LUCIFER / SATAN
Lucifer is a name often associated with Satan, the adversary or enemy of God and humanity. Traditionally, “Lucifer” is seen as a reference to Satan, a powerful angel who rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven. This rebellion is alluded to in other parts of the Bible, but not explicitly connected to the name “Lucifer.” Lucifer means “Morning Star.” He was once a mighty angel who became proud of his beauty and splendor. He corrupted his wisdom (Ezek 28:17) through his self-generated pride and became known as Satan, meaning “adversary.”
LUCIFER / SATAN IN THE BIBLE
Satan tempted the first parents to commit sin, taking the form of a serpent. Devil, the fallen angel (Isa 14:12) and his partners have been active since the creation of Adam and Eve. God established enmity between the children of Eve and of the devil: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers.” (Gen 3:15).
Satan challenged the righteousness of Job, causing his suffering to test his faith (Job 1-2).
Isaiah equated the fall of Babylonian king to the fall of morning star. Some interpret this as equivalent to the fall of Lucifer that means morning star (Isa 14:12-15).
He Satan tempts Jesus in the wilderness, trying to lead Him into sin (Mt 4:1-11).
When Jesus was at Caesarea Philippi, he noticed the influence of Satan in Peter because Peter tried to persuade Jesus to avoid passion and martyrdom. Jesus replied, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do” (Mt 16:23).
Luke 22:3-4 and John 13:2 indicate that Satan influenced Judas before he made the arrangement to betray Jesus to the religious authorities. John 13:27 describes a moment during the Last Supper when Judas, having already been influenced, becomes fully possessed by Satan, solidifying his resolve to carry out the betrayal.
Satan is described as a “roaring lion” seeking someone to devour, indicating his ongoing role in tempting and accusing believers (1 Peter 5:8).
Revelation 12:7–9 depicts a cosmic battle between the archangel Michael and a dragon (often associated with Satan). The dragon is cast down from heaven, reinforcing the idea of a fallen celestial being.
The devil or Satan continues his work of sowing weeds among the Christians. He continues his role as adversary until the second coming of Christ. Instead of taking the form of a serpent, the Satan through humans can influence the innocent believers and church leaders to commit sin.
God prepared the eternal fire originally for the devil and his associates. The accursed people at the last judgement will join this eternal fire or punishment prepared for the fallen angels. Jude wrote: “The angels too, who did not keep to their own domain but deserted their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains, in gloom, for the judgement of the great day” (Judg 1:6). Similarly, Peter wrote, “God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but condemned them to the chains of Tartarus and handed them over to be kept for judgement” (2 Pet 2:4).
REFLECTION
Pride and a longing to surpass God led to Lucifer’s downfall. Christians are warned against pride and self-exaltation. Humility is essential in maintaining a right relationship with God. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (Jm 4:6).
Satan continues to act against God’s people, tempting, deceiving, and accusing them. Christians are called to be vigilant and spiritually armed. “Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil” (Eph 6:11).
Despite Satan’s efforts, the Bible assures believers of victory through Jesus Christ. Christ’s death and resurrection have defeated the power of Satan (Col 2:15). Believers are encouraged to resist the devil and stand firm in their faith. “Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (Jm 4:7-8).
In contrast to Satan’s disobedience, Christians are instructed to live in obedience to God, rejecting Satan’s temptations and deceit. This involves daily commitment to following Christ’s teachings and relying on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance.
Lucifer’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and rebellion and underscores the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil. For Christians, it is a reminder to stay humble, vigilant, and firmly rooted in their faith in Jesus Christ, who provides the ultimate victory over Satan. By living in obedience to God and resisting the devil, believers can overcome temptation and stand firm in their spiritual journey.
The devil who tempted Jesus is at work in the world until the second coming of Christ. Jesus defeated him during his test in the desert by quoting from the Holy Scripture. Let us gain strength from the Word of God and overcome with God’s protection.