If you would like to view this article in pdf format, please click here.

Origin of Sin and Satan

            There is no area of deceit within churches more treacherous than the handling of Satan. He is our adversary—the source of all division from God almighty. Satan is the god of this world.

            Most churches avoid the subject regarding the anointed cherub Lucifer and his fall, to become Satan. Churches may grudgingly admit his existence, but proceed as if he has no power in the believer’s life. (Spreading lies like that of eternal security)

            Instead of seeing evil sown by our adversary, we see psychology, physical infirmities, and all influences of a scientific nature as the cause for the conditions we face all around us, and within ourselves. This shows the true faithless nature of the “professing” Christian church of the last days. What does the Word of God say?

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: I Peter 5:8

            We must rely on God’s Word for answers. As with many biblical issues, we are given plenty to go on and walk by faith—even if every detail is not spelled out in order. God wants us to pray, and search out His Word for understanding. It is part of the fellowship we were meant to have with our Heavenly Father.

            Genesis chapter one is the creation account given to Moses by God. Chapter two verse one says:

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. Genesis 2:1

            You may note the absence of several things in chapter one.

1)     The third heaven (II Corinthians 12:2), the place where God has eternally dwelt.

2)     That heavenly host which dwelt with God the Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit. Angels, cherubs, cherubim, seraphim.

3)     Hell and the Lake of Fire

            God himself is eternal, with no beginning. It is safe to say that the third heaven, and all its host, were created and existing long before the universe we now experience. God’s Word actually supports this point, as we find later in Job 38:4-7, “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?...and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” This scripture reference clearly indicates that the heavenly host is present during our creation. Thus, the creation account is about mankind and the universe he dwells in.

            The angelic host were part of that pre-mankind creation. Lucifer was the anointed cherub; the most beautiful and powerful created being. (Ezekiel 28:10-17; Isaiah 14:12-14) Ezekiel 28 also records that the anointed cherub (Lucifer) was in Eden; we know the Garden of Eden was created after mankind. Also, after Lucifer fell he became known as Satan.

            Conclusion? Hell and the lake of fire were created for Satan and the other fallen angels. (Matthew 25:41) When man was created, Lucifer and those angels had not yet fallen; therefore nothing yet existed for their punishment.

            Our Heavenly Father created beings with the free will to make choices. God desires our worship and praise; but freely offered to Him from a sincere heart of love and obedience. To truly love Jesus Christ you must obey Him, also! (John 14:23) Though no one is perfect (see Philip 3:12-14), we are not permitted to continue in a sinful way of life! (see Romans 6) Still, we are not forced into this—we must voluntarily obey.

            This is how we were created—with choice. We were allowed all, but one thing. In creating us this way, with true free will, God could not have known how we would choose prior to our creation. Several verses may seem to say otherwise—please refer to the section on predestination for clarity. Yet to say otherwise is to imply that God created mankind knowing he would wind up eternally damning the vast majority of them! According to the Word of God, this is not so.

            Now let me give you my take on the subject. Some is speculation, but God’s Word provides the parameters to work in. It is important to use the Word of God for all our considerations. We must be diligent not to add to it, or diminish from it.

Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Deuteronomy 4:2

            Genesis chapter 1 is the creation account of our world, all the visible universe, mankind, and all forms of animal life we have come to know. Revelation 1:8; Romans 1:20; Psalms 90:2

            Our Lord God almighty is eternal; that is, without beginning or end. See Psalms 90:2; Romans 1:20; and Revelation 1:8 as but a few passages among dozens which affirm this. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance is an invaluable reference tool to aid you in biblical (KJV) studying. The purchase of such an item may be considered a part of your tithes and offerings to the Lord. We know that God dwells in an upper or “3^rd” heaven; a place mortal men cannot go to or survive in their carnal, earthly bodies (apart from Godly intervention).

            Also not mentioned in Genesis 1 are what I call the “heavenly host.” Angelic beings who dwell with God in the 3^rd heaven. (II Corinthians 12:2)

            It is safe to say this heavenly host was created before Genesis chapter one. This event doesn’t directly apply to man or effect us. Some may conjecture they were also created in the six days, without being mentioned. We can be certain of Genesis 2:1

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. Genesis 2:1

            After the six days, God was finished with creating the heavens and earth.

            Hell and the lake of fire are not mentioned in Genesis 1. They were established later, in response to the rebellion of one-third of the angels. Remember; when God finished creating “…It was all very good.” Genesis 1:31

            Lucifer was the greatest of the heavenly host (These beings are also referred to as “Sons of God” in the Old Testament; Genesis 6:2; Job 1:6; 2:1) He is called the “anointed cherub that covereth” in Ezekiel 28:14. Yet first, let’s get a little more background.

            Ezekiel chapter 26-28:10; verses 18-26, are all a lamentation for the king of Tyrus. As with many prophecies from God, this lamentation is somewhat interrupted as we are given a deeper insight into Satan and his beginnings in chapter 28:12-17. Seeing references like “thou has been in Eden”, “thou wast upon the holy mountain of God” verse 14, and being perfect, verses 12 and 15 tell us who this passage was about—not the physical king of Tyrus. I believe, however, Satan may well have inhabited the body of this king—a point God would know very well in addressing the situation.

            Now let us consider this passage; first of all, some of the characteristics given to this being who was created “perfectly.” Verse 12 “Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom; and perfect in beauty.” To me it implies the sum total; all the best qualities God could make in His creation. “…full of wisdom; and perfect in beauty.”He is extremely intelligent! Satan is a very old being; created to be full of wisdom, and getting smarter all the time. He cannot read your mind, but is an excellent observer. In other words, by noting your reactions, he is likely to know how you feel and what you think. (we must be careful—many thoughts/feelings are planted by a devil. We must verbally rebuke and bind these forces in Jesus’ name.)

            Satan is also perfect in beauty—no flaws! Lucifer itself means “light-bearer.” II Corinthians 11:14 also says he transforms into “an angel of light.” Remember, Satan’s fall was due to pride in wanting to be like God. (Isaiah 14:12-14) So his appearance, manners, and reasonings can be outwardly very appealing—and deceptive. Verse 13 “Thou hast been in Eden the Garden of God…” This is an important part of this passage. It shows that while he was yet in right standing with God, he experienced the Garden of Eden; which was created after man! (Genesis 2)

            The reference to “…Every precious stone was thy covering…” shows the beginnings of vanity—and should give us a proper perspective on expensive/decorative jewelry. If nothing else, one of our enemy’s wiles is to make us covet earthly treasures. He wants us to be decked out like he was! When dolling up with excessive jewelry, Satan sees a reflection of his former self—and believes we are emulating him.

            “…the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.” Our enemy is a master of music, and a master manipulator by music. God created him this way! Initially, he used this gift in orchestrating praise and worship of his creator. Now, he uses it to destroy us and our fellowship with God! Through such inventions as rock music, he manipulates us into elevating fleshly motivations above a spiritually obedient relationship with God.

            Verse 14 “Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so:  thou wast upon the holy mountain of God…”

            Lucifer has an anointing. Scripturally, we know what this means:  He was blessed directly by God. Yes, he rebelled and fell from a right relationship with God. Still, he was anointed (empowered) divinely as a creation. This anointing enables him to use his gifts to the uttermost.

            “Covering Cherub” seems to refer to covering God’s throne, on the holy mountain of God. Verses 16 and 17 are the spoken judgments against the covering cherub. Lucifer’s heart became proud because of his great beauty, and his wisdom was also corrupted by his brightness. (verse 17) In this passage, Lucifer is twice referred to as perfect! Never doubt how awesomely Satan was originally created. Let us now complete the picture, and view a possible scenario as to how it all played out.

            The eternal Godhead exists in the 3^rd heaven, His original dwelling place as far as we know. God created the heavenly host; the angelic beings who then lived with the triune God in His glory. Lucifer (who became Satan), the anointed covering cherub, was the most powerful of these created angelic beings. He covered God’s throne, and used his musical skill to orchestrate and direct praise and worship of the Creator.

            God then created the awesome splendor of our universe and the earth, and all the creatures in it. Above all he created man in His (God’s) own image, and gave him dominion over all the earth and it’s creatures. (Genesis 1:26-28)

            Lucifer and the other angelic beings were amazed at the marvelous creation of God! They were also allowed to roam about our universe, taking in all that God had done. Still, the anointed cherub questioned his maker in his heart—why create lowly mankind, and bestow the wealth of the earth to him? Wasn’t he (Lucifer) the beautiful and perfect creature God had made? Lucifer doubted and questioned God; he (Lucifer) had become proud, and envied man’s special relationship with his maker. (sibling rivalry?)

            Lucifer used his cunning to persuade one-third of the angels into rebelling against God. (Revelation 12:3-9) They were defeated, and cast down to the earth. (Luke 10:18; Isaiah 14:12; Ezekiel 28:17) God created Hell and the Lake of Fire as a place of everlasting punishment for this rebellious, angelic host.

            Once cast down to the earth, Lucifer then being renamed as Satan, focused his talents on destroying mankind’s special standing with God. In this way he could at least gain control of the magnificent earth, even if not over God and His entire creation.

            Satan realizes that even this victory is only temporary, with his final destination being the lake of fire. Any of mankind who choose to share in Lucifer’s rebellion will also share in his everlasting torment. (Revelation 14:9,10; 20:10,15; 21:8)

            So let me refresh your memory and summarize:

1)     Lucifer pre-dated man, and was perfectly created as the covering anointed cherub. (Yet still with freedom of choice) Satan/evil/sin did not exist.

2)     God created man in His image; and with independent thought and free choice. God did not predestine mankind to choose against Him. For God to know how man would choose, prior to creation, would mean no free will to choose. Over and over again, all throughout God’s Word, we are shown our freedom in choosing for or against God. More on that in the predestination section. Our God wants real love, not the manufactured type.

3)     Eternal punishment was not an original part of creation.

4)     Hell and the lake of fire were not made for mankind (Matthew 25:41)

5)     Immediately after creating man, then could God see the free will choices of His new, autonomous creation.

            God made Lucifer. God made man. Lucifer rebelled against God. God made Hell and the lake of fire for the rebellious angels. Lucifer was re-named Satan; he deceived man and caused our broken relationship with God.

            Traditional teachings in churches tell us that when God made mankind, He knew in advance that man would disobey Him. Also, that God created mankind, knowing in advance that He (God) would sentence most of them to eternal damnation. It really doesn’t make any sense, especially knowing the true character of the God we serve. Thankfully, His perfectly preserved Word gives us insight into the truth of these origins.

And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. Genesis 6:5-7

            God made no mistakes! When He made man, it was good. Lucifer was created perfectly. His created beings, made with their freedom to choose, had chosen against righteousness. The earth became so evil and hopelessly corrupt that God had to destroy it. Our pure and holy God had watched His beloved creatures fill His creation with sin and death.

            We must always take the Bible as a whole. We can’t choose some parts and ignore others that might seem contradictory at first glance. Dig deep, pray, search all scripture to discover what our beloved creator is trying to communicate.

            In scripture, Romans 8 and Ephesians 1 are the only two passages that use the term “predestinate.” Upon reading, you will see it refers to Jesus, and salvation through Him. Many prophecies were given regarding messiah, so Christ did predestinate the way of salvation.

            I Peter 1:2 also refers to God’s “foreknowledge”; but in reading the entire passage, you will see it again is referring to Jesus’ sacrifice. You may be able to read it another way—but when taken in the context of the whole Bible, the meaning becomes quite clear.

            Again, for a more complete look into this, please visit our section on Predestination vs. Free Will. A closely related area is Eternal Security vs. A Sure Salvation.

            The true God is not a sadistic, distant, fatalistic deity as are many in false religions. He is holy, loving, and merciful—He absolutely wants our obedience and loving devotion returned to Him freely; not because we were pre-programmed to!

            Now that we understand the beginnings of evil and sin, let us move forward into better understanding the nature of our adversary and his many means of misleading.

            It must be made clear that Satan is a master of deception. When asked by the disciples about the end of the world, the first thing Jesus said was “Take heed that no man deceive you…” (Matthew 24:4) Deceit is mentioned in verses 4,5,11,23,24,26. II Thessalonians 2:2-12 describes the falling away (verse 3) immediately before the antichrist (the beast) is revealed and comes to power. He deceives, and the people believe him. (verse 10) No one is immune to these deceptions! Only by God’s grace; and founding your spiritual house on the rock of His Word (Matthew 7:25), will you be able to stand firm in the truth. Yet remember; this salvation will cost you your physical life.

            So now, let us study the aspects of Satan so that we will better recognize his workings.

            Isaiah 14:12-17 This is the only scripture that lists the pre-fallen name of Satan. It is very important. I believe it is only listed once because: a) He is now the evil, fallen angel Satan—and that is how we deal with him. B) Lucifer means “light bearer,” and he is certainly no longer that. It plays to the Devil’s pride if you call him Lucifer.

            This passage tells of the great pride in his heart. He actually desires to be like God, and actually make God serve him.

            It also tells of the destruction he has brought to the earth and it’s people, and of oppression.

            Note:  most corrupt Bibles remove Lucifer’s name from the text in verse 12. Many include the name in footnotes, but footnotes are not God’s Word! Footnotes (other than scripture references) are of men—adding to God’s Word. (Proverbs 30:5,6) Also, the reference to Lucifer as “son of the morning” is changed into morning star:  Morning Star is actually a reference to Jesus (Revelation 22:16 and others)! Therefore by removing the name Lucifer and changing the reference, it can be implied that Jesus was the insolent one cast out of heaven, and responsible for the world’s misery! What blasphemy! Do you still hold onto your NIV bible? You may say, “Oh, but I don’t believe that anyway.” If all you are using is a corrupt version, you have no proof! Remember Romans 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

            Ezekiel 28:12-17 gives us much more. One is a title, “the anointed cherub that covereth” verse 14

            In verse 12 we read “Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.”

a)     Thou sealest up the sum:  To me it sounds like he is the ultimate creation, reflecting all the best of qualities that God could give.

b)     Full of wisdom:  This is sobering. We really have no idea how intelligent our enemy is—he is full of wisdom! We often think of age bringing wisdom over many years of experience. The anointed cherub was created full of wisdom! (That means on day one) And if experience brings more knowledge, think what he has accumulated by now.

There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. Genesis 6:4

Now consider this scripture with Matthew 22:30:

For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. Matthew 22:30

            Satan and his devils found a way to breed with humans! “Sons of God” is an early reference to the angelic host (see also Job 1 and 2). This was one of the great evils corrupting the world, before God’s judgment through the flood.

            You should always take Satan seriously, but God has given us power over him—IF we call on the Lord. Victory is not automatic. Please read the example found in Daniel 10:2,3 and 10:12,13.

            Also remember that Satan and the other devils cannot read your thoughts. Though they are great observers, what is inside they do not know. (Though they plant thoughts at times)

            So remember that rebuking those devils in Jesus’ name, it must be done out loud. Even if it is but a whisper, for they cannot read your thoughts.

c)     Perfect in beauty:  who ever said they were ugly? Some believers hold that the fallen angels lost their beauty, but I honestly do not find that teaching in God’s Word. I find instead that Satan will deceive by beauty and apparent godliness.

            You know the saying, “if it seems to good to be true, it probably is?” Remember this concerning your adversary:  God created him perfect in beauty.

d)     Verse 13 “Thou has been in Eden the garden of God…” Not a character trait—unless you consider that he has known the beauty of Christ’s perfect creation, and seeks to destroy it. And remember that he was in Eden before rebelling against God, and becoming Satan.

e)     “…every precious stone was thy covering…” He is a jeweler! Yes, he could have been wearing the stones “as is,” but with his wisdom, he likely fashioned them into attire. (mostly for himself—but man was given domain of the earth) Look at some of God’s thoughts on jewelry:

Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:  Therefore the LORD will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts. In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon, The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers, The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings, The rings, and nose jewels, The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins, The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the vails. And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty. Isaiah 3:16-24

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. I Timothy 2:9,10

            Lucifer’s downfall was pride, and these beautiful stones only added to it. Remember that in regard to your own jewelry—it can evoke pride, and therefore a separation from God.

f)      “…the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou was created.” Satan is a master of music—he uses it to manipulate people and promote the flesh. When it comes to the music we choose for worship or relaxation, we must be careful to walk in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:16) Many professing “Christians” worship (falsely) in the flesh. When Job worshiped God in Job 1:20, we can be pretty sure that body gyrations were not involved! Do not let your liberty become a stumbling block, giving Satan a foothold.

g)     Verse 14 “Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so:  thou was upon the holy mountain of God;” By this we see Satan’s origins with God upon the “holy mountain.” (we assume in the third heaven) Lucifer “covereth,” or watches over God’s dwelling place. And he is anointed! Given a special blessing or empowerment from God. Up until this time, it has not been taken away from him. Thank God through Jesus Christ, that the one who gave that anointing we can now call father! (If you have received salvation)

h)     Verse 15 “Thou was perfect in thy ways from the day that thou was created…” Everything God made is good—Lucifer was called perfect when he was created! Sounds a lot like in verse 12, “Thou sealest up the sum.” So in every way he was created—beauty, wisdom, music, and all that these and the other terms imply; he was created perfectly and powerfully, and with God’s anointing.

            So many believers disregard our enemy. They arrogantly sing “he’s under my feet,” or proudly boast of their own superiority over him. We must walk closely to the Lord for discernment, and power to overcome. A believer’s victory in Jesus is not automatic. Look at Job for an example. An upright man, allowed to be tested by Satan. God called Job perfect, and did protect him most of the time.

            When you disregard Satan’s power, you hinder your own ability to resist. You also deny God’s Word, and hold God’s own creation in contempt! God is not a liar; and He expects us to obey and believe His Word with reverence.

            Remember that:

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12

            Satan has power, and does miracles. See Exodus chapters 7 and 8, Deuteronomy 13:1-3, Mark 13:22, II Thessalonians 2:9, Revelation 13:3, 12-14, 16:13,14

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Matthew 24:24

            Today people are taken in by the supernatural. They assume any spirit being to be “good” and wise, never questioning their intent. Worst of all, professing Christians being taken in—never discerning, or turning to God’s Word for enlightenment.

            Jesus also describes the Devil as a murderer and a liar. (John 8:44) Satan is also a thief, stealing and destroying.  (John 10:10) We can see in Revelation 13 and Isaiah 14 that he craves worship. This is where the audacity of Satan comes in:  let us consider the temptation of Jesus as a great example.

And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan:  for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence:  For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee:  And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Luke 4:1-12

            In this passage, Satan tries to get Jesus to worship him! The creature to the creator! I can’t imagine this haughty pride:  but this scripture does affirm that Satan is the God of this world. (This is why we must invoke our victory through Christ:  God is not automatically in control.)

            Satan also uses the very word of God. The example here reflects his deception in the churches, using one part of God’s Word (out of context) and ignoring another relevant section. Add to that the constant “correcting” of translations, and believer’s have no rock to build upon—they doubt every word.