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Lucifer Unmasked Pastor Mike Lightfoot What we believe determines the way we live.

Scientists have studies that show such emotions as fear, stress, and anger, not only effect our outlook on life, and our emotional health, but our physical health also. Our belief system controls our emotions, and motivates our relationships with others. It effects our productivity and our overall well being. For this reason we should strive to be free from ignorance and untruths, as much as is humanly possible. It is the truth that makes us free (John 8:32). For too long Satan has enjoyed a position of prominence in the belief system of the Christian church. He has held many captive in fear because of the great power they suppose him to possess. These superstitions and deceptions which have bound so many people for so long will be unmasked in the next few pages. They will expose the lies and reveal the truths that the Bible teaches about this defeated foe. There are several reasons the Church has delegated so much authority to Satan. In fact, most have carried this lie to the point of believing that there is a serious battle going on between good and evil. These thought patterns lead to thinking that God and Satan are constantly warring not only in heaven, but also in our beings. Although, most people do believe that God will prevail, this myth leads to much anxiety and little peace of mind.

The first foundation of this myth to be addressed here is the origin of Satan. Most of the Church believe that before God created man there was a beautiful world inhabited by the sons of God. According to this belief, Jehovah chose three chief rulers whose duty it was to govern and guide in that continuous environment of perfect peace, health, and happiness. Lucifer was one of the three, and the most beautiful, honored, and revered. The angel of light, covering the cherubs. His authority was in the heavens next to God. His finest attribute was his flawless ability in music. He led all of creation in the most magnificent tones of exaltation to the Lord. The story continues; because Lucifer was not included in the divine counsel of the Godhead he felt very flawed and deprived. His pride caused him to convince one third of the heavenly angels to lead an attack on God. His plan failed, and he, with the conspiring angels, was cast to earth, which became void and formless. After a very long time God speaks, and that, they believe, is where the book of Genesis begins. This, commonly known as, the creation gap theory is one basis for the belief of Satans fall. We will show this reasoning is seriously flawed. One of the reasons behind this myth of Satans origin is the name Lucifer that is applied to Satan in Isaiah 14:12, in the King James Version. Many believe that Lucifer is a name for Satan, and thus this scripture must have a second meaning. Consider the following footnote to Isaiah 14, in the Amplified Bible. The Hebrew for the expression- Light Bringer, or Shining One- is translated Lucifer in the Latin Vulgate, and is thus translated in the King James Version. Because

of the association of that name with Satan, it is now not used in this and other translations. Some students feel that the application of the name Lucifer to Satan, in spite of the long and confident teaching to that effect, is erroneous. The application of the name to Satan has existed since the 3rd century AD, and is based on the supposition that Luke 10:18 is an explanation of Isaiah 14:12, which authorities believe is not true. Lucifer, the light bringer is the Latin equivalent of the Greek word Phosphoros, which is used as a title of Christ in Second Peter 1:19, and corresponds to the name radiant and brilliant Morning Star, Rev 22:16, a name Jesus called himself. Many scholars, such as Martin Luther, and John Calvin agree that the application of Lucifer to Satan is the worst kind of Bible interpretation. Lucifer in Isaiah 14 is not the devil! The third verse of Isaiah chapter fourteen, is very clear that this whole chapter is a taunt against the king of Babylon. In the third century A.D. one of the early church fathers, Origen, came up with this theory of Lucifer being Satan in his book Origen De Principiis. He came up with this idea from the extra-biblical Jewish writings of the second century B.C. and later writings, particularly second Enoch, and The Life of Adam and Eve. The legend of Lucifer being Satan then began to snowball. The idea of the once stunning and glorious angel that was warped into a gruesome beast with horns, hooves, and a forked tale by his supposed fall was to be a mockery of the devils pride. The devils pride was thought to be his most vulnerable weakness, and to attack him in this way was a means to resist him. Therefore, the more the devil was mocked, the

more elaborate the story grew. Unfortunately, people began to believe this legend and even fear this preposterous image of Satan. People are further encouraged to believe this myth because of the false interpretation of Ezekiel 28. This scripture declares, You are the model of perfection, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty, You were anointed as a guardian cherub, You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. Thou hast been in Eden, the garden of God. People have been led to believe that these verses refer to Satan and his fall; however according to the creation gap theory, which is the basis for this belief, the garden was not even created yet when Satan fell. Then how could he have walked in the garden of God before his fall. These statements are not a description of Satan at all. The Bible clearly says this is a lament against the king of Tyre. The Old Testament prophets often used this type of speech. A lament is a metered chant sometimes used at funerals for fallen leaders, or to mockingly forecast the death of a nation. This might well resemble our modern day rap. It was a method of sarcasm and ridicule against a proud king. So, if the foundational scriptures for believing the myth that Satan is an all powerful being who fell from heaven do not refer to that at all, then the conclusion is that Satan is under the complete authority of God. The question arises, if Satan is such a problem to God, and a hindrance to His people, standing in the way of the advancement of Gods Kingdom, could God destroy him? If God really has the power to get rid of Satan, why doesnt He? The answer

is in the Scriptures. God wants a devil and has placed him under His authority, as is the situation in Job. Take into account Job 1:8 where God says to Satan, Have you considered my servant Job? Satan answers, Have you not put a hedge [of protection] around him and all that he owns? The devil was not at liberty to do as he pleased under the old covenant, let alone, the new covenant. Satan was not a chief ruler from heaven who played glorious music for God. So, where did he come from? God made him. For by him were all things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him (Col. 1:16). I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things (Is. 45:7). He (Satan) was a murderer from the beginning, and the father of lies (John. 8:44). The devil has been sinning from the beginning (1 John. 3:8a). Fear has torment (1 John 4:18). The Bible refers to the fear of the Lord, and the fear of God, over 183 times, however there is not one reference to the fear of Satan, in fact, just the opposite. We are told in James 4:7 to submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you. Even the devils fear God and tremble (James 2:18). Even before Calvary Jesus gave His disciples power over Satan. They went out to minister and came back rejoicing over the miracles that were done. Jesus told them, Yes, I saw Satan fall as lightning from heaven (Luke 10:17). This is not some reference to an innocent cherub rebelling against God and falling out of the grace and glories of

heaven. This is the disciples exercising their authority in Jesus name. Jesus told them in verse 18, Behold I have given you authority to overcome all the power of the enemy. The New Testament clearly shows us that Satan was totally and completely defeated at Calvary. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). Did He succeed or fail? The following scriptures record here that He absolutely succeeded. Now is the time for judgment, now shall the prince of this world be cast out (John. 12:31). And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross (Col. 2:15). That through his death he might destroy him who had the power of death, that is the devil (Heb 2:14b). How can one enter a strong mans house and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man and then he will spoil his house (Mat. 12:29). And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven having the key to the abyss, and holding in his hand a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years (Rev. 20:1,2). This is another picture of Jesus binding Satan at the cross. Jesus still has a firm hold of the chain.

But what about this scripture? Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour(1 Pet. 5:8). We have already shown that the devil does not have the authority to devour at his free will. We have instead been given authority over him. and over all the power of the enemy. May he devour a Christian? Not without their permission. It is encouraging to read of the account in Daniel, where God closed the mouth of the lions. Surely Jesus has closed the mouth of the old lion Satan for those who understand and believe in his defeat. There is no Biblical evidence that Satan ever tried to become like God, no evidence that he ever fell from heaven, and certainly no evidence that he has any authority over the people of God today. The only authority that Satan has is what is given to him by those who listen to, and believe his lies. DR. Kelly Varner, well known pastor and author, puts this in the right perspective. He calls the devil a mouse with a microphone. The devil is not our problem, it is what we think about him that is our problem. It is told how Martin Luther was awakened in the night to see Satan standing at the foot of his bed. He simply said, Oh, its just you, and turned over and went back to sleep. This is the kind of authority that belongs to the Christians who have removed Satans mask. I am the living one; I was dead and behold I am alive forever more, and I have the keys of death and hades (Rev. 1:18). These words of Jesus Himself show us very clearly who is in charge.

REFERENCES Britton, Bill, 1970, Who Let The Devil In? House of Prayer, Springfield MO Barden, Karl, A., DR., The Enlightened Church, Satan Who? 1994, Destiny Image Publishers, Shippensburg, PA. Woodrow, Edward, Ralph, Noahs Flood, Joshuas Long Day, and Lucifers Fall, 1984, Ralph Woodrow Evangelistic Association, Inc., Riverside, CA. Rowlands, Rainie, The Shining One, A Study Of Gods Purpose & Uses For The devil, 2001, Living Word Publishing, Lyle, WA.
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