What is the mystery of the thousand-year binding of Satan, the first resurrection, and the Great White Throne judgment?

An angel descends from the celestial heights bearing the key of the abyss and a massive chain, seizing the ancient dragon—identified as the primal serpent, devil, and Satan—and binding him for a thousand years. Confined within the subterranean pit and sealed securely, the adversary is restrained from misleading worldly nations until that appointed epoch reaches completion, after which he must be released for a brief interval. Bishop Challoner explains that this millennial binding represents the decisive limitation of satanic power accomplished by Christ's redemption throughout the New Covenant era, especially from the overthrow of pagan Roman persecution until the final eschatological crisis. During this span, thrones of judicial dignity are occupied by the souls of those martyred for their fidelity to Jesus and God's word who refused to worship the beast or receive its insignia; they reign with Christ in the first resurrection, which Challoner interprets as the elevation of sanctified souls to heavenly glory, The rest of the dead live not until the thousand years are finished. Those sharing the first resurrection are blessed and holy, beyond the second death’s power, and shall be priests of God and Christ. The annotation distinguishes the second resurrection as bodily, at general judgment.

When the thousand years conclude, Satan is released from confinement to seduce nations situated across the four corners of the globe, designated symbolically as Gog and Magog, mobilizing an immense army comparable to the seashore sand. These forces advance across the terrain and surround the encampment of the faithful and the beloved citadel. Fire descends from heaven to consume the besieging legions completely. The deceiving devil is cast permanently into the lake of burning sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet to endure everlasting torment day and night throughout endless ages.

John then witnesses a great white throne occupied by the Sovereign Judge, from whose face the existing earth and sky vanish without leaving any trace. The departed of every station, great and small, assemble before this tribunal as records of human conduct are opened. Alongside these scrolls, the book of life is unsealed, and every soul is evaluated according to their documented works. The ocean, death, and the netherworld surrender their dead to face this universal judgment. Ultimately, both death and hell are cast into the fiery pool, which represents the second death; and any individual whose name is absent from the register of life is cast into that eternal lake of fire.