The devil has made it his aim to deceive people to sin and follow him to eternal ruin (2 Cor. 4:4; 11:3; 1 Pet. 5:8; Mt. 25:41). Yet, sin leading to death does not have to be our final end. Through His own death, Christ gained the victory over sin and eternal death for all mankind potentially (Heb. 2:14, 15). This victory becomes reality for the faithful of all ages—not only those who lived after His death, but also those who lived before (Rom. 3:25; Heb. 2:9; 10:11, 12).

The book of Revelation has a comforting message: those who remain faithful to Jesus by overcoming trials and persecutions are able to reign with Him for a thousand years (Rev. 3:21; 20:4). One thousand is a high power of ten, symbolizing the complete power God exercises over the devil in restraining him from deceiving the nations. It is not a literal number. A literal interpretation is not supported by the Scriptures. The book of Revelation is symbolic (Rev. 1:1). A thousand years is a symbol of the complete power (10 times 10 times 10) of the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords (Rev. 17:14; 19:16; Lk. 1:33; Dan. 2:44). The actual length of time represented by these thousand years is unknown. This number was chosen simply for its symbolic significance. These one thousand years are not mentioned elsewhere in the Scriptures in literal contexts.

Revelation 20 is often used for proof of the teaching that Christ will come back to earth to reign on David’s literal throne in Jerusalem for a definite period of one thousand years (called the millennium). However, the passage does not mention Christ’s return. Nor does it mention the reign being on earth, David’s literal throne, or the city of Jerusalem. If the 1,000 years were literal, then when the 1,000 years have expired, these people would cease to live and reign with Christ.

But it is obvious that these are symbols as Revelation begins by noting that it is signified (1:1); it is highly figurative and symbolic. Ask yourself some other questions regarding elements in Revelation 20 and whether they are literal or figurative. Is the key literal?  Is the bottomless pit literal? Is the great chain literal?  Is the seal that is upon Satan literal? Are the thrones literal?  Were all these souls literally beheaded? Is the beast literal? Is the mark of the beast a literal mark on one’s forehead and hands? These are all figures.

Instead of giving us a timetable of events to happen on earth in the future, the chief concern of Revelation 20 is the devil meeting his end and the victory of the saints. Troubles and worries may abound for Christians trying to stay faithful to Jesus in the face of an ungodly world that persecutes them, but whether one it is the first century or the twenty-first, we know that complete victory is found in Christ. Do not let anything separate you from Him who gives you the victory. Jesus is King (Eph. 1:20-22; Col. 1:13). He reigns and will reign (Acts 2:22-36; 1 Cor. 15:24-26). Does He reign in your life?