“An important aspect of apocalyptic literature,” wrote professor Leland Ryken, “is the final triumph of good and defeat of evil. The battle is not a battle between equals, but this does not minimize the strength of the life-or-death struggle. The power of evil in apocalyptic literature is terrifying and often drives us to temporary despair.” But, Ryken assures us, “the book of Revelation ends with a hero on a white horse who kills a dragon, marries his bride, celebrates the wedding with a feast, and lives happily ever after in a palace glittering with jewels.”

There are a few “loose ends” remaining at the end of the Millennium. One is Satan, the dragon (vv. 7–10). He’s had a thousand years to think it over and can see for himself the results of Christ’s perfect rule. Even so, he’s unchanged and goes out to deceive the nations, to gather them for another “final battle.” Some believers and unbelievers survived the Tribulation. They and their descendants are Satan’s targets. Apparently, some people can choose lies and unbelief, even while living in utopia with glorified believers.

This battle never happens because fire from heaven devours God’s enemies. “Gog and Magog” represent the nations of the world (as in Ezekiel 38–39). Satan is thrown into hell, alongside the beast (Antichrist) and his false prophet, for eternal punishment. This is followed by the Great White Throne judgment (vv. 11–15). The remaining dead are resurrected and brought before the Lamb to determine their eternal destinies. If they are “judged according to what they had done,” they end up in hell because good works cannot save. If their names are in the Lamb’s book of life, they go to heaven. Finally, death itself is thrown into hell, symbolizing its definitive conquest (1 Cor. 15:24–26).