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Sunday, June 5, 2016

The Fall of Lucifer

In the very beginning, before Adam and Eve were created, Lucifer (Satan) was able to enter into every living thing that God had ever created. The Creator allowed this because He was full of love, and wanted his angels to be able to experience what it would be like to be a bird or a tiger or even a flower. The following article comes from Christianity.com and touches upon the fall of Lucifer when he overstepped the boundaries of God's love.

How Did Lucifer Fall and Become Satan?
by Ron Rhodes, President of Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministries

How Did Lucifer Fall and Become Satan?
The story of Lucifer’s fall is described in two key Old Testament chapters—Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14. 

Let’s briefly look at both of these.

It would seem from the context of Ezekiel 28 that the first ten verses of this chapter are dealing with a human leader. Then, starting in verse 11 and on through verse 19, Lucifer is the focus of discussion.

What is the rationale for the conclusion that these latter verses refer to the fall of Lucifer? Whereas the first ten verses in this chapter speak about the ruler of Tyre (who was condemned for claiming to be a god though he was just a man), the discussion moves to the king of Tyre starting in verse 11. Many scholars believe that though there was a human “ruler” of Tyre, the real “king” of Tyre was Satan, for it was he who was ultimately at work in this anti-God city and it was he who worked through the human ruler of the city.

Some have suggested that these verses may actually be dealing with a human king of Tyre who was empowered by Satan. Perhaps the historic king of Tyre was a tool of Satan, possibly even indwelt by him. In describing this king, Ezekiel also gives us glimpses of the superhuman creature, Satan, who was using, if not indwelling, him.

Now, there are things that are true of this “king” that—at least ultimately—cannot be said to be true of human beings. For example, the king is portrayed as having a different nature from man (he is a cherub, verse 14); he had a different position from man (he was blameless and sinless, verse 15); he was in a different realm from man (the holy mount of God, verses 13,14); he received a different judgment from man (he was cast out of the mountain of God and thrown to the earth, verse 16); and the superlatives used to describe him don’t seem to fit that of a normal human being (“full of wisdom,” “perfect in beauty,” and having “the seal of perfection,” verse 12 NASB).

Our text tells us that this king was a created being and left the creative hand of God in a perfect state (Ezekiel 28:12,15). And he remained perfect in his ways until iniquity was found in him (verse 15b). What was this iniquity? We read in verse 17, “Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor.” Lucifer apparently became so impressed with his own beauty, intelligence, power, and position that he began to desire for himself the honor and glory that belonged to God alone. The sin that corrupted Lucifer was self-generated pride.

Apparently, this represents the actual beginning of sin in the universe—preceding the fall of the human Adam by an indeterminate time. Sin originated in the free will of Lucifer in which—with full understanding of the issues involved—he chose to rebel against the Creator.

This mighty angelic being was rightfully judged by God: “I threw you to the earth” (Ezekiel 28:18). This doesn’t mean that Satan had no further access to heaven, for other Scripture verses clearly indicate that Satan maintained this access even after his fall (Job 1:6-12; Zechariah 3:1,2). However, Ezekiel 28:18 indicates that Satan was absolutely and completely cast out of God’s heavenly government and his place of authority (Luke 10:18).

Jordan P. · 
IMS at Walmart
I see two problems with the above article, Lucifer's name being changed and the question of Lucifer being referenced in Isaiah 14 at all. Starting with the latter, Isaiah specifically states in verse 12 about Lucifer falling from heaven, no questioning of God's is needed. And no where in the King James does it say Satan in Isaiah 12, so how was his name changed then? I would enjoy an explanation because I am confused, could some one explain please?
Ron-Romona D. · 
Chippewa Lake, Michigan
The oppressor in verse 3 Refers to Satan the fallen Lucifer. in vs 12 where it says fallen from heaven morning star is a reference also to Satan. The Bible tells us to study to show ourselves approved..... I have been in church my whole life and not taken the time to study for myself. I have shown myself ignorant many time. therefore now before I speak I look for myself, I study, I look up references. I don't take the word of people, I go searching. I am seeking truth. Not that of a mans opinion. It take time to study it all... I certainally don't have the answers to all my questions. But I am finding truth in the Word of God if i keep it all in context.
LikeReply10Apr 7, 2013 10:59am
Susan D.
Lucifer is actually a Latin word that means shining one or morning star. If you look at the original Hebrew in Isaiah 14:12, the angelic being that desired to usurp God's throne and worship in his heart was called bright as the morning star. Lucifer means light in Latin with the connotation of beauty. The Hebrew in Isaiah 14 also talks that this angel became proud with his own beauty. (cf EZ 28) Later Lucifer is referred to as the Devil which is the Greek for slanderer or liar, Satan means the accuser, he is also called the Destroyer, and the Dragon. Just as in the O.T. God has names such as: God the Almighty One, the One who Sees, the One who hears, the Provider... and these names give us a glimpse into the character of God, so do the different names for the Angel who fell. The Evil one, a lion seeking whom he may devour... and also, the translation of the word, is it Hebrew, Greek, or Aramaic, or from the Latin or even in some translations today, the English etymology.
LikeReply11Apr 10, 2013 10:53am
Kristi D. · 
Works at Retired
God often changed people's names, to more closely fit their new identites. Abram became Abraham (father of a multitude). Sarai was changed to Sarah (mother of many nations). Simon became Peter (small stone), and Saul (demanded or death) became Paul. If we contrast the meanings of Lucifer (beautiful morning star) and Satan (liar, destroyer, accuser and dragon), it appears God gave him a new identity after pride caused his fall from heaven. This appears to be completely consistent with God's method and reasons for renaming. Renaming was also applied to places and things. God bless you all!!
LikeReply1May 15, 2016 11:20am


Before Genesis - Lucifer's Fall from Heaven


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