Unmasking the Antichrist by Rhodes Ron

Author:Rhodes, Ron [Rhodes, Ron]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
ISBN: 9780736942034
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Published: 2012-02-29T16:00:00+00:00

PRIDE AND SELF-EXALTATION

Many scholars believe Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14 provide insights regarding how Lucifer fell and became Satan. The being described in Ezekiel 28 has the nature of a cherub (verse 14), was initially blameless and sinless (verse 15), was on the holy mountain of God (verses 13-14), was cast out of the mountain of God and thrown to the earth (verse 16), and was full of wisdom, perfect in beauty, and having the seal of perfection (verse 12). Such things cannot be said of a mere human being, so many believe this is a reference to Lucifer.

Our text tells us that he was created in a state of perfection and remained perfect in his ways until iniquity was found in him (Ezekiel 28:12,15). What was this iniquity? We read in verse 17, “Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor.” Lucifer apparently became so impressed with his own beauty, intelligence, power, and position that he began to desire for himself the honor and glory that belong to God alone. The sin that corrupted Lucifer was self-generated pride.

This relates directly to Isaiah 14:13-14, where we learn that Lucifer said in his heart, “I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” Consider the implication of each of these statements:

“I will ascend to heaven.” Apparently Lucifer wanted to abide in heaven and desired equal recognition alongside God Himself.

“Above the stars of God I will set my throne on high.” The stars are likely the angels of God. Lucifer apparently desired to rule over the angelic realm with the same authority as God.

“I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north.” Scripture elsewhere indicates that the “mount of assembly” is the center of God’s kingdom rule (see Psalm 48:2; Isaiah 2:2). The phrase is sometimes associated with the Messiah’s future earthly rule in Jerusalem during the millennial kingdom. Satan may have desired to rule over human beings in place of the Messiah.

“I will ascend above the heights of the clouds.” Clouds often metaphorically represent the glory of God in the Bible (Exodus 13:21; 40:34; Job 37:15-16; Matthew 26:64; Revelation 14:14). Apparently Lucifer sought a glory equal to that of God Himself.

“I will make myself like the Most High.” Scripture says God possesses heaven and earth (Genesis 14:18-19). Apparently Lucifer sought the supreme position of the universe for himself. Satan wanted to exercise the authority and control in this world that rightfully belongs only to God. His sin was a direct challenge to God’s power and authority.

God rightfully judged this mighty angelic being: “I cast you to the ground” (Ezekiel 28:17). As a result of his heinous sin, Lucifer was banished from living in heaven (Isaiah 14:12).

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