~ 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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