Post by Bronson on May 17, 2023 10:01:54 GMT -8
Satan wasn’t created as the devil. God created Lucifer. Lucifer forfeited that name and became Satan (meaning “adversary” or “enemy”) of his own will. But how? Lucifer had no sinful world to lure him, no tempter to push him, and no innate sinful nature to overpower him. How could the first unholy affection arise in an angelic being? The answer lies in the fact that—like you and me—Lucifer was created with freedom to choose.
Each of us has the choice: the opportunity to say yes to God . . . or not. Lucifer chose to use his gift of free choice against the Giver. In his own heart, Lucifer pridefully determined that he would elevate and glorify himself. And that was the first sin ever committed in the universe—the sin of pride.
As a result of his anointed role in the heavens and his great beauty, Lucifer’s heart filled with pride, and God cast him out of heaven (Ezekiel 28:17). To this day Satan remains arrogant, prideful, and rebellious against God (Isaiah 14:12–14). It is a warning to us as Christians that, since Satan’s personality is characterized by pride, he will tempt us by using the same weakness in ourselves.
It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.
Augustine
Each of us has the choice: the opportunity to say yes to God . . . or not. Lucifer chose to use his gift of free choice against the Giver. In his own heart, Lucifer pridefully determined that he would elevate and glorify himself. And that was the first sin ever committed in the universe—the sin of pride.
As a result of his anointed role in the heavens and his great beauty, Lucifer’s heart filled with pride, and God cast him out of heaven (Ezekiel 28:17). To this day Satan remains arrogant, prideful, and rebellious against God (Isaiah 14:12–14). It is a warning to us as Christians that, since Satan’s personality is characterized by pride, he will tempt us by using the same weakness in ourselves.
It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.
Augustine
