We must understand that the book of Revelation is written in a symbolic and figurative style, not literally. In Revelation 20:7, it says: “When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison.” This verse portrays that in the end times, evil will manifest in an obvious and extreme way—evil of a kind never before committed by mankind, and this is depicted through the symbol of “Satan being released from his prison.”
In verse 8, it says that Satan will “deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth and gather them for battle.” We must remember that the numbers, names, and events in Revelation carry symbolic meaning and should be interpreted figuratively, not literally. What matters most is understanding their spiritual meaning and connecting it to our lives today: what we must do, how we should respond, and where we stand amid these dark times.
Verse 9 continues: “They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city He loves.” Who are the “saints” and the “beloved city”? That is us—believers who strive to live in holiness. Of course, this surrounding is not in a physical sense like an armed military siege, but rather a spiritual attack carried out by the forces of darkness.
In the end times, God will still preserve a group of people living in true holiness—those referred to as the “army of the saints.” They are not physically armed fighters but spiritual soldiers who live to save souls and uphold truth. They go through a process of purification, as it is written: “Let the evildoer still do evil, and the holy still be holy” (Revelation 22:11). At this point, there is no neutral zone—one stands either at the pole of sin or at the pole of holiness.
If we are part of the “army of the saints,” we will undoubtedly experience pressure from every side, which is not only in the form of verbal attacks, slander, or unfair treatment, but also the oppressive atmosphere of the world that chains the soul. There is pressure from unseen forces—dark shadows that gnaw at our inner being, which causes many to lose heart and say, “It’s impossible to live holy.”
However, Satan understands time and recognizes the signs of the age. He crafts strategies to surround believers gradually—through culture, language, humor, media, and various expressions of modern life that seem harmless but smuggle in values that corrupt holiness. Many Christians unknowingly start living by worldly standards of “normal”—and these become prime targets for the powers of darkness.
If we keep our distance from worldly influence and live with an awareness of God’s presence, the powers of darkness will find it difficult to reach us. Yet, we will still be surrounded and engaged in battle—not physical struggle, but spiritual warfare that continues 24 hours a day. There is no pause. Satan always aims his attack, even when we are praying. He rides on our old nature, stirs our thoughts, and clouds our spiritual vision.
Being part of God’s holy people in these last days is an arduous struggle. Yet this is the divine calling. Only those who practice the presence of God at all times, who live in prayer and perseverance, will be able to stand firm and emerge victorious in this spiritual warfare.