The History Of Satan: From The Highest Angel To The Adversary

To truly understand the origin of evil, one must study the history of Satan. Who is Satan? Is he real? Is there anyone more evil than this being often referred to as "the devil"? To understand the person responsible for much of mankind's misery, we must look at his origin. Before he was the enemy, he was Lucifer—the "son of the morning star."

Lucifer was a created being, brought into existence by God Himself. As stated in Colossians 1:16: "For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created by Him and for Him." Lucifer was granted high dominion and authority, but he eventually sought to move beyond his station.

Attributes in the History of Satan

Lucifer’s fall serves as a sobering reminder that sin originates in the heart. His rebellion was not due to a lack of blessings, but an abundance of pride. By choosing to act independently of God, he transformed from the "Chief Guardian of Holiness" into the "Adversary."

This same desire—to be one's own god—remains the greatest hurdle for mankind today. Whether through riches or self-sufficiency, the path of independence from the Creator leads to the same destination Lucifer found: a fall from grace.

The Pre-Adamic Eden and the History of Satan

When exploring the history of Satan, one of the most intriguing details found in Ezekiel 28:13 is the mention of "Eden, the garden of God." Many scholars believe this does not refer to the earthly Garden of Eden where Adam and Eve later resided, but rather a "Pre-Adamic Eden" or a celestial version of the garden. While the Eden of Genesis was characterized by lush vegetation, fruit trees, and organic life, the Eden described in the context of Lucifer’s early existence was a garden of minerals—composed of carnelian, topaz, emerald, and gold.  

This distinction is vital to understanding the history of Satan because it places his original kingdom in a time or dimension that preceded the creation of man. In this mineral garden, Lucifer was not a tempter, but a "covering cherub" who walked among the "stones of fire."

This suggests that he held a position of priestly oversight, perhaps leading the angelic hosts in the worship of the Creator. The stones of fire may represent the very presence of God's glory, indicating that Lucifer had access to the inner sanctum of the divine court.  

The transition from this magnificent pre-Adamic state to his role as the adversary highlights the gravity of his fall. When we look at the history of Satan, we see that he did not fall from a position of lack, but from a position of ultimate abundance. By comparing these two Edens, we see a pattern: the first Eden was where Lucifer held dominion and fell through pride; the second Eden was where man held dominion and fell through the influence of that same fallen being. Understanding this celestial background adds a layer of depth to our study of the spiritual warfare that still persists today.