The Origin of Sin
Satan was the originator of sin. Before sin, Satan was called Lucifer. He was created by God (Ezekiel 28:13, 15) as were all the other angels (Ephesians 3:9). Lucifer was a free moral being who could choose to love God or reject Him. He was a “covering” cherub (Ezekiel 28:14). There were two great angels who stood on either side of God’s throne (Psalms 99:1). Lucifer was one of those highly exalted angelic leaders.
Lucifer’s beauty was perfect and his wisdom was flawless. “You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty…Every precious stone was your covering” (Ezekiel 28:12,13). His brightness was awe-inspiring. “You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created till iniquity was found in you” (Ezekiel 28:15).
But pride, jealousy, and self-exaltation arose in Lucifer’s heart. And he decided to attempt to unseat God and then demand that all worship him. “Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor” (Ezekiel 28:17). “For you have said in your heart…I will exalt my throne above the stars of God …I will be like the Most High” (Isaiah 14:13, 14).
Then, “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).
One-third of the angels joined Lucifer (Revelation 12:3, 4) in the rebellion in heaven. The Godhead had no choice but to oust Lucifer and his followers. Lucifer’s aim was to seize God’s throne, even if it might eventually lead to murder (John 8:44). After his expulsion from heaven, Lucifer was called Satan (adversary) and devil (slanderer), and the angels who followed him were called demons (Revelations 20:2). After the creation of man, Satan was able to deceive humanity into disobedience to God and thus sin entered our earth and doomed it to death.
But God in His infinite mercy sent His Son to carry the penalty of man’s sin on Himself. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Every person that accepts Christ’s death on his behalf by faith and obey the Lord, will be saved eternally (John 1:12).
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team
