Why will Satan be released after Christ's 1,000-year rule on earth?

God is working out a great plan for humanity. Part of that plan is allowing mankind 6,000 years to solve its problems—its own way.

Simply looking around will show that mankind has no such solutions. In fact, it will bring itself to the point of complete destruction. Only God’s intervention will prevent this from happening (Matt. 24:22).

God will bind Satan away, leaving him unable to deceive the nations (Rev. 12:9). Then, in place of man’s government, Christ will rule all nations for 1,000 years. This period of utopia is commonly referred to as the “millennium.” All people in all nations will be taught the ways of God.

This is but a part of God’s great purpose. After generations of living in peace and happiness, some will forget how miserable Satan’s influence made society. In His mercy, God will release Satan for “a little season” (Rev. 20:3) to give mankind a demonstration that only God’s way brings true happiness.

Satan will deceive the nations of Gog and Magog. These nations are a type of all rebellious people who refuse to yield themselves to the Law and Government of God (Rev. 20:8).

Those who follow Satan and reject God will not be able to continue on to the next step of God’s Plan. However, at the same time, those truly following God will be shown that only God’s way can lead them to true happiness.