"Christ is in heaven reigning on the throne of David exercising rule over the nations with a rod of iron (Luke 1:33; Acts 2:31ff; Rom. 15:12; 1 Cor. 15:25; Heb. 1:8; Rev. 2:27).....the gospel is having success over the nations (Matt. 28:18-20). The kingdom is being established..."
This was the same position as all the liberals held at the turn of the last century held unfortunatly "then came Amalek"; WWI, and then the Depression, and then WWII, the Holocaust and the bomb. Then the millions murdered by communism in Russia, the millions murdered in China and the millions murdered in Cambodia and Rhwanda. There were more wars in the last century than ever before in history. During the last century and into this, the greates rival to Christianity has entered the battle field for the hearts of mankind. The wishful optimism of the liberals turned to pessimism as tthey looked around them and saw what man was doing to man and we heard "well, just wait, it's coming". What nations is He now ruling with the "rod of iron"? What nations is He now crushing, breaking with the rod of His authority/severity?
"The kingdom is being established because Satan, the strong man, has been cast out of heaven (Luke 10:18) and bound (Matt. 12:28,29; Rev. 20:2,3)"
Just when and with what was he bound and where is he kept?
Eph. 6:10-18, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints"
1 Pet. 5:8-9, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world."
2 Cor. 11:13-15, "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."
2 Cor. 4:4, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."
Seems that Paul and Peter have a different take on just what is happening now.
This was the same position as all the liberals held at the turn of the last century held unfortunatly "then came Amalek";
Well, that interesting. I always thought liberalism was about denying the gospel. Liberalism does not preach Jesus Christ. It hates Jesus Christ. It hates the word and the power of the gospel. Liberalism is all about man pulling himself up by his bootstraps.
That is a far cry from the biblical optimism found in the Scripture.
Biblical optimism is built on the fact that Christ is seated on His throne ruling the nations with a rod of iron. Not some weenie sitting in a corner biding His time until the rapture.
Biblical optimism believes that the Holy Spirit has real power to convert people by gospel preaching.
Biblical optimism believes that God’s desire for a great multitude that no man can number to come to faith in Jesus Christ. Not some wimpy minority.
So I think you are confused, historically and theologically.
Just when and with what was he bound and where is he kept?
He is bound with spiritual chains and held in spiritual abeyance “so as to not deceive the nations anymore”. If Satan were not bound, the kingdom would not have come, and the nations would not be in the position of being discipled.
“But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.” (Matt 12:28,29)
Jesus is plundering the household of the “strong man”.
Part of your error is that you do not read all that Rev. 20 says about the binding of Satan. You take it to be absolute, but that’s not what the text says. Satan is not powerless, except insofar as his ability to ultimately deceive the nations.
Actually none of these passages contradicts the view that Satan is bound from deceiving the nations at this present time. I did not say he does not go around as a roaring lion. I did not say he doesn't tempt believers. I did not say he has not blinded the minds of the unregenerate. None of these things are related to deceiving the nations.
All I said is that he is bound from deceiving the nations.
If he is not bound then Jesus was wrong about the kingdom of God (Matt. 12:28,29) and He does not have all authority over the nations to make disciples.