Some theologians argue that the devil was an angel who at one time lived in heaven with God.
Supposedly, this created angel became jealous of God and determined to overthrow Him. The angel solicited an army of other angels who went to war with God to overthrow His kingdom. God prevailed, however, to conquer the evil angel and his army. As punishment for this rebellion God kicked the evil angel and his army out of heaven…sending them to the planet earth, where the devil has been given power as the "Prince of this World".
*Was satan a fallen angel?
This brings us to the issue of whether or not satan was a fallen angel who once lived in heaven.
The most quoted text on this topic is Isaiah 14:12-20, but first, let’s explore the topic of this chapter:
In Isa. 14:1-3, the Lord says that he will be merciful to Israel & they will live in their own land. Strangers will join them & be slaves to the house of Israel. In that day, they will have rest from bondage.>
*Prophecies on the subject:
Jer 25:11 And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.
12 And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon,
Jer 42:11 Be not afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom ye are afraid; be not afraid of him, saith the LORD: for I am with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand.
12 And I will shew mercies unto you, that he may have mercy upon you, and cause you to return to your own land.
Jer 46:26 And I will deliver them into the hand of those that seek their lives, and into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of his servants: and afterward it shall be inhabited, as in the days of old, saith the LORD.
27 But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel: for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make him afraid
Is. 14:4 That thou shalt take up this proverb (Figurative discourse / parable) against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! ... (who at that time in history was Nebuchadnezzar.)
5 The LORD hath broken the staff of the wicked, and the sceptre of the rulers.
6 He (king of Babylon) who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hindereth.
7 The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing.
8 Yea, the fir trees rejoice at thee, and the cedars of Lebanon, saying, Since thou art laid down, no feller is come up against us.
9 Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations.
10 All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us?
11 Thy pomp (greatness) is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.
*Isaiah delivers a 'taunt' to Nebuchadnezzar >
Is. 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! *Verse 12 is only place in the Bible where the word, Lucifer is mentioned.
(heaven – greek word = shamayim, meaning “to be lofty, the sky, air.” (strongs)
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. (Hell= she'owl (sheh-ole') world of the dead / grave, pit)
*This king, (who Isaiah called Lucifer) will not die with honor as other kings. He will have no tomb & will be cast out to rot under foot. (The rest of this chapter tells of the destruction of Babylon, Assyria & the Philistines.)
16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; (Lucifer was the man - Nebuchadnezzar)
17 That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?
18 All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, (in honor) every one in his own house.
19 But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable (morally repulsive) branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcass trodden under feet.
20 Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, and slain thy people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned.
*Verse 4 clarifys that the king of Babylon is called Lucifer, as this proverb was declared to the king.
*The term Lucifer, meaning brilliant star, light bringer, is used in reference to Nebuchadnezzar to denote his glory; A Latin word that means “light bearer” and was originally the name for the planet Venus, known as the “morning star.” Nowhere in this text is the devil, or satan, remotely suggested.
*The entire text refers to the pride and arrogance of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, who allowed his subjects to regard and worship him as though he was a god. His pride led to his eventual fall and ruin, as prophesied in this scripture, and which is confirmed by history to have happened precisely as Isaiah predicted
Note in verse 16… "Is this the man"…. referring to Nebuchadnezzar. Had this text identified satan, he would not be called a man. The king of Babylon was a mortal man, not a supernatural, unearthly being.
This text cannot be used to support the theory that satan was an angel who one time lived in heaven…nor should it be used to apply the name Lucifer to satan.
If verse 15 is confusing to you - "thou shalt be brought down to hell" - be enlightened. The English translation ‘hell’ is used for several Hebrew and Greek terms. It does not always mean the fiery abyss of eternal punishment. In this text the Hebrew word "she’owl" is used…which means ‘the world of the dead’ or grave. The warning was that Nebuchadnezzar would end up dead just like all other mortal men…that he was no god & would not be honored in death.
*What about the war in heaven? This text is found in Revelation 12:7-9…
Rev 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
*This is a vision which is a symbolic picture of the early Christian church in its spiritual warfare with the Roman empire. >
Angels are referred to throughout the Bible as ‘messengers’. They need not be heavenly messengers with wings and halo’s as often depicted, but angels can be people in human flesh who are God’s messengers, or ministers.
The angels of God in this vision are the early apostles who took the gospel of Jesus into the pagan world of the Roman empire.
Angel = aggelos (ang'-el-os); (to bring tidings); a messenger; (Strongs)
*The war was a spiritual battle between truth and idolatry…between the followers of Christ’s teachings and the idol religions of Rome. The dragon was a military standard of the Roman cavalry. Note that the dragon is ‘called’, or referred to, as satan, the devil…so called because the Roman empire was an instrument of the devil to try to destroy the cause of Christ.
Both the idolatrous religions and political powers of Rome were threatened by the teachings of Christ. Their angels (ministers) fought against the angels (ministers) of God…using all the political powers of Rome to defeat God’s truth…but to no avail. God’s truth continued while the Roman empire fell. Thus the meaning of the vision.
Jesus spoke about this in Mt.11:12 > "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force."
*If this was a literal war in heaven then it was not an ‘angel’ who fought against God, but rather a literal ‘dragon.’ The simple logic is that this is a vision & not a literal happening between supernatural beings & a dragon!
*Then there is this text in Luke 10:17-20…
17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy nam
18 And he (Jesus) said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven
19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven
*To what was Jesus referring?
* Seventy disciples were sent out by Jesus to minister and to heal in His name. Power was given them to perform miracles, including the ability to cast out demons. On their return the disciples confirmed their success…that they had even defeated demons (devils). Jesus replied, "yes, I saw your success - how that satan was quickly defeated by your ministry, as quick as lightening falls from heaven."
*But what about 2 Peter 2:4 >... if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell...
*Note the verses preceding and following this text. They were referring to false ministers (angels) who would pervert the gospel of Christ. Such ministers and teachers shall be harshly judged by God because of their potential of destroying men’s souls. >
2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets (messengers / angels) also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment
5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
7 And delivered just Lot....
*God didn’t spare His chosen people that sinned against him (them that should have loved & obeyed Him, but instead turned to wickedness, becoming false prophets / teachers) He destroyed the wicked in Noah’s day & the cities of Sodom & Gomorrha because of their ungodliness. If we sin, we bring destruction upon ourselves.
*Jude 6 refers to the same situation of false teachers, but is another scripture often taken out of context >
Jude 6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. *Those that were once pure & holy but have turned to a life of sin - judgement awaits.
Who Is Satan? The Scriptures reveal that Satan is a real, evil being - not a fictional character...
Gen 2:19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field,..
Gen 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made.
Rev 20:2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan
Rev 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan
Gen 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
*Humans were created in God’s image / likeness...with a conscience & will. Creatures / Beasts were created having a ‘beast’ nature without conscience & their will is to survive, dominate & satisfy themselves. Satan has this beast type nature.
*All things were created by God, including satan. >
John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
*Satan’s characteristics:
●Accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:10...the accuser of our brethren is cast down...
●Adversary of mankind (I Pet 5:8 1 Peter 5:8...your adversary the devil, as a lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
●Deceiver (2 Cor. 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
●Enemy(Matt 13:39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil...
●Dragon / Serpent / Devil (Rev 12:3...behold a great red dragon... Rev 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth...
●Serpent(2 Cor 11:3...as the serpent beguiled Eve...
●Liar and father of lies (Jn 8:44...he is a liar, and the father of it
●Prince of the devils, or Beelzebub, which means "lord of the flies" (Matt 12:24 ...Beelzebub the prince of the devils.
●Prince of this world (John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11) Jn 12:31 ..now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
●Wicked one(Matt 13:19 ...then cometh the wicked one...
*When Eve was tempted by the serpent n the garden of Eden, it does not state that the serpent was satan. However, the beastlike nature & evil spirit of satan spoke through the serpent. Satan is a spirit.
*In Job 1:6, when satan presented himself before the Lord, he did not enter heaven. Satan dwells in the heavens' ....the atmosphere between God's heaven & the earth.
*Satan was never in heaven & never will be:
1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. *Notice satan sinned from the beginning. Beginning means, ‘from the start,’ so if satan sinned from the beginning, how could he have been in Heaven?
John 8:44...He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
*Would God allow satan in heaven?
These verses clearly state that unrighteous, unclean, evil behavior is not permitted in the kingdom of God.
1 Cor 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?...
Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Matt 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Isa 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit... *God is a holy & divine being that dwells in holiness without sin or guile.. He does not dwell in sinful, unclean places.
*Think about it.....If satan was once a beautiful angel in heaven & then he became exalted & tried to be like God, then what about other angels? Gabriel for example...will he turn evil? What about us? If we make it to heaven, should we fear that we might become like satan? If that were true, then Jesus died for no reason, heaven is just like earth & the scriptures about the kingdom of God have no merit.
Perhaps the origin of satan can’t be clearly defined, but scriptures prove that heaven is a place without sin, without sinful thoughts or unrighteous behavior!
*Satan's Agenda:
Satan is very much involved in your life and in the life of every other human being who has ever existed. His intent is to destroy our relationship with our Creator... to destroy the one eternal possession that we have - our soul! Jesus said in Jn. 10:10, The thief (satan) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…
1 Peter 5:8...your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (destroy)
Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (schemes / tricks)
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