Satan's fall from Heaven - Research Paper Example

?Satan's fall from Heaven Generally, Satan/Lucifer is symbolic of sin or the factor which attracts human beings towards the forbidden fruit. This assumption is specifically related to Christian mythology and the Holy Bible. From a different angle of view, there exists less evidence on Satan’s fall (say, exact time) from the heaven in the Bible. But Satan’s status as a banished angel and his power to tempt others and them lead towards sin is powerful and influential. One can easily identify that Satan’s negative influence resulted in Adam and Eve’s banish from the Eden garden. So, Satan represents temptation and sin which leads to momentary pleasure but long-lasting negative consequences in life. Besides, Satan’s fall from heaven is symbolic of choosing sin without redemption. Thesis statement: Satan’s fall from the heaven is interconnected with ambitiousness, pride, rebellious attitude, rebellion against the God and love towards freedom (special references to the Holy Bible). Main views/theories on Satan's fall from Heaven As pointed out, the exact time of Satan's fall from Heaven is still clouded and leads to a number of different views and theories on the same. Some of the views/theories are pointed out here. Satan’s fall: between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2 This view/theory is generally known as ‘gap theory’. The chief exponents of this theory believe that the wide time interval between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2 is enough to the Satan’s fall from heaven. Hodge (2011), states that “Gap theorists try to make the case that the Hebrew in Genesis 1:2 should be translated as “And the earth became without form, and void” and this is subsequent to Satan’s fall” (p.24). Besides, this theory can be connected to the theory of evolution and the extinction of dinosaurs. When the gap is that of millions of years, there exists high possibility for Satan’s fall from heaven within this time interval. In addition, this theory tries to connect Genesis 1:1 with scientific division of ages. For instance, Genesis 1:1can be evaluated scientifically as the time interval of creation of the whole world by the God. Moreover, Genesis 1:2 can be evaluated as the time interval in which the God judged the whole world. In short, the ‘gap theory’ tries to explain that Satan’s fall from the heaven is in between Genesis 1:1and 1:2. Satan’s fall: between chapters 1 and 2 (Genesis) The people who believe in this view/theory do not accept the fact that the earth’s age consists of millions of years. When this view is connected to the God’s creation of the world within six days, the time interval for the creation is limited to an extent. For instance, when the God created the whole world within six days, the age of the earth will be limited to thousands of years. Russell (1987), states that “The Devil fall from grace because he envied God, wishing to be adored like his maker, and even more because he envied humanity” (p.81). The exponents of this view/theory argue that Satan was created by the God on the first day of creation. Those who believe in this view/theory are of the opinion that Satan’s fall is in between the chapters 1 and 2 (Genesis). To be specific, the Satan in the chapter 3 of genesis is portrayed as a fallen angel. So, there exists high possibility for Satan’s fall between his creation (chapter 1) and portrayal as fallen (chapter 3). So, the exponents of this view/theory argue that Satan’s fall is in between the chapters 1 and 2 (Genesis). Satan’s fall: before chapter 1 (Genesis) This view/theory is based upon the belief that Satan’s fall is not between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2, and chapters 1 and 2 (Genesis), but before chapter 1 (Genesis). This view/theory suggests that Satan was banished from the heaven long before Adam and Eve’s creation. Troyer (2007), states that “ Some people believe Lucifer was kicked out of heaven long before the Garden of Eden was made or before God created the heaven and the earth” (p.116). The main argument is that chapter 1 (Genesis) makes clear that the whole world was created by the God within six days of creation. Within this context, celestial bodies, land, and living things are mentioned. But nothing is pointed out about the creation of Satan or the other angels. As Satan’s creation by the God is not mentioned in chapter 1 (Genesis), this view/theory states that Satan’s fall must be before chapter 1 (Genesis). Satan’s fall in the Holy Bible In the Holy Bible, Satan’s fall is portrayed in an indirect way. To be specific, it is difficult to track the exact time of Satan’s fall from the heaven. But one can easily guess the reason behind Satan’s fall, i.e., his unsuccessful rebellion against the God. First of all, the Bible presents Satan as Lucifer, the most beautiful angel who was authorized by the God as the leader of the angels. Within this context, Satan’s transformation from Lucifer to an evil creature was pathetic. Clarke (1811), makes clear about Satan that “Satan and Death should have no triumph, when the very first death that took place in the world, was an emblem and type of that death which should conquer Satan ,destroy his empire, reconcile God to man, convert man to God, sanctify human nature, and prepare it for heaven” (p.v) . In the Bible, the main reason behind Satan’s fall is his pride. This false impression on his beauty forced him (say, the most amiable angel) to be against his creator. Besides, Satan’s rebellion against the God is portrayed in a dramatic way. For instance, when Satan rebelled against the God, the result was so destructive because he was totally wiped out from the heaven. But the God never shut the doors of the heaven against Satan because enough time was given to his redemption and reentry. This is the core of Satan’s fall from heaven, portrayed in the Bible. The Bible makes clear that Satan is able to reenter the heaven because the God’s plan is not to banish him for unlimited time interval. Instead, the God helped him to choose his own destiny. When the other angels decided to be with the God, Satan decided to enjoy unlimited freedom to tempt the human beings and to lead them towards sin and ultimate doom. The real problem behind Satan’s fall is interconnected with his decision to be free from the protective circle of the God. In the Bible, Lucifer is portrayed as a beautiful angel with immense influence upon the other angels. When he was banished from the heaven, he lost his beauty and became an ugly creature. This loss of power and beauty did not change Satan’s attitude because his aim was to attract the human beings towards sin. In the Hebrew Bible, Satan’s name represents the term ‘adversary’, not as an individual character. But in the New Testament, Satan’s role is not limited to any vague image because he is referred as an angel against the God. In the Bible, there exists less evidence for God’s hatred towards Satan. For instance, God did not punish Satan in a severe manner but provided enough time for his reentry to the heaven. If he is not ready to undergo redemption, the hell is awaiting for him. From a different angle of view, the God did not destroy Satan because some of the angels followed him. If the God did kill the Satan, there exists less scope for the other angels to undergo redemption. So, God allowed Satan to act according to his will and to be free. In short, the Bible teaches that Satan was a good angel and the leader of the angels in the heaven but his deeds or choice forced him to undergo downfall from the heaven. The reasons behind Satan’s fall The reasons behind Satan’s fall from the heaven can be broadly classified into five: ambitiousness, pride, rebellious attitude, rebellion against the God and love towards freedom. A. Ambitiousness The very name ‘Satan’ is symbolic of opposition/ adversity. But before banished from the heaven, Satan was not an evil creature because the God made use of him to as a medium to accomplish some divine purposes. One can easily identify that God created Satan and proclaimed him as the leader of the angels in the heaven. But he was not satisfied with his status as the leader of angels. Instead, his ambitious attitude forced him to think that he is beyond the control of the God, his creator. Dunn (2006) makes clear that “For ambitious Satan, power and glory- being what ambition seeks- are the things whose realization makes related actions successful” (p.63). One can easily identify that Satan was quite different from the other angels. For instance, the other angels were ready to follow the rules and regulations in the heaven. On the other side, Satan was not ready to subdue to the rules and regulations put forth by the God. Instead, he was ready challenge the God’s authority among the angels. The authority vested upon Satan was misused because he was ambitious. He never knew that power is interconnected with responsibility towards others. When Satan’s ambition to become the almighty in heaven overpowered his mental equilibrium, the God decided to punish him. His ambitiousness forced him to challenge the God’s authority. After banished from the heaven, Satan did not stop his conspiracy against the God because he began to tempt the human beings to commit sin. In short, ambitiousness is one of the factors behind Satan’s fall from the heaven. B. Pride Pride was one of the main factors behind Satan’s fall from the heaven. One can easily identify that pride/self-importance leads to downfall in the end. Afolabi (2003), states that “As the passage in Isaiah reveals, Satan’s heart is embedded in the ocean of “I” and such a claim makes him an egotist” (p.41). Within this context, Satan’s pride forced him to act against his own creator (the God). From a different angle of view, the God admired Satan and proclaimed him as the leader of the angels. But this leadership did not satisfy Satan’s basic instinct. Besides, Satan (Lucifer) was so proud of his beauty but he did not realize that the God created him as a beautiful angel. Gradually, Satan’s proud developed into vanity and the feeling of hatred towards the God. He thought that he was far ahead of the other angels. Besides, he was under the false impression that he was equal to the God. Later, his feeling that he was greater than his creator, forced him to be disobedient. As pointed out, Satan’s pride brought his own downfall from the heaven. Earlier, he was called as ‘Lucifer’ or the guardian angel. His duty was to serve the God but his pride forced him to think himself as more important than the God. One can easily identify that pride motivated Satan to be a disobedient angel. In addition, pride veiled Satan’s reasoning power to identify his status as the most important angel in the heaven. Satan was never satisfied with his status as the leader of the angels. Instead, he thought that the whole world must be under the control of the most beautiful angel, not the creator. In short, Satan’s pride forced him think that he was equal or more powerful than his creator, which resulted in his banish from the heaven. C. Rebellious attitude One can easily identify that rebellious attitude was inherent in Satan’s character. For instance, he was not ready to feel satisfied with his status as the leader of the angels. Besides, the God created Satan as the most beautiful angel and named him as Lucifer. Satan’s beauty and importance among the other angels accelerated his rebellious attitude. He never thought that his life in the heaven and his status were indebted to the God, his creator. He very well knew that God hates rebellion but his rebellious attitude to fight against authority forced him to be a rebel among the angels. Newman (2009), states that “ Ezekiel Twenty- eight and Isaiah Fourteen are two chapters in the Bible which describe Satan’s character and rebellion against God” (p.42). From a different angle of view, Satan’s rebellious attitude created anarchy in the heaven. For instance, Satan was able to influence the other angels. When Satan was banished from the heaven, he was able to force some of the angels to follow him. To be specific, Satan is symbolic of rebellious attitude and hatred towards the God. But the rebellion in the heaven does not symbolize positive effect. Instead, rebellion organized by Satan aimed to create a world of his own, which is based upon lawlessness. Satan was aware of the fact that some of the angels can be easily influenced by him. So, he decided to misuse his influence among the other angels. This negative influence related to Satan’s rebellious attitude forced the other angels to face the wrath (say, banish from the heaven) from the God. In short, Satan misused his influence among the other angels to create a world of his own. D. Rebellion against the God Satan’s rebellion against the God cannot be considered as the rebellion to regain individual freedom to act according to one’s will. Instead, the God allowed Satan to act according to his freedom to choose. For instance, God created all the living things and allowed them to make a choice between good and evil. Within this context, Satan was ready to give up his peaceful life in the heaven and to lead a rebellion against his creator. Lee (1993) makes clear that “Revelation 12:4 says that one-third of the stars, that is, one third of the angels, followed the dragon Satan” (p.33). To be specific, Satan never tried to realize the importance of loyalty towards the God. His rebellion in the heaven can be evaluated as his urge to choose a sinful life by tempting others towards sin. Satan very well knew that his rebellion against the God will not be successful. For instead, his aim was not to defeat the God and to gain the control over the heaven, but to be free from God and to gain control over the whole world. Satan’s failure in the rebellion helped him to be free from his creator. From a different angle of view, God’s decision to punish Satan by banishing from the heaven is symbolic of democratic decision. For instance, the God allowed Satan to be free and to have redemption upon his bad deeds. Satan’s destiny is symbolic of the consequences of his rebellion against his creator. His rebellion did not help him to control the heaven but forced him to keep himself away from a peaceful life (say, nearness to the God). In short, Satan’s rebellion against the God helped him to be free but he was banished from the heaven. E. Love towards freedom From a different angle of view, Satan’s fall from the heaven originates from his love towards freedom. But he did not use his freedom to choose for the wellbeing of his followers (say, other angels). Satan’s love towards freedom was inborn because he was never ready to yield to the God’s control over him. He misused his freedom to fight against his creator. One can easily identify that love towards freedom is inherent in human beings. Some of the human beings decide to choose sin instead of faith towards the God. Within this context, one can argue that human beings can choose their own lives. When one is ready to choose a sinful life, one must be ready to face the consequences of the decision. When this choice in life is superimposed into Satan’s love towards freedom, one can identify that Satan’s love was not towards freedom, but sin. Finnegan (1977), states that “Satan’s fault appears to be contemporaneous with his temptation of man, a temptation founded on impatience, jealousy and envy because God had created man in his divine image and subjected all creation to him” (p.38). Satan’s choice did not help him to enjoy the benefits of freedom because his aim was to tempt human beings and to spread sin among them. The other angels who are not influenced by Satan did not try to protest against the control of the God. They were aware of the fact that the God’s control was a protective wall which helps them to be away from Satan’s temptation. On the other side, Satan considered the God’s control as a threat against his individual freedom and liberty. So, he decided to revolt against the God and faced ultimate defeat in the end. In short, Satan’s love towards freedom is one of the factors of his fall from the heaven. Findings The main findings are pointed out below. 1. The gap theorists are of the opinion that Satan's fall from heaven was in between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. 2. On the other side, some other theorists are of the opinion that Satan’s fall was in between Chapters 1 and 2 (Genesis) 3. Some others are totally against the foretold theories because they believe that Satan’s fall occurred long before chapter 1 (Genesis). 4. Satan’s fall in the holy Bible is differently interpreted because there is less evidence to prove the exact time of his fall from the heaven. 5. Lucifer’s (Satan) fall from the heaven is interconnected with ambitiousness, pride, rebellious attitude, rebellion against the God and love towards freedom. Summing, Satan/ Lucifer can be evaluated as the most important factor behind temptation, and sin. From a different angle of view, Satan represents the attraction towards sin, which is inherent in human beings. Besides, Satan is symbolic of human beings who are destined to undergo temptation and ultimate doom in the end. When one is able to survive Satan’s temptation, the doors of the heaven is wide open. So, one can easily identify that Satan is symbolic of the hindrance between human beings and the heaven. When one is unable to withstand Satan’s temptation, there exists less scope for gaining the heaven or salvation. To be specific, Satan’s fall from the heaven is symbolic of the importance of faith towards the God or the power to withstand Satan’s temptation in day to day life. In short, ambiguity in the Bible on Satan’s fall from the heaven does not prove that his role is limited to the sphere of freewill to choose one’s destiny. Instead, Satan’s fall from the heaven proves that ambitiousness, false pride, and attraction towards sin are futile. References Afolabi, O.A. (2003). In the Dark Room:Preventing Your Heart from Developing Negatives. Windsor, O N: Olaniyi Afolabi. Clarke, A. (1811). The Holy Bible: containing the Old and New Testaments: the text carefully printed from the most correct copies of the present authorized translation. Volume 1. New York, USA: Ezra Sargeant. Dunn, R. (2006). Values and the reflective point of view: on expressivism, self-knowledge and agency. Burlington, VT: Ashgate Publishing. Finnegan, R. E. (1977). Christ and Satan: a critical edition. Ontario, Canada: Wilfrid Laurier Univ. Press. Hodge, B. (2011). The Fall of Satan: Rebels in the Garden. Green Forest, AR: New Leaf Publishing Group. Lee, W. (1993). The History of God in His Union with Man. Anaheim, C A: Living Stream Ministry. Newman, G. (2009). The Truth about the Lie. USA: Xulon Press. Russell, J. B. (1987). Satan: the early Christian tradition. New York, USA: Cornell University Press. Troyer, D. O. (2007). Genesis 1-2-3. USA: Xulon Press. Read More