At his first advent, Christ established his kingdom on the earth. Even as wickedness proliferated, the kingdom of Christ advanced progressively and has continued to do so. During this time, Satan is bound from deceiving the nations (vs. 3) and that means the light of the gospel would finally break through to the nations. This has happened in extraordinary proportions over the last 2,000 years. Satan’s binding also means that during the days of Christ’s kingdom on earth, except for “a little while” (vs. 3), he is kept from organizing the nations for a last stand against the Lamb and his church.

In the days leading up to Christ’s return, the dragon will be unleashed and will go about deceiving the nations, referred to collectively as “Gog and Magog” (vs. 8). Satan’s deception will be effective to the degree that he will be able to “gather them for battle” (vs. 8). John saw this very thing prefigured in the vision of the sixth bowl (16:13-16) and of the rider on the white horse who destroyed those who had been gathered “for war” (19:11-21).

There will be no genuine suspense when the dragon and nations take their stand. The battle will be over before it even begins, so thorough and overwhelming will be the Lord’s triumph. John is then summoned once again to give his attention to the divine throne “and him who was seated on it” (vs. 11). The throne is white, symbolizing its purity. The presiding Judge is the Ancient of Days, the Almighty God (Daniel 7:9). The opening of books is symbolic for the perfect reliability of God’s justice. Indeed, the Lord’s judgment will be final, irrevocable, and infinitely just. In his presence, “earth and sky fled away” (6:12-17). And with the destruction of the first earth so too will be the final removal of Satan, sin, mourning, and death.