The Key, The Chain, and the Bottomless Pit

The Key, The Chain, and the Bottomless Pit

By Pinnacle Message

"Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain." — Revelation 20:1 (ESV)

In this vivid and striking vision recorded by the Apostle John, we are transported into the realm of divine justice and eternal authority. The symbolism of the key, the chain, and the bottomless pit unveils truths about God’s dominion over darkness and the finality of His righteous judgments.

Narration: The Heavenly Descent

John sees an angel — not just any angel, but one commissioned with divine authority. He descends, not from the sky, but from heaven itself, carrying two significant instruments: a key and a chain. The key grants access to a terrible prison — the bottomless pit — and the chain is meant for binding.

This scene marks the beginning of the end for Satan's reign of deception. The earth, which has groaned under the weight of sin, is now being purged by heaven's command.

Verse 1: Revelation 20:2
“He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.”

Here, the chain is not symbolic of metal but of divine restraint. God alone has the power to arrest evil. The enemy, who once roamed the earth seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8), is now rendered powerless by the decree of God.

Exposition: Unlocking the Symbolism

Each element in this verse holds spiritual weight:

• The Key represents authority. Not all keys open doors of freedom — some are used to lock away judgment. Jesus proclaims in Revelation 1:18,

  Verse 2: Revelation 1:18
  “I have the keys of Death and Hades.”
  Christ’s authority over death, hell, and the abyss is final and unshakable. The angel acts as His agent.

• The Chain signifies divine limitation. Even Satan is subject to God’s boundaries. Like in Job 1:12,

  Verse 3: Job 1:12
  “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.”
  Satan’s influence, though powerful, is not limitless.

• The Bottomless Pit (Greek: Abyss) represents a place of containment for the demonic. Jesus had once cast demons into swine to avoid them entering this place (Luke 8:31).

  Verse 4: Luke 8:31
  “And they begged Him not to command them to depart into the abyss.”

This pit is real, dreadful, and prepared.

Interpretation: The Victory of Divine Justice

The scripture in Revelation 20 is not merely prophetic; it’s declarative. It announces God's total authority over evil and the destined fall of Satan. While believers may wrestle today, a time is coming when God will bind all that corrupts — eternally.

Verse 5: Colossians 2:15
“He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”

Christ’s work on the cross was the beginning. The angel’s descent is the execution of that victory.

And what of the bottomless nature of the pit? It’s a place from which there is no rising, no return — symbolic of eternal separation and the total defeat of rebellion.

Verse 6: Matthew 25:41
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’”

The bottomless pit is not chaos uncontrolled, but justice fulfilled.

Finally, we are reminded that we who believe in Christ are not destined for this pit, but for eternal life.

Verse 7: Romans 16:20
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”

What This Teaches Believers

• Evil may roam, but it is on a leash.

• God has keys to everything — to open what He will and to lock away what must be destroyed.

• Satan’s time is limited, his power temporary, and his destiny sealed.

• You, child of God, must live with confidence in Christ's triumph, not fear of the enemy's lies.

Final Reflection

The Key represents God’s sovereign authority.
The Chain represents His power to restrain.
The Bottomless Pit represents His eternal justice.

Stand in victory, for He who holds the key is your Deliverer.