed to take the entirety of Scripture into consideration, even though you claim you do over the rest of us posters.

You need to show us the Scripture that supports your nonsense. The Lord cast all the unbelievers into Lake of Fire at the Judgment day, not in the first century or during the millennial kingdom.

 

[1Tonne]

You are making the "typical" mistake of most non-Amillennialists, who always talk "as if" Satan was bound for everyone so that there will be worldwide peace.

I believe that satan is not just bound during the 1000 years, but he is also put into a bottomless pit and also a seal put on him. Amillennialist miss the part that he is put in a bottomless pit, so like a prison, and then a seal is put on him too. So, it is pretty clear that during this time, he will not be having an active part in the world.
But this does not mean that there will not be evil. For man's heart is evil and so even without satan doing his work during this time, we could still choose not to obey Christ.

1st Peter 5:8

• "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"

I know you have said that he is only bound, but if he is put in a bottomless pit as well as being bound and sealed, I fail to see how he is like a roaring lion that may devour. One that is bound and put into a pit that has no bottom is definitely not walking about.

The bottomless pit is not a literal place. It is to signify Satan being restrained from deceiving the nations.

I do not mind if the bottomless pit is a figurative place, a spiritual place or a literal place, but it is a place where satan is bound and out of the way. Remember it is a bottomless pit. What is important to note is that he is currently very active right now. We have Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and many other false religions. Not to mention many other evil things going on. Look at the stuff Isis did. It seems as though satan is pretty free right now. This seems pretty much the same as before Christ assentation. I do not see him being restrained at all.

Firstly, Christianity itself is amillennialist. Google "condemnation of Chiliasm". Anything else is something that came later.

Just because it came first does not mean it is correct. Revelation is named Revelation for a reason. It is to be revealed. The Greek word apokalypsis translated, denotes “an uncovering” or “a disclosure”. Knowing this, there is good chance that the first understanding is probably going to be an incorrect understanding as the true understanding had not been uncovered.
It is quite possible that an understanding of these scriptures had not been revealed at that time. Thus, we have amillennialism.

It doesn't necessarily mean he is completely without power at all. That also being said, people don't need Satan to be evil. People can be evil enough on their own. All those things such as pride, greed, lust, etc., exist without any need for Satan. Even with all of that being said, there is nothing to suggest that evil itself will not exist during the millennium, only that Christ will reign on the earth.

I agree with this too as I have stated just above. Christ can reign in a literal sense for 1000 years, but people will still have their own evil desires.

But what we also do is what a lot of other eschatologies do not do, which is to consider the whole Bible, and compare scripture with scripture, wherein we do not deny what is also very plainly stated.

You will find that other viewpoints also look at the whole Bible. They just don't put as many mystical meanings to make their theories fit. Such as 1000 years is actually 2000 years. Also, even though in the 1000 years, satan has been taken away and put in a bottomless pit, he still seems pretty free right now. He is only bound a little.

So, what do we know as absolute truth from these scriptures?

#1. Satan is still working in the world.
#2. Yet still, Satan was somehow restrained.
#3. After a while, that restraint would be removed
#4. And The wickedness of Satan revealed
#5. And then Christ will come and destroy Him

#1. Satan is still working in the world. (Correct. Definitely not bound and put into a pit and sealed. You have just made a big hole in your proof. In a court of law, you would lose with such evidence.)
#2. Yet still, Satan was somehow restrained. (Correct. But you forgot, cast into a bottomless pit and sealed. Another big hole in your proof. (NOTE: You said that amillennialisist look at the whole bible, but you choose to miss the pit and sealed.))
#3. After a while, that restraint would be removed (Agreed. After the literal 1000 years, he will be set free for a short time)
#4. And The wickedness of Satan revealed (Agreed)
#5. And then Christ will come and destroy Him (Agreed)

Yes, it does. You need to compare Revelation 20 with the rest of the SCripture to find out why Satan, the strong man, needs to be bind in order for God to build his church

Not just bound. Please read the whole scripture. Not just parts of the bible. He was also put into a bottomless pit and sealed. I don't know of anyone who could climb out of a bottomless pit especially when he is bound and then walk about like a roaring lion.

 

[claninja]

I have a question that I have not been able to figure out.
Amillenialist believe that we are in the 1000-year reign right now.
If this is correct, why is there so much evil in the world? Why are their false religions deceiving people, murder, rape, theft and many other things.
In the 1000 reign of Christ, satan was not only bound but he was also put into a pit and sealed so that he was unable to deceive people until the 1000 years were up. But many are being deceived right now.
In Rev 20:1-3 "Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he took hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he threw him into the abyss and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were completed; after these things he must be released for a short time."
So, how does the Amilleniall viewpoint reconcile this?

I would agree that it is difficult for “traditional” amil to reconcile Satan being bound from deceiving the nations (revelation 20:3) with satan also: being able to hinder the spread of the gospel to the nations (1 Thessalonians 2:14-18), deceiving as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), prowling like a lion looking to devour (1 Peter 5:8), having authority in Asia Minor (revelation 2:13), and leading many astray (1 Timothy 5:15).

So I would take “amil” to the extreme literal definition. Revelation 20 is simply a metaphorical/symbolic/prophetic story that contains the many elements of the gospel truth, as already taught in the gospels, epistles, and book of acts, AND is not and should not be understood as literal nor chronological due to revelation’s apocalyptic genre of literature.

Revelation is not the revealing of a new Gospel of the kingdom as being a literal future earthly literal 1000 year kingdom following christs coming but prior to the New heavens and new earth. No, instead, as provided in the very opening of the book, Revelation is the revealing of events that would occur quickly for the time was near

Revelation 1:1-3
1This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soona come to pass. He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John, 2who testifies to everything he saw. This is the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

3Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey what is written in it, because the time is near.

Revelation 20 is therefore simply a story about the gospel truths: that Christ is the first resurrection, that the faithful that partake in this resurrection are a royal priest hood who will never face the 2nd death but be raised and reign with Christ, that satans works were destroyed by Christ, and though, he may persecute the church, he will ultimately be destroyed.

 

[1Tonne]

Revelation 20 is simply a metaphorical/symbolic/prophetic story

Thanks for that clarification. But even in a figurative/symbolic/metaphorical/prophetic sense, it is pretty hard to justify how satan is so active in the world right now considering the wording of bound (with a chain also), thrown into a bottomless pit and then a seal put on. The wording is pretty definite.

 

[Timtofly]

Satan will be cast into the Lake of Fire where the beast and false prophet are. You got the timing wrong.

Rev 20:10
(10) And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

When were they cast into the LOF?

Certainly, not at the same time Satan was.

 

[TribulationSigns]

Thanks for that clarification. But even in a figurative/symbolic/metaphorical/prophetic sense, it is pretty hard to justify how satan is so active in the world right now considering the wording of bound (with a chain also), thrown into a bottomless pit and then a seal put on. The wording is pretty definite.

No it’s because you don’t understand the nature of Satan’s binding. He was bound FOR THE ELECTS SAKE that Christ build his church by spoiling Satan’s house!! Not for the world.

 

[1Tonne]

I notice that you keep missing out the point that he is cast into a bottomless pit and sealed. This makes me think that you are only wanting to select part of the scripture so that it fits your theory.
I believe I do have an understanding. But please explain. Also, in the explanation, show me how the bottomless pit fits in and also the seal.

 

[claninja]

Thanks for that clarification. But even in a figurative/symbolic/metaphorical/prophetic sense, it is pretty hard to justify how satan is so active in the world right now considering the wording of bound (with a chain also), thrown into a bottomless pit and then a seal put on. The wording is pretty definite.

If it’s figurative and symbolic, which apocalyptic literature is, then it’s not to be interpreted as a literal chain and literal bottomless pit with a literal seal out on it.

But I agree, “traditional” amil has Satan in a bottomless pit following christs death, resurrection, and ascension, with satans little season as still futute. However that is hard to reconcile with Satan prowling like a lion, deceiving as an angel of light, and hindering the nations from receiving the gospel on the first century.

That’s why as a “non-traditional” amil, I would argue it’s not supposed to be understood as “traditional” amil. Revelation 20 is simply a metaphorical, apocalyptic story that contains the truths of the Gospel of the kingdom as already taught by Jesus and the apostles in the gospels, book of acts, and epistles.

What I think can’t be reconciled is the FACT that premillennialism’s belief on the revelation 20 is no where taught I. The gospels, epistles, nor book of acts

 

[Truth7t7]

I have a question that I have not been able to figure out.
Amillenialist believe that we are in the 1000-year reign right now.
If this is correct, why is there so much evil in the world? Why are their false religions deceiving people, murder, rape, theft and many other things.
In the 1000 reign of Christ, satan was not only bound but he was also put into a pit and sealed so that he was unable to deceive people until the 1000 years were up. But many are being deceived right now.
In Rev 20:1-3 "Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he took hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he threw him into the abyss and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were completed; after these things he must be released for a short time."
So, how does the Amilleniall viewpoint reconcile this?

Satan is "Currently" bound from "One Specific Purpose", And One Only

"Deceive The Nations" To Battle

The Non-Literal 1,000 Years (Revelation) 20:1-6 Are Taking Place Now In The Lords Spiritual, And Will Cease At The Future Second Coming

If A Tribulation Saint Were To Die One Day Before The Second Coming, He Enters Into The Non-Literal 1,000 Year Reign

Many That Promote Millennialism Falsely Teach, Satan Cant Be Presently Bound Because Evil Exist In The World?

Satan Is Presently Bound As Is Clearly Seen In (Revelation) 20:7-8 Below That Interprets (Deceive The Nations) Is To Battle, Not General Evil In The World Presently.

Satan Is Loosed At The End Of The Tribulation When The 6th Vial Is Poured Out As Seen In (Revelation) 16:12, The Deception Is Devils In False Miracles Going Forth To The Kings Of The Earth, To Gather Them To The Final Battle

(Revelation) 20:1-9KJV
1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

(Revelation) 16:12-14 & (Revelation) 20:7-8 Same Deception In Gathering The Nations To The Very Same Final Battle In "Parallel" Teachings Of The Same Event

(Revelation) 16:12-17KJV
12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.
13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.
14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.

 

[grafted branch]

I have a question that I have not been able to figure out.
Amillenialist believe that we are in the 1000-year reign right now.
If this is correct, why is there so much evil in the world? Why are their false religions deceiving people, murder, rape, theft and many other things.
In the 1000 reign of Christ, satan was not only bound but he was also put into a pit and sealed so that he was unable to deceive people until the 1000 years were up. But many are being deceived right now.
In Rev 20:1-3 "Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he took hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he threw him into the abyss and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were completed; after these things he must be released for a short time."
So, how does the Amilleniall viewpoint reconcile this?

I’m not advocating for any particular view here but something else to consider is that the bottomless pit could be where Babylon has fallen to.

Revelation 18:2 shows Babylon falling and verse 4 says come out of her my people.

1 Peter 5:13 shows that there was a church in Babylon at that time, so when 1 Peter 5:8 says Satan walks about as a roaring lion it could very well be meaning that Satan was walking around in Babylon which was in the bottomless pit at that time, seeking to devour “my people” who had not come out of Babylon yet.

 

[Truth7t7]

I’m not advocating for any particular view here but something else to consider is that the bottomless pit could be where Babylon has fallen to.

Revelation 18:2 shows Babylon falling and verse 4 says come out of her my people.

1 Peter 5:13 shows that there was a church in Babylon at that time, so when 1 Peter 5:8 says Satan walks about as a roaring lion it could very well be meaning that Satan was walking around in Babylon which was in the bottomless pit at that time, seeking to devour “my people” who had not come out of Babylon yet.

(Jerusalem) Is The harlot, Mystery Babylon The Great.

The Levitical High Priest Dressing represents "The Woman", that is dressed in purple, scarlet, gold, and precious stones as seen below

(Revelation) 17:4KJV
4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:

Yes "The Woman", The Levitical High Priest, Dressed In Purple, Scarlet, Gold, And Precious Stones

(Exodus) 28:15-20KJV
15 And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.
16 Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof.
17 And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row.
18 And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.
19 And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.
20 And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.

(Jerusalem) is the seven Mount city, where the woman sits, not Rome as many falsely claim.

(Revelation) 17:9KJV
9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.

List of cities claimed to be built on seven hills - Wikipedia
Jerusalem, Israel: Jerusalem's seven hills are Mount Scopus, Mount Olivet and the Mount of Corruption (all three are peaks in a mountain ridge that lies east of the Old City), Mount Ophel, the original Mount Zion, the New Mount Zion and the hill on which the Antonia Fortress was built.

The Roman Empire didnt exist to be guilty of the Prophets blood seen below, Jerusalem did.

(Revelation) 18:24KJV
24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

(Matthew) 23:29-37KJV
29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,
30 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.
31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.
32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.
33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:
35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.
37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

Jerusalem (The Woman) that (Great City) as seen below, Jerusalem where Jesus Christ was crucified

(Revelation) 17:18AKJV
18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.

(Revelation) 11:8AKJV
8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

Jews/Hebrews cast dust upon their heads, weeping for the (Great City) Jerusalem

(Revelation) 18:19 AKJV
19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.

 

[grafted branch]

(Jerusalem) Is The harlot, Mystery Babylon The Great.

The Levitical High Priest Dressing represents "The Woman", that is dressed in purple, scarlet, gold, and precious stones as seen below

(Revelation) 17:4KJV
4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:

Yes "The Woman", The Levitical High Priest, Dressed In Purple, Scarlet, Gold, And Precious Stones

(Exodus) 28:15-20KJV
15 And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it.
16 Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof.
17 And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row.
18 And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.
19 And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.
20 And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.

(Jerusalem) is the seven Mount city, where the woman sits, not Rome as many falsely claim.

(Revelation) 17:9KJV
9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.

List of cities claimed to be built on seven hills - Wikipedia
Jerusalem, Israel: Jerusalem's seven hills are Mount Scopus, Mount Olivet and the Mount of Corruption (all three are peaks in a mountain ridge that lies east of the Old City), Mount Ophel, the original Mount Zion, the New Mount Zion and the hill on which the Antonia Fortress was built.

The Roman Empire didnt exist to be guilty of the Prophets blood seen below, Jerusalem did.

(Revelation) 18:24KJV
24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

(Matthew) 23:29-37KJV
29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,
30 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.
31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.
32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.
33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:
35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.
37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

Jerusalem (The Woman) that (Great City) as seen below, Jerusalem where Jesus Christ was crucified

(Revelation) 17:18AKJV
18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.

(Revelation) 11:8AKJV
8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

Jews/Hebrews cast dust upon their heads, weeping for the (Great City) Jerusalem

(Revelation) 18:19 AKJV
19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.

I agree that Babylon is referring to Jerusalem. I place it falling just after the cross.

When in time do you see Babylon falling?

 

[Truth7t7]

I agree that Babylon is referring to Jerusalem. I place it falling just after the cross.

When in time do you see Babylon falling?

I personally believe Jerusalem will be surrounded by Muslim armies when the followers of Judaism try to take the temple mount in Jerusalem, this will set the stage for the future (Little Horn/Man Of Sin/The Beast) to be revealed to the world, as the 3.5 year tribulation starts

When the Jews move to actually take the Muslim mosque on the temple mount, I believe this will be the time indicator for fulfilling the time of the gentiles seen below?

Revelation 11:2KJV
2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

Luke 21:20-24KJV
20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.
22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

 

[grafted branch]

I personally believe Jerusalem will be surrounded by Muslim armies when the followers of Judaism try to take the temple mount in Jerusalem, this will set the stage for the future (Little Horn/Man Of Sin/The Beast) to be revealed to the world, as the 3.5 year tribulation starts

When the Jews move to actually take the Muslim mosque on the temple mount, I believe this will be the time indicator for fulfilling the time of the gentiles seen below?

Revelation 11:2KJV
2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

Luke 21:20-24KJV
20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.
22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

I tend to be preterist myself but the point in time that Babylon falls seems to have several possibilities. At the cross, after the gospel has been preached in all the world, or at the AOD or when Jerusalem is surrounded by armies. I suppose an argument could also be made for Babylon falling when the statue falls in Daniel 2.

No matter where we put Babylon falling, it appears from Revelation 18:2 that it becomes a type of cage that holds every evil spirit or being, which seems to me that this is also when Satan is bound.