This chapter is the only place where the devil is bound (vs 2). Notice an angel from heaven does it, not us. Humans have never been able to bind Satan and demons - although many claim they can through prayer. No prophet or apostle has ever had the power to bind the devil in scripture. I needed to bring that to the attention of those that claim they can - you cannot. Not even the archangel Michael rebuked the devil regarding the body of Moses but said to the devil, "The Lord rebuke you!" (Jude 9). God has reserved that authority for Himself.
The time in history will occur after Jesus returns to earth to claim His throne not only in Jerusalem, but as King of kings and Lord of lords. This will be a time of literal global peace.
Jesus returns and destroys the armies of the earth (Read Revelation 19). Sin will still be among us, but with the devil bound in the abyss for one thousand years, sin will not be as dominant. One of the reasons sin will be diminised is over half of the global population would have been killed during the great tribulation. In Revelation 6:8; 1/4 of people will die, 9:15; another 1/3 will die. Based on a world population of 8 billion currently expect that over 5 billion will die - the greatest genocide in human history by far.
Understand this is God's endtime judgment and wrath on sinful mankind (Revelation 6:13-17). As tragic as this is, this is divine justice. People always complain about God because of all the evil in the world; that He is not doing anything about it. Well, this is how He will rid the world of evil by getting rid of those who commit it. For one thousand years the devil is placed in prison. Scholars call this time the Millennium. It means one thousand. The word does not appear in the Bible, but it is a fitting description of this future time in history.
Clearly the Lord is displaying His love mercy and grace during this period. I believe the gospel will go forth in power during this time so that sinners can repent, believe and be saved. Yes there will be those who are unredeemed that will survive the Tribulation along with those who will be born during the Millennium so the gospel will need to be preached. There will be no devil to tempt or lure them away to something ungodly because he will be locked up.
This will be a unique time in history. Let me explain. The Church has returned to earth with Jesus according to Revelation 19:15. All the saints of God are immortal - meaning not subject to death any longer. Immortatlity also means they are perfect, unable to sin. They are just like Jesus (1 Cor 15:51; 2 Thess 4:13-18; 1 John 3:2). The rest of humanity on earth is still mortal which means they will die. The curse on the earth still exists, but with Jesus now on earth ruling from His throne in Jerusalem, He may (I cannot prove this) like He did in His first advent heal those who are sick and perform numerous signs and wonders - i.e. feed the multitudes, raise the dead, cast out demons because they (i.e. evil spirits) haven't been judged yet.
By virtue of the fact that He has returned is blessing enough as far as I am concerned. In the next article, I will discuss what happens when Satan is released from his prison.