Thursday: The Fall of Lucifer
Daily Lesson for Thursday 15th of May 2025
It seems incomprehensible that Lucifer once held the position of covering cherub, occupying an exalted position next to the throne of God. Surely his existence would have helped reveal the glory of God to the universe. Instead, he began to consider his own glory, not the glory of his Creator; or, to be more precise, he started to imagine that he was not being given the deference due to him.
Read Ezekiel 28:11-17 and Isaiah 14:12-14. What led to Lucifer’s downfall? Compare these passages with Revelation 14:1-12. How does the contrast between Lucifer’s fall and humanity’s high position in Christ inform your understanding of what takes place in Revelation 14:1-20?
Image © Review & Herald Publishing from GoodSalt.com
Notice how Lucifer was removed from the holy mountain, while the redeemed stand on Mount Zion with the Lamb of God. Lucifer is said to have been in Eden; the human race was also once there, but in contrast to Satan’s fate, humanity is being restored to Paradise through Christ. (See Revelation 22:1-3.)
In this context, the following quote from Ellen G. White is very instructive: “Heaven will triumph, for the vacancies made in heaven by the fall of Satan and his angels will be filled by the redeemed of the Lord.”—Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, May 29, 1900.
And they are there, in heaven, only because of the gospel. In fact, the theme of the gospel, of redemption, is found in a graphic manner in the throne room in Revelation 4:1-11 and 5. For instance, the angels cry out: “ ‘ “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God, persons from every tribe and language and people and nation” ’ ” (Revelation 5:9, NIV). What a picture of the gospel: the death of Jesus for the redemption of humanity!
Notice, too, how the language reflects the first angel’s message, in which we are called to preach “the everlasting gospel . . . to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people” (Revelation 14:6, NKJV). What a powerful representation of the fullness of what Christ has done for the world. There is not a human being in all earth’s history for whom Christ has not died. Each person just needs to learn about it and choose to accept it.
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What role do we have as a church, and as individuals, in letting people know about what Christ has done for them? |
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The story about the fall of Satan is both to instruct us and to encourage us. The story teaches us that even the best creatures and men can do very foolish things. No one is beyond the reach of temptation. Very godly people can make some very wrong choices—and suffer greatly as a result. And cause others to suffer with them.
The good thing is that the Bible shows this to us—or we would be tempted to deny this reality. We like to think, “we are beyond that temptation.” Today’s “victory” may actually set us up for tomorrow’s “defeat.” Satan roams the world like a mighty lion, looking for overconfident Christians he can devour (I Peter 5:8).
Here are two other verses we should consider. “Though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity” (Proverbs 24:16). We may fall again and again, trouble may come again and again, we may struggle again and again—and again! But it is the Lord’s purpose that we should rise—again and again and again. Psalm 145:14 declares that, “The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.” When you fall, remember this: God never intends you to stay down forever. He intends for you to “rise up” and keep on walking with him.
The enigma is that the fall of Lucifer occurred in what we would probably describe as the most deeply religious/spiritual location in the universe. And, it wasn't about which day to worship on, that the heavenly canteen didn't provide bacon for breakfast, or who you should have sex with. It started with the idea that "My way is better than your way!" In other words, "I" is more important than "others"
That notion is still the basis of all sin and colours our thinking in all our thoughts and actions. It even happens in our Sabbath School Net discussions, where we often find ourselves arguing that we have a better, more complete understanding than someone else. Mind you, we can get pretty crafty about hiding our selfishness too.
There is a takeaway from this lesson: If selfishness can begin in the throne room of heaven, it's very easy for it to start in the hollow of our head.
There are two defining events in this story; the fall of Lucifer - selfishness; and the salvation offered by Jesus death - selflessness. In between, and following these two events, we have to make the decision which side we are on. Our lives will be a reflection of that decision.
Very important observation, Maurice. The real issue is Sin, not sins, as significant as they can be. Everything flows from selfishness.
It's incredible what God has done for everyone, from the gift of life to every achievement.
How can I, then, as a human, boast about my deeds? Being that's not enough, God gave His only Son so everyone could be restored to their real destiny.
Who else, then, should I praise and worship? Who else could I be more thankful to?
Lucifer was placed very close to God's throne, highlighting his original purity, beauty and authority. However, because of pride and rebellion, he sinned and was cast out from this holy position, losing his place on the "holy mountain of God". While Satan remains fallen, humanity is promised restoration to Paradise through Christ (Revelation 22:1-3).
As a church and as individuals, we have a critical role in proclaiming the everlasting gospel. preaching to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people; echoing the redemption purchased by Christ’s blood for all humanity (Revelation 5:9). Lucifer’s rebellion led to division, but Christ’s sacrifice unites humanity in redemption.
Today's lesson asks;
What role do we have as a church, and as individuals, in letting people know about what Christ has done for them?
I believe that the answer is found in 2 Corinthians 5:11-21. As Christians we are Christ's ambassadors. We represent His Kingdom and share our story of how He changed our lives and wants to change everyone's life and bring them back into a relationship with Himself. Word of mouth is still the most effective form of advertising.
We are honored if we are selected to be an ambassador of our home nation. How much more so to be selected to be an ambassador for the King of Kings, and Lord of Lord's? May we never forget that we are Pilgrims, Aliens, and strangers in this world. This world is not our home. Heaven is our home.
My takeaway from today’s lesson is twofold:
First, it highlights the awe-inspiring power of God — unshakable and eternally grounded in His order of creation - built upon His choice of loving obedience as a foundational principle; no power can prevail against it - Prov.21:30; Rom.8:31.
Second, it speaks to God's Spirit of Life revealed in His Son Jesus Christ's ministry during His time on earth - He shows us the Way of Life. His Holy Spirit will never leave us and continues to guide us in all that we encounter - John 14:15-17.
Through God’s determined and unwavering Love for His Creation, by giving us His Son to demonstrate for us the life guided by the Spirit of God, we are shown the Way leading to everlasting life and are invited to follow it by faith.
The fall of Lucifer to Satan is sad. It is an example of what the limit of what our God will do to save us. I do believe from the Spirit of Prophecy; Lucifer was even encouraged by a host of faithful Angels to return to God and drop His sinful ways before he was cast out, so as to restore order and peace in heaven. The Son of God even had a conference outside of Heaven with Lucifer, Lucifer begged The Son of God to allow him back in heaven, with tears in His eyes, even after all the disruption Lucifer had caused, yes, the Son of God had compassion even on Lucifer, with tears in His eyes He told a Lucifer no. The Son of God read Lucifers heart. Lucifer only wanted heaven for selfish reasons.
What role do we have as a church, and as individuals, in letting people know about what Christ has done for them?
Take our Master at His word, go and tell what Christ has done for us.
Mark 5:19-20
Jesus said, “I want you to stay here. Go home and tell your friends and neighbors how God has had compassion on you and how you were healed.”
Lucifer’s downfall is a powerful warning about the dangers of allowing position and grandeur to corrupt one’s character. Once a covering cherub, exalted in wisdom, beauty, and power, Lucifer let his heart become proud because of these very gifts (Ezekiel 28:17). Instead of using his high position and splendor to glorify God, he turned inward, seeking to exalt himself above God’s throne (Isaiah 14:13–14). This tragic turn illustrates how power and physical grandeur—when not anchored in humility and obedience—can lead to self-deception, rebellion, and ruin. Character, not status or appearance, must be the foundation of one’s life. When that foundation erodes, even the highest beings can fall.
In striking contrast stands God, whose majesty and power are perfect, yet never wielded with pride or tyranny. He rules the universe with unmatched authority, but also with righteousness, justice, and compassion. Psalm 93:1 says, “The Lord reigns, He is robed in majesty,” yet this majestic King is also the One who draws near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18) and humbled Himself in Christ to save humanity (Philippians 2:6–8). God's greatness does not get in the way of His governance—it defines it. His power is not oppressive, but redemptive; His glory does not demand worship through force but invites love through grace.
Thus, while Lucifer's prideful misuse of greatness led to his fall, God's eternal rule is a model of how true majesty and power are best expressed—through humility, righteousness, and love.
All human beings should remain kind and keep God commandments