Is there biblical evidence that Satan was once an angel in heaven?

Question

I have always heard, regarding the origins of Satan, that he was once an angel called Lucifer... in fact God's favorite angel or the highest-ranking angel... and that he rebelled and took 1/3 of the angels in heaven with him, and that those angels are now demons. However, I have never found any references to this in the bible. As a relatively new Christian (2 years since I was saved) I haven't spent a lot of time on learning about Satan instead concentrating, as I believe I should, on Christ and on learning to be the best, most obediant child of God I can be. Can anyone give me biblical verse references that explain how Satan became who and what he is? If it's not in the bible, what is this story based upon?

Answer 1

Satan’s fall from heaven is described in Isaiah 14:12-14 and Ezekiel 28:12-18. While these two passages are referring specifically to the king of Babylon and the King of Tyre, they also reference the spiritual power that was behind those kings - Satan. In regards to when Satan fell, these passages describe why Satan fell, but they do not specifically say when the fall occurred. What we do know is this: the angels were created before the earth (Job 38:4-7). Satan fell before he tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden (Genesis 3:1-14). Satan’s fall, therefore, must have occurred somewhere after the time the angels were created and before he tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Whether Satan’s fall occurred a few minutes, hours, or days before he tempted Adam and Eve in the garden, Scripture does not specifically say.

Why did Satan fall from Heaven? Satan fell because of pride. He desired to be God, not to be a servant of God. Notice the many "I will..." statements in Isaiah 14:12-15. Ezekiel 28:12-15 describes Satan as an exceedingly beautiful angel. Satan was likely the highest of all angels, the most beautiful of all of God's creations. Satan was not content in his position. Instead, Satan desired to be God, to essentially "kick God off His throne" and take over the rule of the universe. Satan wanted to be God, and interestingly enough, that is what Satan tempted Adam and Eve with in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-5). How did Satan fall from Heaven? Actually, a fall is not an accurate description. It would be far more accurate to say that God cast Satan out of Heaven (Isaiah 14:15; Ezekiel 28:16-17).

Recommended Resource: Angels: Elect & Evil by C. Fred Dickason.

Answer 2

The Scriptures indicate that the creature known as Satan did not always have that name. Rather, this descriptive name was given to him because of his taking a course of opposition and resistance to God. The name he had before this is not given. God is the only Creator, and ‘his activity is perfect,’ with no injustice or unrighteousness. (Deuteronomy 32:4) Therefore, the one becoming Satan was, when created, a perfect, righteous creature of God. He is a spirit person, for he appeared in heaven in the presence of God. (Job chaps 1, 2; Revelation 12:9) Jesus Christ said of him: “That one was a manslayer when he began, and he did not stand fast in the truth, because truth is not in him.” (John 8:44; 1John 3:8) Jesus here shows that Satan was once in the truth, but forsook it. Beginning with his first overt act in turning Adam and Eve away from God, he was a manslayer, for he thereby brought about the death of Adam and Eve, which, in turn, brought sin and death to their offspring. (Romans 5:12)
From a righteous, perfect start, this spirit person deviated into sin and degradation. The process bringing this about is described by James when he writes: “Each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire. Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn, sin, when it has been accomplished, brings forth death.” (James 1:14, 15) In the course that Satan took, there seems to be, in some respects, a parallel with that of the king of Tyre as described in Ezekiel 28:11-19.

It is admirable that you have concentrated your study of the Bible on Jesus Christ. Some attention must be given to to our enemy also in order to fortify ourselves against him. That is why his crafty acts are included in the Bible. So that we are not ignorant of his designs. (Read Epehesians 6:11 and 2Corinthians 2:11)

Answer 3

Hi, there are nine choirs of Angels, Seraphim are the highest in rank and power and surround the throne of God continually giving praise. Cherubim are next then Thrones,Dominions,Virtues,Powers, Archangels,Principalities and finally Guardian Angels. Lucifer appears to have been the very first created Angel and was the closest to God,one of the names for him was Morning Star as he was also the most glorious and light filled of Angels, he was above all of the other Angelic ranks before his fall from grace,Michael is now the chief Angel and comes from the ranks of the Archangels,he was promoted so to speak when he defended Gods honor and fought against Lucifer and his rebellious angels,Michael is the guardian of Israel and defender of Gods people and so is a warrior prince among Angels. Gabriel too is from the ranks of the Archangels and carries the commands of God to other Angels and to Mankind, finally there is Raphael who also is an Archangel and is the Angel of healing.

Answer 4

Job 1:6
Revelation 12:9-12
These both speak of Satan being in heaven (well Revelation speaks of him being cast out of heaven).
If you want to know how he became what he is, look in Genesis chapter 3.

Answer 5

all that is false he was a Cherubim according to Ezekiel 28:11 he is under the Archangel (First angel or son) cause maybe you don´t know but in Job 1:6 says call angels "sons of God" also in verse 2:1 and Genesis 6:1,so the angel we called Satan (The bible doesn´t give the name) was a son of God, Michael archangel is the firstson of God.

he became Evil in the garden of Edem (6000 years ago). if you want more information email me.

Answer 6

It is in 2 Books in the Old Testement: Enoch & in a chapter in Isaiah.

Answer 7

Genesis and Isaiah. "Fallen" means from God's grace.

Answer 8

The term Lucifer is derived from the Latin Vulgate translation of a term used in Isaiah 14:12, and rendered in the NASB as "star of the morning"

"How you have fallen from heaven,
O star of the morning, son of the dawn!
You have been cut down to the earth,
You who have weakened the nations!
"But you said in your heart,
'I will ascend to heaven;
I will raise my throne above the stars of God,
And I will sit on the mount of assembly
In the recesses of the north.
'I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.'
"Nevertheless you will be thrust down to Sheol,
To the recesses of the pit.
"Those who see you will gaze at you,
They will ponder over you, saying,
'Is this the man who made the earth tremble,
Who shook kingdoms,
Who made the world like a wilderness
And overthrew its cities,
Who did not allow his prisoners to go home?' "
Isaiah 14:12-17

This cryptic description of this mysterious being is taken up again, with further detail in Ezekiel 28:11-19, against someone referred to as the "King of Tyre", but who is from the description obviously not a mere human:

" The word of the LORD came to me: "Son of man, take up a lament concerning the king of Tyre and say to him: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says:
" 'You were the model of perfection,
full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.
You were in Eden,
the garden of God;
every precious stone adorned you:
ruby, topaz and emerald,
chrysolite, onyx and jasper,
sapphire, turquoise and beryl.
Your settings and mountings were made of gold;
on the day you were created they were prepared.
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.
Through your widespread trade
you were filled with violence,
and you sinned.
So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God,
and I expelled you, O guardian cherub,
from among the fiery stones.
Your heart became proud
on account of your beauty,
and you corrupted your wisdom
because of your splendor.
So I threw you to the earth;
I made a spectacle of you before kings.
By your many sins and dishonest trade
you have desecrated your sanctuaries.
So I made a fire come out from you,
and it consumed you,
and I reduced you to ashes on the ground
in the sight of all who were watching.
All the nations who knew you
are appalled at you;
you have come to a horrible end
and will be no more.' "

The reference to one third of the angels falling with him is an interpretation of the following verse from Revelation 12:3. I will include it in context as the verses foretell a future (very near future) further stage in his casting down (from God's heaven, to the lower heaven, to earth, to the Abyss, and ultimately to the lake of Fire (Revelation 20:10)

"Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on his heads. His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that he might devour her child the moment it was born. She gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne. The woman fled into the desert to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days.
And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him."
Revelation 12:3-9

the "stars" are by interpretation angels, which is often the case in Revelation and also some other Scriptures.

For a fuller treatment I recommned the tape series "Spiritual Conflict", by Derek Prince:

http://www.derekprince.org/site/PageServer

Answer 9

theres biblical evidence for everything the reader wants to see. its all in the interpretation. no facts whatsoever just opinions.

Answer 10

The enmity of Shaytaan towards man

Question:
I want to know some details about the Shaytaan – can you help me?

Answer:

Praise be to Allaah.

When Iblees refused to prostrate to Adam, Allaah expelled him from heaven and the curse of Allaah is upon him until the Day of Resurrection. Allaah said to him:

“Then get out from here; for verily, you are outcast.

And verily, My Curse is on you till the Day of Recompense”

[Saad 38:77-78 – interpretation of the meaning]

Then he asked Allaah to grant him respite until the Resurrection, and He granted him that:

“(Iblees) said: ‘Allow me respite till the Day they are raised up (i.e. the Day of Resurrection).’

(Allaah) said: ‘You are of those respited’”

[al-A’raaf 7:14-15 – interpretation of the meaning]

When Iblees felt safe from destruction, he rebelled and transgressed:

“(Iblees) said: ‘Because You have sent me astray, surely, I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your straight path.

Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left, and You will not find most of them as thankful ones (i.e. they will not be dutiful to You)’”

[al-A’raaf 7:16-17 – interpretation of the meaning]

When Iblees said that, Allaah said to him:

“(Allaah) said: ‘Go, and whosoever of them follows you, surely, Hell will be the recompense of you (all) an ample recompense.

And befool them gradually those whom you can among them with your voice (i.e. songs, music, and any other call for Allaah’s disobedience), make assaults on them with your cavalry and your infantry, share with them wealth and children (by tempting them to earn money by illegal ways usury, or by committing illegal sexual intercourse), and make promises to them.’ But Satan promises them nothing but deceit.

‘Verily, My slaves (i.e. the true believers of Islamic Monotheism) — you have no authority over them. And All-Sufficient is your Lord as a Guardian’”

[al-Israa’ 17:62-64 – interpretation of the meaning]

Hence the Shaytaan declared his evil and his enmity towards the children of Adam, so he started to make sin attractive to them and to tempt them with haraam and evil things, and to enjoin evil and immoral actions upon them. Thus most of the people were deceived by him and they fell into those sins and haraam things:

“And indeed Iblees (Satan) did prove true his thought about them, and they followed him, all except a group of true believers (in the Oneness of Allaah)”

[Saba’ 34:20 – interpretation of the meaning]

Everything that happens among the sons of Adam of kufr, murder, enmity, hatred, the spread of immorality and zina, the wanton display of women’s beauty, drinking alcohol, worshipping idols and other major sins, is all the work of the Shaytaan, in order to prevent people from following the way of Allaah and to corrupt mankind and drag them to the Fire of Hell with him:

“O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), and gambling, and Al-Ansaab (stone altars), and Al-Azlaam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaytaan’s (Satan’s) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful.

Shaytaan (Satan) wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants (alcoholic drinks) and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allaah and from As Salaah (the prayer). So, will you not then abstain?”

[al-Maa’idah 5:90-91 – interpretation of the meaning]

Allaah has warned us against following the Shaytaan and walking in his footsteps, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Follow not the footsteps of Shaytaan (Satan). And whosoever follows the footsteps of Shaytaan (Satan), then, verily, he commands Al Fahshaa’ [i.e. to commit indecency (illegal sexual intercourse)], and Al Munkar [disbelief and polytheism (i.e. to do evil and wicked deeds; and to speak or to do what is forbidden in Islam)]

[al-Noor 24:21]

When a person turns away from Allaah, the Shaytaan gains control over him and encourages him to commit sin and transgression:

“See you not that We have sent the Shayaateen (devils) against the disbelievers to push them to do evil

[Maryam 19:83 – interpretation of the meaning]

Everyone who turns away from Allaah and follows the Shaytaan is only destroying his own self and is a loser in this world and in the Hereafter:

“And whoever takes Shaytaan (Satan) as a Wali (protector or helper) instead of Allaah, has surely, suffered a manifest loss

[al-Nisa’ 4:119 – interpretation of the meaning]

The Shaytaan uses strange ways to tempt people; he has corrupted many of mankind and made their evil deeds attractive to them, so he is the cause of their going to Hell, what a terrible fate!

“He [Shaytaan (Satan)] makes promises to them, and arouses in them false desires; and Shaytaan’s (Satan) promises are nothing but deceptions.

The dwelling of such (people) is Hell, and they will find no way of escape from it

[al-Nisa’ 4:120-121 – interpretation of the meaning]

The enmity of the Shaytaan towards Adam and his descendents is ancient. Allaah caused Adam and his wife to dwell in Paradise, then the Shaytaan came to Adam and made sin attractive to him, so Adam obeyed him, thinking that he was sincere. Thus Adam disobeyed his Lord and was expelled from Paradise, then Allaah accepted his repentance. Allaah warns us against obeying the Shaytaan, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O Children of Adam! Let not Shaytaan (Satan) deceive you, as he got your parents [Adam and Hawwa’ (Eve)] out of Paradise

[al-A’raaf 7:27]

Because the enmity of Shaytaan towards mankind is so clear and obvious, Allaah tells us to beware of him and to declare war on him and to show enmity to him, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Surely, Shaytaan (Satan) is an enemy to you, so take (treat) him as an enemy. He only invites his Hizb (followers) that they may become the dwellers of the blazing Fire

[Faatir 35:6]

Allaah has told us to seek refuge with Allaah from the outcast Shaytaan every time we think of sinning. He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And if an evil whisper from Shaytaan (Satan) tries to turn you away (O Muhammad) (from doing good), then seek refuge in Allaah. Verily, He is the All Hearer, the All Knower

[Fussilat 41:36]

On the Day of Resurrection, the Day of truth and justice, the Shaytaan will confess to his crimes and will declare before all of creation that Allaah is the One Who tells the truth and that he is a liar. He will say that there is no blame on him; rather the blame is on those who followed him. Then everyone who followed him will regret it, but at that time regret will be of no avail:

“And Shaytaan (Satan) will say when the matter has been decided: ‘Verily, Allaah promised you a promise of truth. And I too promised you, but I betrayed you. I had no authority over you except that I called you, and you responded to me. So blame me not, but blame yourselves. I cannot help you, nor can you help me. I deny your former act in associating me (Satan) as a partner with Allaah (by obeying me in the life of the world). Verily, there is a painful torment for the Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers)’”

[Ibraaheem 14:22 – interpretation of the meaning]



From Usool al-Deen al-Islami by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem al-Tuwaijri