We are studying a subject of great importance. In this lesson, we examine the origin of Satan and the origin of evil. Fortunately, the Scriptures give us the full story of the fall of Satan, his current activities, and his final destiny.
It is important to understand that God did not create Satan to be evil. God does not create evil; evil must choose to create itself. In Ezekiel 28:12, God speaks to the prophet Ezekiel concerning the "king of Tyrus." As you read the passage, it becomes clear that God is not addressing a mere human king, but the spiritual entity—Satan—who possessed that ruler.
Ezekiel 28 describes this created being as "full of wisdom and perfect in beauty." Lucifer was one of the archangels of heaven. The text states, "Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God." Since no human in Ezekiel's day had lived in the Garden of Eden thousands of years prior, this confirms the passage refers to a supernatural being.
The description continues: "Every precious stone was thy covering." He was covered in sardius, topaz, diamond, beryl, onyx, jasper, sapphire, emerald, carbuncle, and gold. The text also mentions the workmanship of his "tabrets and pipes," which were prepared in him on the day he was created. While Gabriel is in charge of heaven's communications and Michael leads the heavenly armies, Lucifer was in charge of worship, praise, and music.
Ezekiel 28:14 states, "Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God." This shows he held a central position in heaven, covering the throne of God. He covered the Shekinah glory of the Godhead, channeling worship through music, gold, and precious stones. God set him in this elevated place of honor.
The text records, "Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee." He was a created being; he was not born, and he did not have a mother. He was perfect until he chose to create his own iniquity. This began with a lustful attitude. Ezekiel 28:16 states, "By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire."
Lucifer wanted to exalt his own throne. Isaiah 14 reveals his ambition to elevate himself above all other creations. This rebellion resulted in a war in heaven, and God cast him out as profane (contaminated) from the holy mountain. Because he volitionally set himself against the Creator, God cast him down. You cannot have love without the freedom of choice. Just as a marriage or a family requires a volitional choice to love, God gives His creations free will. We can choose to align with God or rebel.
Lucifer's heart was lifted up because of his beauty, and he corrupted his wisdom by reason of his brightness. Taking credit for his own God-given beauty and wisdom led to his corruption. When we focus on our own goodness or gifts rather than the Giver, we head down the wrong path. Lucifer squandered his gifts and made merchandise of them. Consequently, he was cast from the highest heights of heaven down to the ground.
In Ezekiel 28:18, God states, "Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick." Lucifer defiled his position. He convinced one-third of the angels of God to follow him in his rebellion. These fallen angels are the demonic forces operating on the earth today. His "traffick" refers to his destructive business throughout the world, manipulating dark trades and seeking to ruin the temple of God.
But God has decreed his end: "Therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth... and never shalt thou be any more." The end of Satan will astonish all who have lived. The terror he brought through empires and evil rulers will be permanently ended.
Now turn in your Bibles to Isaiah 14:12: "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!" If an archangel can fall from the very presence of God, we must walk circumspectly and wisely. Lucifer fell because of pride. He said in his heart:
His pride led to his ruin, and today we must expose his works, give him no honor or fear, and stand in the authority of Jesus Christ to set the captives free.