Satan loosed, Gog and Magog. (7–10)
The last and general resurrection. (11–15)Verses 1–3
Here is a vision, showing by a figure the restraints laid on Satan himself. Christ, with Almighty
power, will keep the devil from deceiving mankind as he has hitherto done. He never wants power
and instruments to break the power of Satan. Christ shuts by his power, and seals by his authority.
The church shall have a time of peace and prosperity, but all her trials are not yet over.
Verses 4–6
Here is an account of the reign of the saints, for the same space of time as Satan is bound. Those
who suffer with Christ, shall reign with him in his spiritual and heavenly kingdom, in conformity
to him in his wisdom, righteousness, and holiness: this is called the first resurrection, with which
none but those who serve Christ, and suffer for him, shall be favoured. The happiness of these
servants of God is declared. None can be blessed but those that are holy; and all that are holy shall
be blessed. We know something thing of what the first death is, and it is very awful; but we know
not what this second death is. It must be much more dreadful; it is the death of the soul, eternal
separation from God. May we never know what it is: those who have been made partakers of a
spiritual resurrection, are saved from the power of the second death. We may expect that a thousand
years will follow the destruction of the antichristian, idolatrous, persecuting powers, during which
pure Christianity, in doctrine, worship, and holiness, will be made known over all the earth. By the
all-powerful working of the Holy Spirit, fallen man will be new-created; and faith and holiness will
as certainly prevail, as unbelief and unholiness now do. We may easily perceive what a variety of
dreadful pains, diseases, and other calamities would cease, if all men were true and consistent
Christians. All the evils of public and private contests would be ended, and happiness of every kind
largely increased. Every man would try to lighten suffering, instead of adding to the sorrows around
him. It is our duty to pray for the promised glorious days, and to do every thing in our public and
private stations which can prepare for them.
Verses 7–10
While this world lasts, Satan's power in it will not be wholly destroyed, though it may be limited
and lessened. No sooner is Satan let loose, than he again begins deceiving the nations, and stirring
them up to make war with the saints and servants of God. It would be well if the servants and
ministers of Christ were as active and persevering in doing good, as his enemies in doing mischief.
God will fight this last and decisive battle for his people, that the victory may be complete, and the
glory be to himself.
Verses 11–15
After the events just foretold, the end will speedily come; and there is no mention of any thing
else, before the appearing of Christ to judge the world. This will be the great day: the Judge, the