Frothnim
A Friend
Please Explain Why Satan Will Be Loosed
I've been reading the Book of Mormon as part of a 60 day challenge. I came to a verse that has gotten me to wonder the purpose of Satan being loosed. In
QUOTE 1st Nephi 22:26, "And because of the righteousness of his people, Satan has no power; wherefore, he cannot be loosed for the space of many years; for he hath no power over the hearts of the people, for they dwell in righteousness, and the Holy One of Israel reigneth."
Is this a physical loose or is this a figurative loose, meaning the influence of Satan being loosed rather than his Spirit? I ask this because I have heard that Satan will be physically loosed after the Millennium. If Satan is bound during the Millennium, what is the purpose of loosing him? Why not just keep him bound? I'm not sure how the special rule of binding him and loosing him makes sense.
I can easily justify this as part of Heavenly Father's plan, but I'm not sure why this needs to take place. Does he absolutely have to be loosed? And for what purpose?
If Satan can be bound, his whole armies could be bound to. What is the purpose of the future war between Satan and Adam revealed in D&C 88:111-114 where it reads,
QUOTE And then he shall be loosed for a little season, that he may gather together his armies. And Michael, the seventh angel, even the archangel, shall gather together his armies, even that hosts of heaven. And the devil shall gather together his armies; even the hosts of hell, and shall come up to battle against Michael and his armies. And then cometh the battle of the great God; and the devil and his armies shall be cast away into their own place, that they shall not have power over the saints any more.
Please someone explain this in the same manner you would explain why Jesus Christ needed to be baptized. Thanks!