Chapter 29:
The Origin of Sin
Satan in his original glory; William Blake 1805
“Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” Isaiah 28:15
Introduction
Lucifer was created perfect, yet he chose to sin. It is impossible for sin to continue in God’s kingdom, so Lucifer could not remain in heaven. Yet the controversy between good and evil has to run its course for all to see. The question of sin and suffering still lingers in the minds of many. The answer lies in God’s character. He reveals His longsuffering and mercy on humanity and Lucifer shows his true colors at the cross of Calvary.
What are the elements of this chapter?
Concept: GOD'S LAW
The foundation of God’s government.(Romans 13:10)
Before Sin the universe was in perfect harmony with God's law.
Christ was one with the Father in nature, character, and purpose.
Concept: GOD'S CHARACTER
God character describes who he is. (Exodus 34:6, 7)
He takes no pleasure in forced allegiance.
He gives freedom of will.
He is righteousness and truth.
He is just and perfect.
Concept: SIN
Sin is transgression of God's law.
(1 John 3:4; Romans 6:23)
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Self exaltation
Self righteousness
Self gratification
Sin is bondage, not freedom
Sin is a mysterious intruder
Sin is putting God's government under siege
People: LUCIFER
Lucifer was the covering Cherub, a holy and undefiled being who stood by the side of God at His throne. (Ezekiel 28:12-15; Ezekiel 28:17; Isaiah 14:13-14)
What Went Wrong?
Lucifer desired to exalt himself and receive the adoration, worship, and honor which belonged to Christ.
He was ambitious, claiming that he was fighting for “freedom,” to achieve a higher state of existence.
(GC 495.3)
“Leaving his place in the immediate presence of God, Lucifer went forth to diffuse the spirit of discontent among the angels. Working with mysterious secrecy, and for a time concealing his real purpose under an appearance of reverence for God, he endeavored to excite dissatisfaction concerning the laws that governed heavenly beings, intimating that they imposed an unnecessary restraint. Since their natures were holy, he urged that the angels should obey the dictates of their own will. He sought to create sympathy for himself by representing that God had dealt unjustly with him in bestowing supreme honor upon Christ. He claimed that in aspiring to greater power and honor he was not aiming at self-exaltation, but was seeking to secure liberty for all the inhabitants of heaven, that by this means they might attain to a higher state of existence.”
Concept: SATAN’S CHARACTER
Uses flattery to convince others that God has made false judgments against him, disrespecting him and threatening his freedom. (Ezekiel 28:18)
The Art of Persuasion
Misrepresentation
Christ’s words of warning and God’s government are misrepresented as unfair.
False accusations
Lucifer accused loyal angels of not caring about him if they did not agree with him and blamed them for the very crimes that he was committing.
Subtlety
He perplexed the angels with subtle arguments by shrouding in mystery the simplest subjects and casting doubt on God’s plainest statements, making it appear that he was working to promote the good of the universe.
Concept: SOPHISTRY
The use of fallacious arguments, especially with the intention of deceiving.
While pretending to be loyal, Lucifer deceived the angels by urging that God’s law change to preserve harmony in heaven, declaring that it was evil.
Concept: RHETORIC
The art of speaking or writing effectively.
the study of writing or speaking as a means of communication or persuasion.
skill in the effective use of speech.
Concept: God’s Character
God responded to Lucifer’s rebellion by pleading with Lucifer in love, mercy, and long-suffering to reconsider his ways. (Revelation 12:7-9)
He offered pardon to Lucifer on condition of his repentance and submission.
“God in His wisdom permitted Satan to carry forward his work, until the spirit of disaffection ripened into active revolt. It was necessary for his plans to be fully developed, that their true nature and tendency might be seen by all.”
If Lucifer is So Evil, Why is He Still Around?
God doesn't destroy Lucifer immediately because the angels would have served God out of fear, not love. Instead He casts him and his angels out of heaven.
Lucifer Targets Mankind
Lucifer transfers his spirit to mankind to corrupt them against God’s law.
Lucifer claims sinful man as his rightful prey.
Lucifer’s Character is Revealed Most in Christ’s Earthly Ministry
Lucifer, now as Satan, tempted Christ then later murdered Him.
Lucifer accuses God of seeking self-exaltation.
Lucifer accuses God of requiring submission and obedience from His creatures, but practiced no self-denial and made no sacrifice.
Lucifer claims that if the law of God is unchangeable, then every transgressor is condemned.
Mankind's Rebellion
Reproof of sin arouses the spirit of hatred and resistance.
(Genesis 3:1, Genesis 3:4-5)
Men justify themselves by seeking the sympathy of others in their sin instead of repenting. They then excite indignation against those who rebuke them.
They regard God as severe and tyrannical and blame Him for the fall of mankind because of His restrictions.
Concept: GOD’S CHARACTER
The cross reveals God's true character in that Jesus humbled Himself by becoming obedient unto death while Satan in contrast, desires honor and supremacy for himself. (Hebrews 2:14, Nahum 1:9)
A Price Must Be Paid
Jesus demonstrated that God’s law is unchangeable in that he died in order to save men from sin proving that the wages of sin is death.
God's Justice is Revealed
Satan is condemned for his rebellion and mankind is able to be redeemed.
The death of Jesus shows beyond a shadow of a doubt that God loves mankind.
What does this have to do with me today?
Where do you see Lucifer’s character most prominently displayed?