Was Lucifer An Archangel?

Everyone, including Christians, people from other religions, and even atheists, seem to agree on the existence of the devil. However, little is known about his origin, personality, and mission.

The first thing that usually comes to mind when the word Lucifer is mentioned is a horrible-looking red creature with two horns stuck on his forehead, a long tail, and a pitchfork in his hand. Thanks to movie producers and cartoonists. But is that really what Lucifer looks like?

Fortunately, the Bible gives in-depth information about Lucifer’s story and how he became evil personified as the world knows him today. One of Lucifer’s shocking realities about him is that he was an angel in heaven. In fact, some believe Lucifer an archangel, one of the top-ranking angels in heaven.

So if you want to discover some biblical facts about the story of Lucifer, his past, present, and fate, find them by reading this article.

Is Lucifer Satan?

Lucifer is another name for Satan, who is often depicted as a fallen angel who rebelled against God. The Bible used Lucifer to describe Satan before his fall from heaven. We come across the name Lucifer in Isaiah 14:12, “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations!” This passage is interpreted as a reference to Satan’s fall from grace.

In the New Testament, Jesus said in Luke 10:18, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” Jesus’ statement in this verse confirms that Lucifer and Satan refer to the same character. However, the main difference in usage is that Lucifer was used when he was still in heaven. That is before and during his fall, while Satan was used after he fell.

Who is Lucifer in the Bible?

Since we have confirmed that Satan and Lucifer are one and the same, we will examine what the Bible says about the devil’s appearance and personality.

Ezekiel 28:12-15 gives a vivid description of who Lucifer was before his fall. The Bible describes him as the seal of perfection,

Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty, covered with all manner of precious stones. (Ezekiel 28:12b-13). These verses show the extent of his beauty, which is clearly opposite to how he has been depicted to look.

Ezekiel 28:14 describes him as an “anointed cherub,” meaning Lucifer was an angelic being. Cherubims appear in Ezekiel’s vision as living beings upholding God’s throne in Ezekiel 10:1-20. Their close proximity to God proves their high ranking among other angels.

Verse 15 says Lucifer was perfect in all his ways from the day he was created. Therefore, Lucifer was once a good guy. However, something changed. Iniquity was found in him, and he became the opposite of what was described above.

For example, Revelation 12:9 describes Lucifer as a dragon, serpent, devil, and Satan after he was kicked out of heaven by the army of God led by Michael.

1 Peter 5:8 compares him to a roaring lion, looking for whom to devour. This verse also reveals Lucifer’s mission here on earth: to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10)

The Bible also describes Lucifer as the father of lies (John 8:44). He is deceptive, disguising himself as an angel of light to lead God’s people astray to destruction (2 Corinthians 11:14).

Was Lucifer an archangel?

An archangel is a high-ranking angel in the hierarchy of angels. The term “archangel” comes from the Greek word “archangelos,” which means “chief angel.” The Bible mentions only three Archangels by name: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. However, before the fall of Lucifer, Ezekiel 28:12-15 describes him as an anointed cherub and also the model of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. The Bible’s choice of words connotes Lucifer’s ranking amongst angels.

Lucifer was not cast to the earth alone but with the third of angels who joined him to rebel and sin; these were Lucifer fallen angels (Revelation 12:4). Only an influential angel would be able to pull that off, and Satan seems to have such capacity.

So, was Lucifer an archangel? The Bible did not expressly state that, but he was definitely a high-ranking angel in heaven.

The fall of Lucifer explained

The fall of Lucifer is detailed in the Bible, specifically in the book of Isaiah and the New Testament. According to these texts, Lucifer, also known as Satan or the devil, was created as a powerful and beautiful angel who was given the position of covering a cherub.

He was created with free will, and at some point, he chose to rebel against God and try to overthrow him. Isaiah 14:12-15 describes Lucifer as saying, “I will ascend into heaven,

I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation

On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.” This passage is often interpreted as Lucifer’s desire to become like God and be worshipped.

Revelations 12:7-9 describes that there was a war in heaven, where Satan and his angels were defeated and cast out of heaven and banished to hell, where they would be punished for eternity.

Why did Lucifer rebel against God?

Pride played a significant role in Satan’s fall. The Bible mentions explicitly that Lucifer believed he could ascend to God’s throne and rule over all creation (Isaiah 14:13). This further proves how dangerous and sensitive pride is. It could lead to a downfall when such a person simply conceives pride in their heart and not necessarily acting upon it (Proverbs 16:18).

Another belief is that Lucifer was jealous of the love and adoration that God received from humans and other angels. So he wanted to be the center of attention and worship. We see this jealousy manifested in the Garden of Eden when Satan deceived Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, which led to the fall of man (Genesis 3:1-24).

Where is Lucifer now?

We must first understand that Satan is not in hell. He is not burning in fire or tormenting people there. Although he has been judged and will spend eternity in hell, Satan is currently here on earth, actively going after the souls of men to tempt and lead them out of God’s purpose and will.

1 Peter 5:8 says, “your adversary, the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Lucifer is on a mission to kill. He and his fallen angels, now demons, possess and torment people and devour their destinies and lives.

Anyone who rejects God and refuses the influence of the Holy Spirit is susceptible to Satan and his evil spirits. These spirits influence people to commit sin and go against all God’s commands.

However, the Bible says that Lucifer will end in hell. He, his demons, and all those who fall for his deceit be cast on the lake of fire, where they will be tormented day and night forever and ever (Revelation 20:10)

Final Thoughts

The story of Lucifer shows how destructive pride is. Pride does not care if you are a man or an angel. Once you give it a space in your heart, you are doomed for destruction. The fall of Lucifer and his fallen angels proves God is above all, and no one can contend with Him. He is the Almighty and has absolute authority over His creatures, including angels or even archangels.