This is Part 4 of 5 parts answering the question, “Who is the one who started the suffering that God allows?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Part 5 will be posted tomorrow.

Satan was Created Perfect, But He Sinned

But then Satan sinned. He was perfect (that is without sin or rebellion), until he sinned, “You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you.” (Ezek. 28:15) What was the iniquity? the book of Isaiah has the answer.

The iniquity of Satan (pride) is at the root of all sin. The root of all sin is pride. God is sovereign and holy. There is and will only be one God. There is no other. God alone is worthy and will tolerate no other god. No matter what the creature (whether angelic or man) may say or do, there can be no other god. Isaiah recorded this prophecy against the king of Babylon, which most conservative scholars agree is a record of Satan’s sin in the throne room of heaven.

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! ¹³ For you have said in your heart: `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; ¹⁴ I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ (Isa 14:12-14 NKJ)

Satan’s Sin was Pride

There are five “I will” statements, which all reveal his pride and desire to be God. Notice that he didn’t even say it out loud, but in his heart (Is. 14:13). First, he said, “I will ascend into heaven.” He wanted immediate access to the throne room of God. Secondly, he said, “I will exalt my throne above the stars of God.” Here, he said that he would remain above all the other angels of God. Thirdly, he said, “I will also sit on the mount of the congregation.” The mount refers to the place of power where all God’s creatures (angels at the time) would gather. Fourthly, he said, “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds.” This refers to all the activity of God’s messengers and works of God in maintaining the universe (as it was known at that time). And fifthly, he said, “I will be like the Most High.” This was the ultimate blasphemy that he thought he could be like God. God said, “Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the LORD Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.” (Deut. 4:39 NKJ)

Part 5 will be posted tomorrow.