Is Satan Bound? Part 1 -- By: John F. Walvoord

Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 100:400 (Oct 1943)
Article: Is Satan Bound? Part 1
Author: John F. Walvoord


Is Satan Bound?
Part 1

John F. Walvoord

[Author’s Note: This article begins a series on problems in eschatology. Without attempting to include all the important subjects which are embraced in Biblical prophecy, aspects, of prophecy which are pivotal will be considered, giving particular attention to those which naturally arise in any attempt to form a system of interpretation. It is hoped that the series will be helpful to those who have serious problems in the interpretation of prophecy and that material will be supplied to confirm the faith of those who look for the coming of the Lord for His Church.]

Introduction.

There are many approaches to the field of eschatology, which includes the consideration of all that was prophetic in the Scriptures when written. Prophecy can be studied from the viewpoint of the purposes of God, with all history in its detail being a fulfillment. Prophecy can be examined as portraying Christ in His Person and work, a most fruitful field of study as every important aspect of prophecy has some relation to Christ. Prophecy can be viewed as an unfolding picture of human sin and a divine remedy of grace or judgment. Prophecy can be traced as it deals with Israel and the Gentile nations, constituting a most illuminating study of God’s program. Prophecy can be viewed, also, from God’s program for the angels, as revealed in the Scriptures, including the course and destiny of Satan. Each approach has its own contribution to the total of prophecy. The present subject involves the consideration of the last named, the place of Satan in the prophetic program. While any of the other approaches would be as suitable, the present subject has been selected because it establishes so simply and directly the point in God’s program in which we find ourselves. If the question in regard to the binding of Satan can be answered, as it can, a forward step of tremendous importance has been taken in establishing the whole point of view.

Most systems of interpretation of prophecy can be classified by their interpretation of the millennial doctrine. The Old Testament has frequent allusions to the glory and

righteousness of a future kingdom. The New Testament reveals that this kingdom will continue for one thousand years. The nature of this millennium, or thousand year period, and its relation to other prophesied events constitute a determining factor in any system of prophetic interpretation.

There have been at least four important millennial views, all involving the relation of the Christ to the millennium. Three of these are mutually exclusive concepts. Postmillennialism had its rise in the aftermath of the Protestant Reformation, during th...

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