The Bible teaches that at the second coming of Christ, Satan will be bound and thrown into the abyss for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:1-3). But after the 1,000 years, Satan will be released for a short time before being thrown into the lake of fire forever (Revelation 20:7-10). This raises the question – why would God release Satan after 1,000 years of peace on earth? Here are some key biblical reasons:
To Test the Hearts of Humanity
During the millennial kingdom, with Satan bound, the world will experience a time of righteousness, justice and peace under the rule of Jesus Christ. But this does not mean sin and rebellion will be entirely absent. As generations are born and raised in this peaceful environment, many will outwardly conform but may not have truly submitted their hearts to Christ. When Satan is released, he will seek to deceive people and stir up rebellion against God one last time (Revelation 20:8). This will reveal the true allegiance of men’s hearts and show that even an ideal environment cannot change the sinful tendencies of humanity apart from Christ.
To Demonstrate the Depravity of Satan
Satan’s release after 1,000 years will conclusively demonstrate the unchanging depravity of his nature. Despite 1,000 years of confinement, Satan emerges as wicked as ever, immediately seeking to deceive people into rebellion. His brief release exposes that no amount of punishment or confinement can ultimately reform or redeem Satan. His unrestrained evil provides a stark contrast to God’s goodness and confirms that Satan deserves eternal punishment in the lake of fire.
To Bring Final Judgment
Those who join Satan’s rebellion after his release will share his judgment and eternal punishment (Revelation 20:9-10, 15). In his mercy, God delays final judgment until all rebellion against Him is fully exposed and gathered for judgment. This prevents premature judgment and shows God’s patience in waiting for people to repent (2 Peter 3:9). But the time comes for every person’s allegiance to be revealed, so that final justice can be administered.
To Make Way for the Eternal State
After crushing Satan’s final rebellion, God will usher in a new heaven and new earth for eternity (Revelation 21-22). As long as Satan was still unjudged or allowed to roam the earth, the full restoration of God’s kingdom could not be fulfilled. Satan’s final rebellion will set the stage for Christ to eternally establish His kingdom in a renewed creation free from sin and all evil.
To Magnify Christ’s Victory
By releasing Satan from bondage despite Jesus’ triumph at Calvary, God displays Christ’s decisive victory over Satan to the fullest extent. Even after 1,000 years to gather his forces, Satan is no match for the conquering King of kings. Jesus effortlessly crushes the feeble uprising with divine authority, magnifying His unmatched power over every evil force.
To Test the Nations
During the millennial kingdom, people from all nations will populate the earth and enjoy God’s blessing under Christ’s rule (Zechariah 14:16-19). When Satan is released and deceives the nations into rebellion, it will test where the allegiance of each nation ultimately lies. Those nations that join Satan will share his judgment, while those that remain faithful to Christ will reveal the genuineness of their devotion.
To Prepare Mankind for Eternity with God
By allowing mankind to be tempted by Satan one last time, God prepares humanity for eternity with Him. Those who reject Satan’s deception and remain faithful to Christ through this final test demonstrate that their righteous character is steadfast. They are spiritually prepared to enter God’s eternal kingdom, where no temptation or evil will exist forever. This final purging exposes any remaining hidden sins or motives.
To Fulfill Scripture
The release and judgment of Satan after the 1,000 years will fulfill what Scripture has foretold: “And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever… Then I saw a great white throne and Him who was seated on it… And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.” (Revelation 20:10, 11, 12)
To Complete God’s Plan of Redemption
God’s release of Satan to lead one final rebellion completes the arc of sin and redemption through Christ. From humanity’s first sin in the Garden of Eden to the rise and fall of antichrist, God permits evil under His sovereignty to ultimately destroy it forever and usher in unending righteousness. The release and final end of Satan is another step on God’s wise and good plan for creation and redemption.
In summary, God’s temporary release of Satan after the 1,000 years serves many important purposes that reflect His character and complete the full biblical narrative. It reveals the persisting depravity of man and Satan apart from Christ. It vindicates God’s justice in judging unrepentant sinners and evil spiritual forces. And it sets the stage for the final, eternal state where God will reign face-to-face with His redeemed people in a new creation.