Pride was the sin that Lucifer, God’s highly exalted angel (Ezekiel 28:14), harbored in his heart. Before his fall, Lucifer was the most beautiful and the wisest of all the angels in heaven (v. 12,13,15). But even though he was created perfect, he used his free will to rebel against God saying, “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High” (Isa. 14:13, 14).
Pride and Jealousy
Lucifer desired to be like God in power and position, but not in holiness (John 8:44). He sought for himself the worship of the angels even though he was merely a created being. He wanted the honor that belonged only to the Creator. And he coveted the glory that the infinite Father had bestowed upon His Son (Luke 4:7).
Lucifer allowed his jealousy of Christ to prevail. And he had no excuse for the Son of God was the Creator of all (Colossians 1:16) and shared God in His glory. Yet, in all this, Christ would not seek His own exaltation (John 8:50), but would exalt the Father’s Name and do His will (Philippians 2:8).
Rebellion and war
The proud angel started to spread the spirit of discontent among the angels. Many of the angels were blinded by his deceptions and lies. Lucifer took advantage of their love and filled their minds with distrust in God. And thus, he “swept a third” of the angels to his side (Revelation 12:3–9). This is how Lucifer, “the light bearer,” became Satan, “the adversary” (1 Peter 5:8–9).
“And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him” (Revelation 12:7-9).
Revelation of Satan’s principles
Even when Lucifer was cast out of heaven, infinite Wisdom did not destroy him right away because God’s creatures didn’t understand the full nature of sin and its consequences. Therefore, God permitted him to live and demonstrate his proposed plans for the universe. Had he been immediately destroyed; some would have served God from fear rather than love (Matthew 22:37)
Since only the service of love can be acceptable to God, the allegiance of His creatures must rest upon an understanding of His justice and love. For this reason, Satan was given an opportunity to reveal his principles, that his charges against God might be seen in their true light. God planned that His love and mercy might be forever placed beyond all doubt (Exodus 34:5-7).
The final revelation of Satan’s rule will show what is it like to be away from God. It will reveal that God’s laws are for the happiness of His created beings. Thus, the history of this terrible experiment of rebellion will be a continual protection and reminder of the deadly nature of sin. And God’s creatures in the universe will fully understand and acknowledge His love and justice (John 3:16).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
