The Reason for Satan's Fall
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.
Ephesians 2:1-2
Isaiah 14:1-23 contains a prophecy against Sennacherib, who proclaimed himself king after conquering Babylon (see Isaiah 14:4). Although he is mighty now and able to inflict suffering and turmoil on his subjects (see verse 3), he shall be brought down to the grave and mocked (see verses 9-11). The passage refers to the king of Babylon, but the Church has also considered the verses that follow as a prophecy of the fall of Lucifer. Lucifer is Latin for “morning star” (verse 12). He is the symbolic representation of the king of Babylon in his pride, splendor and fall. Satan is the head of this present world system and the invisible power behind the successive world rulers of Tyre, Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome.
This far-reaching passage goes beyond human history and marks the beginning of sin in the universe and the fall of Satan. The rule of Satan is not confined to his own person. All those who are dead in their trespasses and sins follow “the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient” (Ephesians 2:2). Satan operates his kingdom through a hierarchy of evil spirits and unregenerate people.
In the same way, the rule of God is not confined to His own Person. Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12). As long as Jesus remained in the earth, His kingdom rule was confined to Himself. However, after being glorified, the Holy Spirit is now present in every believer. As believers, we will do greater things than Christ, because His presence is manifested all over the world in our lives. God rules His kingdom through ministering angels and through the lives of His children who are filled (controlled) by the Holy Spirit.
Lucifer was caught up with his own beauty and challenged the throne of God. He expressed his pride by saying five times “I will” (see Isaiah 14:13-14). But he was only a light bearer and not the source of light. As a created being, Lucifer could only reflect the glory of God. His pride and rebellion resulted in his expulsion from heaven. Now he is totally devoid of light. Satan is not some shady character who is naughty at times. He is the epitome of evil and the total absence of anything good.
In contrast, “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). At one time we were darkened in our understanding and separated from the life of God (see Ephesians 4:18). Then came Jesus, and “in him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind” (John 1:4). “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)” (Ephesians 5:8-9).
Do not look lightly on a “little” rebellion and a “little” pride. Saul did, and like Lucifer, he lost his privileged position. “For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king” (1 Samuel 15:23).
a few questions to ponder:
What does the prophecy in Isaiah 14:1-23 reveal about Satan?
How does the “ruler of the kingdom of the air” rule in this world?
What led to Satan’s downfall and expulsion from heaven? How should that serve as a warning to us?
How would you compare the sins of pride and rebellion to the more obvious sins of the flesh?
What do you think is at the heart of rebellion and pride?
Neil T. Anderson is the founder of Freedom in Christ Ministries. He began the ministry in 1989 and continues to spread the message of freedom to this day.