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Questions From ReadersThe Watchtower—1965 | June 15
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end of that time. (Rev. 20:5, 7) So, viewed in their proper setting, there is no conflict between the statements of the apostle Paul and those recorded by the apostle John in the Revelation.
● Are the demons going to be cast into the abyss with Satan the Devil following the war of Armageddon? Will they also return with him after the thousand-year reign of Christ and thereafter be hurled into the “lake of fire and sulphur” with him?—W.D.
At Revelation 20:1-3 it is pointedly stated that the one known as “the Devil and Satan” is ‘hurled into the abyss,’ where he is restrained for a thousand years; but the demons are not mentioned here. Likewise in Re 20 verses 7 and 10 it reports that, after the thousand years, Satan is let loose and later is “hurled into the lake of fire and sulphur”; but, again, the demons are not mentioned.
However, further details are recorded in other portions of the Bible. For example, on one occasion when Jesus was confronted with a demon-possessed man, the demons, faced with expulsion by Jesus, begged him not to send them into the abyss at that time. The account reads: “And they [the demons] kept entreating him not to order them to go away into the abyss.” (Luke 8:31) So those demons knew that in due time they were going to be hurled into the abyss; this was God’s judgment against them. We can thus conclude that, when Revelation 20:1-3 speaks of the abyssing of the chief rebel and wicked spirit, Satan, the demons are to be understood as included. Obviously, a report on the Devil’s defeat means that those serving under him have also been defeated. So both the Devil and the demons are hurled into the abyss following the war of Armageddon.
But how do we know whether the demons will return with Satan following the thousand years and so be on hand when he is hurled into “the lake of fire and sulphur”? Because Jesus Christ said that they would share that end with him. He spoke of the “everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels.” (Matt. 25:41) There is no statement in the Bible to the effect that the demons are hurled into the “lake of fire” first, to be followed by the Devil a thousand or more years later. Rather, we have seen that they will all be confined in the abyss. So, apparently, they will return from the abyss together and have a share in endeavoring to mislead mankind at that time, but then, with the Devil, the demons will be “hurled into the lake of fire and sulphur,” which is the “second death.” Thus they will all be everlastingly destroyed.
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AnnouncementsThe Watchtower—1965 | June 15
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Announcements
KNOW YOUR BIBLE!
No book should be better known than the Bible. What do you know about it? Do you know who the writers are? when and why they wrote? what the general contents of each book are? what its particular value is to us today? The book “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial” will acquaint you with the Bible in more ways than you would have believed possible. Read it with the excellent modern-English version New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. Both for only $2. Send now and receive free two timely 32-page booklets on Bible subjects.
FIELD MINISTRY
Since Jehovah God loved the world of mankind so much that he gave his only-begotten Son to die on their behalf, those who appreciate that love are likewise under obligation to manifest love. This love moves them to serve God, to expend themselves on behalf of fellow believers, and to carry to others the good news about God’s loving provisions for all mankind. For that reason, Jehovah’s witnesses will continue to call at the homes of people everywhere to discuss the Bible with them, and during June they will be offering the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures and the book “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial,” with two booklets, for $2.
“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES FOR THE WEEKS
July 18: Jehovah God, the Great Potter. Page 361.
July 25: The Great Potter Molds Human Vessels. Page 367.
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