4 years ago, I posted a 6-part series called The Story of Satan and my intent was to provide you more detail about our common enemy, Satan, so you knew how to better resist him. I say resist because that is what you and I are called to do…not stand and fight, because we will lose.
I also wanted to mention that since these first posts, I have read one of the most comprehensive studies on Satan that is out there written by Erwin Lutzer, called God’s Devil. I will be quoting him as we revise these 6 parts with new information. I will also place the bibliography for this book at the end of the post.
So to begin, I know I have mentioned in past blogs how important it is when preparing for war, to know your enemy. In the case of Satan, I believe that to be even more true because of how ruthless he is. I am sure some of you have heard of the famous Chinese General, Sun Tzu who wrote the book, The Art of War. In that famous book, Tzu had a quote where he said,
“Know thy enemy and know yourself; in a hundred battles, you will never be defeated.”
This makes real sense because when you know your enemy, you can predict what they might do. In this case, the simple translation is, if you ignore your enemy, they can and will overcome you, but if you study them and have knowledge of them, it certainly improves your chances at victory.
And that is the reason I wanted to write this easy-to-read, 6-part series on The Story of Satan. My hope is that after reading, you will have a better understanding of what the Bible says about the evil one and what YOU need to do to prepare versus just what the world tells you.
The plan is to provide you with as much detail in a shorter blog format including many of the scripture references so you can review and decide for yourself what you think. This may not be obvious, but this 6-part series is just the cliff notes version of what the Bible actually says. There is a great deal more for you to explore and I highly recommend doing so if you find this even the least bit interesting. Or, better yet, read Erwin Lutzer’s book.
Why is this important to you and me?
Because the Bible tells us that while Satan is the prince of this earth, more evil men are coming and their job will be to change your mind about your belief in God…and I do not want you to do that. My goal is for you to be strong in your faith. The Bible says these evil men will preach so effectively that even the very elect…our so-called experts, will be deceived. Read this scripture below.
For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. Matthew 24:4
So again, my hope is you will read and learn more about our common enemy in this short series so that you can better prepare yourself for the future. So let’s get started-
We need to be reminded of Martin Luther’s words that even “the devil is God’s devil.” We have forgotton that only when we know who God is can we know who the devil is. Blessed are those who are convinced that the prince of this world has become a slave of the Prince of Peace. Lutzer, E.
Who is Satan and where did he come from?
First of all, his name, Satan: (Hebrew Meaning – Accuser/ Adversary)
Secondly, the name Lucifer means: ‘light-bringing, morning star’, from lux, luc- ‘light’ + -fer ‘bearing’
The Bible has many other names for him including, the prince of the power of the air, and god of this age but the King James Version of the Bible calls him Lucifer, which means light bearer or shining one.
Lutzer tells us that “Satan had no natural light of his own but was expected to reflect the light and the glory of God”.
To be clear, Satan was not as magnificent or as beautiful as God but evidently he was the best the Almighty could do. Lucifer was God’s masterpiece and from a human perspective and he would not be like anything you or I have ever seen. He was a blaze of God’s reflected light, very powerful and he was appointed to be minister at the throne of God which meant he was very important in the hierarchy of heaven. Apparently, as we learn, he was not satisfied.
Even before the world began, meaning before the earth was created, Satan rebelled against God and became the chief antagonist to Him and all of humanity. Read this explanation verse from Ezekial:
“Son of man, take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “You [were] the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. 13 You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone [was] your covering: The sardius, topaz, and diamond, Beryl, onyx, and jasper, Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes Was prepared for you on the day you were created. 14 “You [were] the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. 15 You [were] perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you. [Eze 28:12-15 NKJV]
I know there is great symbolism in the Bible that make these scriptures difficult to understand but the above verses describe Satan when he was created and really how amazing he was, or could have been. He was created, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty…and he was established on the holy mountain of God…and all of that went away when iniquity was found in you. Lutzer tells us however, that “Satan was defeated the moment he chose to sin.”
What is iniquity? The dictionary calls it; immoral or gross injustice or wickedness. A wicked act; sin
Satan attempted to assault God in his original rebellion when he demanded to be “like the Most High” and he failed.
Lutzer reminds us, “True, Satan wouldn’t depend on God for guidance in the decisions he made, but every one of his rebellious acts would be under God’s careful direction and control. He could defy God, to be sure, but his activities would always be limited to what God allowed”.
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ Isaiah 14:14
So we are crystal clear, BECAUSE Lucifer rebelled against God…he was cast down out of heaven.
Here is a verse from Isaiah that describes the fall of Satan from heaven:
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! [Isa 14:12 NKJV]
Important facts to understand:
In his rebellion against God, Satan drew with him a multitude of lesser angels, who are identified, after their fall, with both demons or evil spirits. Satan and many of these lesser beings were exiled to earth and the atmosphere around it, and operate within this sphere (Earth) under the permissive will of God.
To be more specific, Satan’s initial rebellion as I mentioned above, took with him literally a third of heaven’s angels as evidenced by the scripture below;
His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. [Rev 12:4 NKJV]
Again, more symbolism in the book of Revelation but this indicates that the stars are the angels that were banished to earth. Additionally, a part of this rebelling brood of angels are still bound in Hell while the rest of them are free to operate and exist under Satan’s dominion and control (more to come on this later).
OK, lets stop here but stay tuned the revised Part 2 is coming soon-
Read, Think, Pray – That is all I am asking-
Until next time guys-
IMS Team
Lutzer, Erwin, W. God’s Devil. Chicago: Moody Press, 1996
