FBCD_FaithEssentials_June_FlipBook

Todd Gaddis

physical pain and toil. Yet such punishment pales in comparison to an infinitely more severe sentence, the influx of sin and alienation from God. How could God’s plan have taken such a turn? One might say it all began when the serpent—or devil in disguise—approached and questioned Eve on that infamous day. However, this earthly encounter had its roots in a previous, heavenly battle. Satan was once a prominent angelic servant of God. Named Lucifer, or “shining one,” he was the “light bearer.” “He had no natural light of his own but was expected to reflect the light and glory of God.” 1 Describing this privileged messenger, the prophet Ezekiel said, “You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you ” (Ezekiel 28:14,15, emphasis added). As “guardian cherub,” Lucifer conducted and orchestrated the worship of other angels. “He received the worship of the angels beneath him and passed it on to God above him. None of the adoration was to be diverted along the way. God alone deserved all that was accorded Him.” 2 And yet, that all changed when wickedness reared its ugly head and ruined a previously perfect being. Arrogance took control. Full of himself, Lucifer boasted, “I will raise my throne above the stars of God . . . I will make myself like the Most High ” (Isaiah 14:13,14, emphasis added). What prompted such pride? Milton believes that the creation of Adam and Eve caused Lucifer to be mastered by intense jealousy, and that his sin came in the wake of their formation. 3 After all, they were created in God’s image and had the capability of fellowship with Him that angels did not enjoy. Whatever the cause, he placed self-interest ahead of God-interest. Because he sought to take what rightfully belonged to his Creator, Lucifer was kicked out of heaven and “cast

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