QUESTION:
Hi!
I like the Max Lucado prayer on the web site. I sent it to my Dad who really likes Max Lucado.
Here's my question: Does it say and where in the Bible is it that Satan was a fallen angel and full of light (like you said last night at the C.S. Lewis class)? I heard a sermon and I have a tape that disputes it. I think it's premise is that Satan was disguised as an angel of light. I'm just confused and would like to know the answer.

ANSWER:
This question is actually worth an entire class session! I may have to teach one on Satan and all the baggage that comes with him.

Different people have different ideas about Satan. Most will agree, if they believe in him at all, that he is a personal entity/force that is against God and God's Will. There really is no clearly defined theology about him in the Old Testament at all. He is mentioned at various times in the Hebrew Scriptures; some are sure the snake in the Garden of Eden is Satan, but the Hebrew term that means 'Satan' or Adversary is not used there. In fact, often the term is used to apply to other humans who oppose God's Will. Look at some of these: Numbers 22:22, 32; 1 Samuel 29:4; 2 Samuel 19:22; 1 Kings 5:4; 11:14, 23, 25; Psalm 109:6, normally translated in English as adversary or accuser. In Job 1-2; Zechariah 3:2; and 1 Chronicles 21:1.

Having said all that, it is generally thought that he was the chief of the fallen angels and rebelled against God because of Pride. Much of that comes from Job, who apparently is there in heaven with God, and is on quite familiar terms with the Almighty. For most people, the central scripture about Satan's Fall from heaven is in Isaiah;

Isa. 14:12 through Isa. 14:16 (NLT)
12"How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. 13For you said to yourself, 'I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God's stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. 14I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.' 15But instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead, down to its lowest depths. 16Everyone there will stare at you and ask, 'Can this be the one who shook the earth and the kingdoms of the world?

The New Testament is very clear that Satan is attacking Jesus and His church. Matthew 4:1 tells of Jesus being tempted by the devil in the wilderness. In Matthew 25:41 even hell is described as being prepared for the devil and his angels. Satan and demons are seen as able to inflict disease (Matt. 17:5-18; Luke 13:16). Satan possessed Judas (Luke 22:3). John saw Satan as the prince of this world (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11) with the whole world in his power (1 John 5:19). Paul is even more adamant that those without Christ are at the whim of Satan, and even calls him the commander of the evil spiritual powers (Eph 2:2). Nowhere is Satan equal with God, but he does have extensive influence on earth. But as Martin Luther wrote in "A Mighty Fortress is our God" 'ONE LITTLE WORD SHALL FELL HIM' All we need to do is say the Name of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and Satan is defeated. Most give too much power and credit to Satan and too little power to Jesus!

Don't know if this helps or not; but hopefully it does.

Shalom,

Kelby