Angels, 12of27

~ The Chief Fallen Angel: Lucifer ~

General Information  ~  Angels are powerful spiritual beings who perform specific tasks on behalf of God.  Angels are mentioned many times in Scripture but seldom by name.

Meaning of Lucifer  ~  Scripture records the names of three specific angels.  Each of these have interesting meanings of their names when contrasted with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  The meaning of the name Lucifer is “Bearer of light.”  His name relates to his created purpose—not his present activities.  Lucifer is believed to be the original name of Satan. 

Lucifer—A Fallen Angel  ~  Lucifer—like Adam and Eve—sinned because of pride which caused them to want to be like God!  “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!  How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations!  For you have said in your heart: ‘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.’  Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit” (Isaiah 14:12-15).  Today, many are still seeking to be equal with, or superior to, their Creator. 

Lucifer’s Names  ~  In Scripture this great enemy of righteousness is referred to as Lucifer, Satan, Beelzebub (the prince of the devils), the adversary, the accuser, the devil, the dragon, the old serpent, the prince of this world, the prince of the power of the air, the god of this world, and the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience.  In summary he is the constant and chief enemy of God who is always seeking to deceive and destroy individual humans. 

Lucifer’s Traits  ~  First, before rebelling Lucifer was apparently a powerful and gorgeous being, however he wanted to be equal with God his Creator. 

Second, we know that when he fell he fell very fast.  “He said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven’” (Luke 10:18). 

Third, Lucifer/Satan is a leader who apparently brought a third of the angels with him in his rebellion (by comparing Isaiah 14:12; Revelation 9:1; Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 12:3-9). 

Fourth, Lucifer/Satan is described as the father of lies and a murderer.  Jesus said, “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do.  He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him.  When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44).

Comment  ~  A key purpose of all angels was to bear the light of Jesus Christ.  This messenger of God concept seems to be their primary purpose.  Like Lucifer in heaven Adam and Eve on earth desired to be equal with God—Scripture records that some of the angels and all of mankind (through Adam) are fallen. 

Light  ~  Jesus Christ is the “Light of the World” (John 8:12, 9:5).  In His absence we are to be His lights in the world (Matthew 5:14).  Lucifer was intended to be a witness of Christ—“bearer of light.” 

Counterfeit Light  ~  Today Lucifer/Satan is a counterfeit light.  “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.  And no wonder!  For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:13-14).

True Light  ~  Jesus Christ is the only true light.  “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.  This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.  He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light [Jesus Christ].  That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world” (John 1:6-9).  Jesus said, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:5).

Reflective Light  ~  Christ’s children are to reflect the Son of God’s light—like the moon reflects the light of the sun.  “You [Christians] are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). 

Bad News / Good News ~  “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.  But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.  To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever.  Amen” (1 Peter 5:8-11).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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